The natural
garden replicates part of the landscape that nature provides us. If you could
look at a natural area or native park close to your home, you can observe the
types of plants that grow there, and what types of wildlife frequent the area.
Your garden will
need to comply with the existing elements of your growing zone, to your
microclimates (areas that are protected from the harsh climate), and to sun
exposure.
The soil type
will also affect what you grow, but you can amend that to a certain extent by
adding some of what you are lacking: be it sand, compost or loam. (Be careful
when adding sand to a clay base or you will end up with a cement mixture.)
The landscape
should have naturalistic groupings of plants, with clusters of trees, and
layers of plant growth. Varieties of flowering plants should be limited, as it
is in nature, and plants and shrubs should be allowed to grow without excessive
pruning. (Choosing the appropriate plant cultivar for the area will help
alleviate this problem.)
If you want to
encourage wildlife to your yard, provide amenities that they will enjoy. A bird
feeder, bird bath, bird houses, and trees will attract the feathered friends.
Native flowers for your zone will invite hummingbirds and butterflies. A pond,
whether it be a preformed basin or a larger pond with stream, will attract a
range of wildlife. If you want to have fish, the pond should be about 2-3’
deep, with varying depths of shelves for different water plants. A section of
grass could be left with a longer cut, and a log or stump will give little
critters a place to hide.
Photo by: www.prairiescapes.ca
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