Richard Rowe’s ‘Recipe for a habitat garden’ is one of SGA’s most popular workshop topics. Here’s a summary of the steps involved in creating a habitat garden, just for you!
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- First take a small plot of land and plan its habitat future
- Next, sprinkle the soil with compost to power the soil-food-web
- Add a layer of organic mulch for soil health, bugs, beetles and lizards
- Plant an indigenous tree for the future. Care for your mature ones
- Add clumps of dense prickly shrubs where small birds can shelter and nest
- Add a small dash of nectar plants as a lolly shop for the sweet tooth
- Add a variety of native grasses for fine dining seed eaters
- Splash your garden café with dense, open and long-flowering natives
for insects such as butterflies - Mix well and apply water wisely
New neighbours! -
- Add a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing
- Install nesting boxes and insect hotels as nurseries for a new generation
- Include a warm rocky couch for lizards to lounge and butterflies to court
- Add a frog-friendly bog or pond and listen to the croaks of joy
- Manage introduced predators and pets
- Avoid encouraging aggressive or abundant wildlife
- Stop using harsh garden chemicals.
Serving suggestion: include a place for you to sit and enjoy the harmony of your Whole of Environment Garden as wildlife returns.
Source: Richard Rowe
Copyright Sustainable Gardening Australia 2017 -
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