How To Create An Animal-Friendly Garden
If you want more animals in your garden (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t?), you might have to make some changes this summer. More and more critters need habitats to call their own, and it’s always nice to see a beloved pet have fun out there.
And a garden that’s teeming with wildlife is always a lovely place to be – it’s a good sign you’ve planted exactly the suitable bushes and flowers! So with that in mind, here’s how to make your outdoor paradise a more animal-friendly area.
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Be Careful About What You Plant
Some plants can be toxic to animals, especially the pets you may have in your home. Lilies, for example, are incredibly poisonous for both cats and dogs, and even just a little bit of the pollen on your pet’s fur can mean serious health issues.
When it comes to animals like horses, toxic plants include rhododendrons and foxglove, which can even be fatal in small doses. Always read up on a plant’s effects before you put it in the ground – you don’t want any animals being unsupervised around them.
Build Homes in Advance
Building homes for animals means they’re much more likely to move in – there’s a safe place for them to do so! Little bee and bird boxes, upturned pots for frogs and hedgehogs, as well as feeders for squirrels and other climbing critters to get a nutritious snack or two.
And if you’re lucky enough to have some land to spare and you want to bring a horse or two home, having horse sheds already constructed will make it much easier for them to settle in. And remember, an animal feeling cozy and safe within your garden is a real privilege!
Use Different Texture Pathways
Dogs and cats can grow extremely long and sharp claws if they have no way to wear them down. As such, you’re going to need to set out some stone pathways in your garden for them to use. Walking across these will help the nails to grind away, keeping them blunt and healthy.
Even horses can benefit from different ground textures under their hooves. Wild horses have no need to see a farrier thanks to just how much they move during the day. You can help to simulate this with hard-packed sand or rough bark areas.
Double Check Your Fence’s Strength
Finally, make sure that the fence surrounding your garden is always standing upright and rigid. You don’t want this falling down at any point; harsh weather can knock it down, as can rough animal activity or simple irregular maintenance. Check on your fence’s condition at least twice a year and never compromise on the durability of the panels and posts. They could make the difference between keeping and losing a beloved animal!
If you want an animal-friendly garden that weathers all seasons, make sure you build homes for wildlife, use hardy ground textures, and plant the right flowers all year round.
