Text and Photos By Carla Tews

It was not my intention to create a habitat garden when I removed over 600 square feet of turf and planted a xeriscape. My main goal was to conserve water and have more beautiful plants. What I didn’t realize was that I was also creating a habitat for songbirds, hummingbirds, hawk moths, butterflies and bees. In the years since I started this venture, I have spied many of these wonderful creatures making a home in my garden. From the robins, fervently eating berries off the serviceberry tree, to the hummingbirds drinking the sweet nectar of Sunset hyssop; it is such a delight to watch and I never tire of it.

Designing a Habitat Hero garden is not all that different than designing a xeriscape – creation of which is smart. You are not only conserving water, you are introducing an entire spectrum of flora and fauna into your landscape that can be of benefit to many species of wildlife. Here are some considerations when planning your Habitat Hero garden:

1.Select the right location.  Natural habitats should be as large as possible and connected to each other within the site to promote diversity for a wide range of living organisms.1 If you select an area in your front yard, you can potentially eliminate runoff if you remove thirsty turf along your sidewalk and driveway. A backyard habitat will give you hours of enjoyment as you relax on your deck or patio. Make sure you pick a location with at least half a day of sun, as it will give you many more options when selecting plants.

2.Add natural elements and water. Large rocks or boulders help give your garden a natural look and add an artistic element as well. When shopping for boulders, try to find one with a little swale so that it collects rainwater and provides a “natural” birdbath as well as a place for beneficial insects to drink. Of course the ultimate water source – the crème de la crème of birdbaths - is a lovely pond or waterfall. Your feathered friends will love you!

3. Choose the right plants.  Purchase native plants whenever possible as they are already adapted to our cultural conditions and because they attract native pollinators. Ideally, plantings should include a mixture of species that provide continuous bloom from one season to the next.

4. Layer plantings.  By planting in layers you are replicating how things appear in nature. Establish the overall structure of the planting with trees and shrubs. Trees can be used to create walls and ceilings in outdoor spaces and they, along with large shrubs, serve as windbreaks and provide food, nesting and cover habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, pollinators and beneficial insects.2 Conifers such as spruce, pines, and firs provide a wonderful evergreen presence in your garden all year long. Next, add perennials, grasses and groundcovers. Create unity by planting in groups of threes or fives and use repeating elements throughout the space.

Drawing that depicts the various plant layers.