Certain garden plants have a strong appeal to wild animals due to their nectar, fruits, seeds, and shelter they provide.
If you want to attract a variety of wildlife to your garden, consider planting the following types of plants.
If you don't - well, then it's better to choose some other plants.
Native Flowers
Native flowering plants, especially those with brightly colored blossoms, attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Examples include lavender, sunflowers, coneflowers, and bee balm.
Berry-Producing Shrubs
Shrubs that produce berries are a magnet for birds and other wildlife.
Examples include elderberry, holly, serviceberry, and viburnum.
Fruit Trees
Fruit trees, such as apple, cherry, and plum trees, provide nourishment for birds, squirrels, and other fruit-loving animals.
Seed-Producing Plants
Plants that produce seeds are attractive to various bird species, including finches and sparrows.
Sunflowers, thistles, and coneflowers are good options.
Herbs
Some herbs, like dill and fennel, attract butterflies and beneficial insects that help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
Native Trees
Native trees, like oak, maple, and pine, provide shelter and food sources for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects.
Vines
Vining plants, such as trumpet vine and honeysuckle, attract hummingbirds and other pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers.
Water Plants
If you have a pond or water feature in your garden, consider adding water plants like water lilies, which provide habitat and food for aquatic insects, frogs, and birds.
