Humboldt Park is definitely somewhere where you can be inspired by wildlife, so how about attracting wildlife into your own backyard when you get home? 58% of people in Milwaukee enjoy spending time in their backyards, doing some gardening and making things grow. The flowers and plants that you grow in your backyard can really help to bring in birds and animals, providing them with a valuable source of food. From flowers to attract bees, to long grasses for the minibeasts, you can really turn your backyard into a beautiful oasis for the incredible wildlife we have.
Grasses for wildlife
Having an area of grass will attract different insects and invertebrates to your backyard. Cultivating a wildlife-friendly lawn will help them to thrive, grow and go on to pollinate other plants. Whatever grass you choose, just make sure to steer clear of harmful chemicals and fertilizers, as these will do more damage than good to your backyard environment and the animals that live there. Annual meadow grass is a good choice for your backyard, as this will provide egg-laying opportunities and shelter for insects. If this grass is cut short, it will provide the perfect area to feed the birds in a safe and protected space. Don’t worry about the buttercups and dandelions in your lawn either – these are favorites for wildlife, so you shouldn’t consider them to be weeds.
Planting flowers
Native flowers are always best when you are trying to attract birds and wildlife into your backyard. They will also be easier to take care of, so you won’t need to give them as much attention. There are many native plants in Milwaukee that are perfect for attracting wildlife. The Prairie Blazingstar has beautiful purple, tufty flowers and will grow in most soil types. Wild Quinine is a hardy perennial with small, delicate white flowers. They need very little water, and will thrive in full sun. Purple Cornflowers are a great choice if you want to add a real splash of color to your backyard, and they will self-seed year after year.
Make a home for wildlife
If you want to make a real sanctuary for the wildlife in your backyard, then provide them with shelter. A bug hotel is easy to make and doesn’t take up much space. This will give bees and other pollinators a place to rest and nest. It will attract species like the solitary Mason Bee and the Yellow-Cutter Bee. You can buy a bee hotel in many garden stores, or make your own using a wooden box and some bamboo. For other insects, just remember that many species like cool, damp spaces to sleep and nest. Even a small pile of logs can be a wonderful home for insects like the Woodlouse and the Earwig.
It is easy to attract wildlife into your own backyard using grasses and flowers. Giving them a home and some shelter will keep them safe so they can thrive.
Jennifer Jessop