When we hear the words ‘ecology’ and ‘biodiversity’ they can bring up images of thriving rainforests, coral reefs or native bush. But, have you ever stopped to wonder what the ecology of your own garden might look like? What advantages increasing the biodiversity in your backyard might bring? Our gardens are places that we want to be filled with life and growth of veggies, fruits, flowers and decorative plants. For this growth to be achieved in a balanced and sustainable way though we need to consider the health of the mini-ecosystems we’re creating! Considering the mutually beneficial relationships that make all the elements in your garden is an important first step in building a thriving garden! Companion planting/plant buddies: Companion planting is all about growing together certain plants that benefit each other and the wider ecosystem. Mimicking the natural world’s tendency to grow in balance with the environment around it. Some of the benefits of companion planting:
Environmental Weeds: Some plants are invasive and will dominate a garden, this might be ok if it’s an edible pumpkin that you harvest but what about longer lasting vines, shrubs and trees? It’s important to consider the potential for some plants to dominate and take over your garden, even spreading to neighbours or local bushland. Some natives can become environmental weeds too if left to grow wild and may need to be managed to prevent them from dominating your garden. So before planting make sure to check for any potential weeding plants and consider pots or other options (like companion planting or shading out) to manage them. Attracting pollinators and beneficial bugs: We can’t underestimate the importance of attracting pollinators to our gardens. In fact, it’s estimated that more than three quarters of our fresh food crops rely on insect or animal pollinators to fertilise and grow! (see here for more). Lots of bugs and insects play a vital role in controlling unwanted pests by eating them! For example, ladybirds eat aphids that might damage your brassica crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower). A simple way to attract more life to your garden is to let your lawns or any grassy areas grow a little longer. This gives the grasses time to flower and attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial bugs to your garden! Another bonus is you’ll have a lush, soft lawn to enjoy bare foot too. (note; some landlords may not be happy to see an ‘overgrown’ lawn so you might want to run the idea by them first if renting, or mow just before any inspections!) Native plants:
Including some native plants in every garden is a great way to increase the native animals and insects and provide a more suitable habitat for them. Many of these insects and native animals aren’t interested in your veggies and may potentially improve your garden harvests (see pollinators below!). Planting natives will also bring many benefits to the ecology of your neighbourhood. Before going out and planting natives however, it’s important to consider which are ‘indigenous’ to your local region. Indigenous plants are those that were local to your region before European settlement. Ask yourself; what plants originated and are found naturally in my local region? What plants do I see in local remnant bushland reserves? Some indigenous plant nurseries:
Indigenous Gardening in Whitehorse Booklet and Indigenous plant list: https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/waste-environment/trees-and-gardens/indigenous-plants Monash Gardens for Wildlife Program https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Services/Environment/Council-Leadership-and-Actions/Plants-and-Animals/Monash-Gardens-for-Wildlife-program Just think, if all of us were to increase the biodiversity in our home gardens just a bit we would collectively have a massive positive impact on the health of our local flora and fauna. Remember, a garden full of diverse plants and animals will be more ecologically stable and resilient to potential threats like climate change too! Happy gardening and mini-ecosystem building!
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