Backyard Wildlife Sanctuaries: Escaping into Nature with Birds and Butterflies

Introduction: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's an innate desire to escape, to find solace in the natural world, and to reconnect with the beauty of the Earth. Imagine stepping into your backyard, away from the chaos, and being greeted by a vibrant display of fluttering butterflies and the melodious songs of birds. Welcome to the world of backyard wildlife sanctuaries—a form of escapism that allows you to immerse yourself in nature, support local wildlife, and create a haven for birds and butterflies. In this blog, we'll guide you through the art of creating a garden that not only attracts but also sustains these winged wonders, providing you with an enchanting escape into the heart of the natural world.

Why Create a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary as Escapism? Before we dive into the details, let's explore why turning your backyard into a wildlife sanctuary is an immersive form of escapism:

1. A Retreat into Nature: Your wildlife sanctuary becomes a personal retreat where you can escape the stresses of modern life.

2. Nature's Theatre: Watching birds and butterflies in your garden is like enjoying a live, ever-changing performance—nature's theatre at its best.

3. Inner Peace: The calming effects of observing wildlife in a natural setting can bring inner peace and a sense of serenity.

4. Biodiversity Wonderland: By attracting a variety of species, you create a miniature biodiversity wonderland right in your backyard.

Creating Your Wildlife Sanctuary: A Step-by-Step Guide to Escapism

Step 1: Research Local Wildlife Begin your escapism journey by researching the native birds and butterflies in your area. Understanding their habits and preferences is essential for creating a welcoming environment.

Step 2: Choose Native Plants Select native plants that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Native plants are adapted to your region and are the essence of true escapism.

Step 3: Plant a Butterfly Garden Embark on an immersive butterfly garden adventure by planting nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, coneflower, and butterfly bush. These plants attract and nourish butterflies at various stages of their life cycle, becoming a portal to the natural world.

Step 4: Install Bird Feeders and Baths Enhance your escapism experience by placing bird feeders with a variety of seeds to attract a diverse range of bird species. Additionally, provide bird baths for drinking, bathing, and the sheer pleasure of watching.

Step 5: Create Wildlife Habitats Design your garden to be a sanctuary for birds and butterflies. Incorporate birdhouses and butterfly houses to provide shelter and nesting spots. Arrange rocks and logs to create sunning and basking areas for butterflies, inviting you to escape into their world.

Step 6: Minimise Chemical Use To fully immerse yourself in the natural world, avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides, as they can harm birds and butterflies. Opt for organic gardening practices instead.

Ten Plants for Escapist Bird and Butterfly Enthusiasts:

1. Milkweed (Asclepias): An essential plant for Monarch butterflies, serving as both a host plant and a nectar source.

2. Sunflowers: Your portal to the escapism world of finches, who delight in sunflower seeds.

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea): Attract butterflies, bees, and seed-eating birds, becoming a central stage for escapism.

4. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): A favourite of butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Monarch, providing an immersive experience.

5. Lavender: Escapism through fragrance, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

6. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia): A rendezvous for escapists, attracting a variety of butterflies and seed-eating birds.

7. Liatris (Blazing Star): Loved by butterflies, especially the Monarch and Painted Lady, offering an escape into their world.

8. Serviceberry (Amelanchier): A buffet for escapism enthusiasts, providing berries for birds and attracting pollinators.

9. Aster: Rich in nectar a popular one with the Butterflies

10. Buddleia often referred to as the butterfly bush for obvious reasons!

Conclusion: Escaping into Nature's Embrace Creating a backyard wildlife sanctuary isn't just a hobby; it's a form of escapism that allows you to step out of the chaos of daily life and into the serene embrace of nature. By following the steps outlined in this guide and choosing wildlife-friendly plants, you can transform your garden into an immersive haven of beauty and biodiversity. Whether you're watching a butterfly sip nectar from a flower or listening to the cheerful chirping of birds, your wildlife sanctuary becomes an escape, a portal to the enchanting world of nature. Embrace the role of stewardship and savour every moment of your immersive escape into the heart of the natural world right in your very own backyard.

Gardening Specials

Autumn Jobs | Tropical Gardens | Japanese Gardens | Zen Gardens | Wildlife garden | Growing organic food | Water Features| Roses