Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 29, 1990                   TAG: 9004260417
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: PATRICIA C. HELD
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CONSIDERING WILDLIFE NEEDS GIVES SPRING GARDENS APPEAL

This time around though, instead of just considering color, design and your favorite vegetables when planning your garden, why not include an area for wildlife? There are many things you can do to make your garden more attractive to your local animals.

Gardening for wildlife can be as simple as planting thick shrubbery for animal cover, or much more much involved if you choose to select plantings to entice birds, butterflies and mammals.

There are four important considerations when planning a garden for wildlife: food, water, shelter and a suitable nesting area. Every plan should include these essentials.

If animals have adequate food, water and shelter the "word" spreads quickly and animals begin to congregate in the area. Add a good nesting site and a variety of animals are sure to move in.

Fruit- and seed-bearing trees and shrubs will provide birds and small mammals with a good food source throughout the year. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-producing plants which can be produced by planting annuals and perennials. Remember that a greater variety of colorful blossoms will attract more animals.

A few bird feeders and suet balls can be hung in trees during the winter months to supplement the berries and seeds that are produced naturally by the trees.

Water is essential for all animal life. If you're lucky enough to have a natural water source, such as a stream or pond nearby, this is easy to take care of. If not, a bird bath or small artificial pond can be added to your garden so animals can get a drink or take a bath. It is important to keep the water clean and fresh at all times - winter included. A small pond can be built with a natural appearance to provide a home for frogs, fish and other aquatic life. These, in turn, will attract some water birds and mammals that prey on aquatic life.

The trees and shrubs planted for food supply will also give adequate cover from weather and predators. Logs, rocks and mulch piles can also provide homes for small animals.

Nesting-area needs vary with the type of animals. Birdhouses, along with garden trees, will increase the nest sites available for birds. Thick shrubs and high grass provide safe spots for mammals to raise their young. Instead of mowing all of your grass, leave a small area overgrown for these animals.

Even if your garden area is small, it can be planted in a way to invite wildlife. Just remember to include the four basic elements - water, food, shelter and nesting areas - and you can easily increase the number and variety of animals living in your neighborhood.

For more information on making your backyard into a wildlife sanctuary contact the National Wildlife Federation in reference to their Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. Send inquiries to National Wildlife Federtion, 1400 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Patricia Held will respond to readers' questions on the plant and animal wildlife in the region. Mail inquiries to: Patricia C. Held, P.O. Box 65, Goode, Va. 24556.