What Are Examples of Landscape Features that Support Local Wildlife?
Best of Home & Garden
What Are Examples of Landscape Features that Support Local Wildlife?
We've gathered insights from six landscape experts, including Landscape Architects and Founders, to showcase how their designs have embraced and benefited local wildlife. From the creation of 'Eden Garden: A Tropical Wildlife Haven' to the innovative 'Glow Path Technology' for nocturnal pollinators, discover how these features have not only supported nature but also delighted clients.
- Eden Garden: A Tropical Wildlife Haven
- Wildflower Meadow Attracts Pollinators
- Native Stone Stairway Supports Critters
- Garden with Native Plants Invites Wildlife
- Backyard Pond Enriches Local Ecosystem
- Glow Path Technology Aids Nocturnal Pollinators
Eden Garden: A Tropical Wildlife Haven
At the Eden Garden at Paradise Beach, Nevis, I designed a terraced garden connecting the resort to the oceanfront restaurant with the goal of providing a biodiverse space for bees, butterflies, and monkeys. Home to over 10,000 green vervet monkeys, Nevis has a tropical climate ideal for a variety of fruit trees. Layered through the Eden Garden are multiple banana patches, along with pomegranate, Barbados cherry, guava, and papaya trees. Loved by the client and hotel guests, families can sit in the garden on custom stone seats and watch the monkeys feast on fresh fruit.
Wildflower Meadow Attracts Pollinators
Every so often, as a designer, you experience moments where gazing upon the finished product truly exceeds your expectations. These moments are truly precious. One such moment occurred most recently in the form of a spectacular wildflower meadow.
The wildflower meadow was carefully curated using a gorgeous mix of native plant species. Some of the more memorable include Centaurea cyanus, a royal blue blossom that is most attractive to bees; Centaurea nigra, a delicate purple beauty that entices a variety of insect species; Lotus corniculatus, a buttery yellow delight that invites bees and butterflies; Galium verum, a deeply fragrant light golden blossom with a summer scent as attractive to humans as it is to pollinators; and last but not least, Leucanthemum vulgare, the beloved daisy that ties these spectacular blooms together.
I can't tell you how much the client loved it. I have a very fond memory of her disbelief at the number of pollinators it attracted, how uplifting she found the colors and scents, and the cherry on the cake—no weeding needed.
Native Stone Stairway Supports Critters
One project that stands out to me involved designing a landscape feature in Woburn, Massachusetts, that significantly supported local wildlife. We created a custom stone stairway that seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape. By using native stone and leaving intentional crevices between the steps, we provided micro-habitats for various small critters like frogs and beneficial insects. The staggered arrangement and natural materials helped create a welcoming environment for local wildlife.
The client, who had a strong appreciation for nature, was incredibly pleased with the outcome. They reported a noticeable increase in bird activity, especially species that had not been common in their yard before. Birds used the stone crevices and nearby native shrubs for nesting and shelter, turning the stairway area into a lively and functional part of their garden.
Additionally, we included a small water feature adjacent to the stairway, which served as a water source for birds and other wildlife. This not only accented the stone stairway aesthetically but also supported the local ecosystem by providing essential resources. It was rewarding to see how our design not only enhanced the property's beauty but also contributed to biodiversity and ecological health.
Garden with Native Plants Invites Wildlife
One notable project I worked on in the Tewksbury, MA, area focused on creating a wildlife-friendly garden that incorporated native plant species. The design included a variety of local plants known to attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. We strategically placed flowering plants such as milkweed and coneflowers to support pollinators and provided shrubs and trees to create nesting habitats for birds.
The client, a nature enthusiast, was enthusiastic about the transformation. They reported an uptick in butterfly activity, particularly monarchs, which were drawn to the milkweed. Birds started visiting more frequently, utilizing the shrubs and trees for nesting and cover. The client was pleased not only with the visual appeal but also with how their garden became a thriving ecosystem supporting local wildlife.
Additionally, we integrated a small water feature that served as a source of fresh water for birds and other garden visitors. This subtle yet effective feature became a focal point that attracted more wildlife. The client loved the tranquil ambiance it provided while also appreciating its functional role in supporting the local fauna. This project underscored our commitment to creating landscapes that are both beautiful and beneficial to the local environment.
Backyard Pond Enriches Local Ecosystem
Designing a backyard pond and native-plant garden in suburban Portland was a fulfilling project for me. I used native plants like milkweed and coneflower to attract local pollinators, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The pond played a significant role, offering a habitat for frogs and birds with carefully placed rocks and logs to support their activities. The transformation left the client ecstatic as their yard turned into a buzzing sanctuary teeming with wildlife. They relished in the new serene space, filled with the sights and sounds of nature. Seeing the tangible impact on the environment and the client's well-being was immensely gratifying. This project underscored the power of thoughtful landscaping in fostering sustainable and wildlife-friendly environments.
Glow Path Technology Aids Nocturnal Pollinators
One of the most memorable landscape features I've designed to support local wildlife involved integrating our patented Glow Path Technology into a garden that catered to nocturnal pollinators like moths and certain species of bats. Using our glow stones embedded in pavers, we created a winding garden path that was not only visually stunning at night but also allowed these creatures to navigate the garden more easily. The luminescent pavers provided a soft, eco-friendly glow that attracted the pollinators without the need for artificial lights that could disrupt their natural behavior.
The client, a passionate gardener and wildlife enthusiast in Michigan, was ecstatic about the addition. They reported an increase in nighttime wildlife activity, particularly noting the presence of more moths, which played a crucial role in pollinating their moon garden. This garden was filled with night-blooming plants, and our glow pavers acted as both a functional and decorative element, seamlessly blending into their eco-conscious landscape.
This project demonstrated not only our commitment to sustainable, innovative solutions but also the practical benefits they bring. Our Glow Path Pavers helped create a harmonious environment for local wildlife while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space. It's a perfect example of how we can innovate within landscaping to support both our clients' desires and the local ecosystem.
