The trick to attracting wildlife to your garden is to make sure you have a multi-layered garden with as much variety as possible e.g., different species of groundcovers, shrubs, trees, hedges, and plants. This will provide places for wildlife to shelter, feed, and breed.
Local, native plants will attract species of native birds to your garden that can help to control insect pests and reduce the need to use chemicals. Make sure there is something flowering all year round and provide clean water in a bird bath which is safe from predators like cats.
To attract native bees, you should try planting Abelia grandiflora, Angophora, Baeckea, Buddleja davidii, Callistemon, Eucalyptus, Grevillea hybrids, Lavandula, Leptospermum, Melaleuca and Westringia.
To attract small birds to your garden plant shrubs or hedge plants that have their flowers hiding inside to protect the birds from predators while they are feeding. Good examples include Grevilleas, Hakeas and Correas.
Here is a list of bird and bee friendly native plants we recommend:
1. Eucalyptus
If you have the space in your backyard or garden, gum trees are great for providing shelter, nectar, seeds, and a nesting site for native birds.
2. Casuarinas
These tough evergreens are favoured by seed lovers such as black cockatoos.
Black cockatoo
3. Grevillea
Grevillea are loved by honey-eating birds. Some of these species’ flower for most of the year, making them great for attracting wildlife.
4. Banksias
Banksias are nectar-rich shrubs that come in a variety of sizes. Many flower in winter. They are great for attracting birds.
5. Wattles
Birds love the seed capsules on wattles. Wattles come in many sizes including groundcovers, shrubs, and trees.
The Canberra Ornithologists Group has some great information on their website including an extensive list of plants to attract birds to your garden.
TreeWorks is a leading tree services business operating in Canberra, Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands. We are a fully licensed, Evoenergy accredited & insured tree surgery company and a member of Arboriculture Australia. Our climbers are fully trained and some of our arborists have over 25 years experience in large scale tree surgery and removals. Call 1300 135 835 or contact us.