LettsSafari's 10 Best Garden Rewilding Practices for Autumn
Autumn Rewilding Tips with Stunning Seasonal Photography from LettsSafari's Capability Brown Gardens
Autumn is the perfect season to start rewilding your garden as nature transitions and prepares for the colder months. Embracing rewilding practices helps create a haven for wildlife, enhances biodiversity, and improves soil health. Get it right now and next spring and summer might surpirse you!
Here are LettsSafari's 10 best rewilding practices for your autumn garden and the theory behind their importance:
1. Leave the Leaves: Instead of raking and removing fallen leaves, leave them where they fall or use them as mulch. Leaves provide vital habitat for insects such as beetles and caterpillars, which form the base of the food chain. As leaves decompose, they release nutrients back into the soil, fostering a healthier and more fertile environment for plant growth.
2. Plant Native Trees and Shrubs: Autumn is an ideal time to plant native species that can establish roots over winter. Native plants are adapted to local ecosystems and provide essential food and shelter for wildlife, such as birds and pollinators. Trees like hawthorn and shrubs like dogwood support a diverse range of species, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
3. Create a Log or Brush Pile: Collect fallen branches and create a log or brush pile in a corner of your garden. These structures mimic natural forest debris, offering critical shelter and hibernation spaces for hedgehogs, insects, and amphibians. The decaying wood also supports fungi and decomposers that help break down organic matter, enriching the soil.
4. Sow Wildflower Seeds: Scatter wildflower seeds on bare soil in late autumn to establish a vibrant meadow in the spring. Wildflowers are crucial for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. A diverse array of pollinators supports the reproduction of many plant species, maintaining ecological stability.
5. Build a Pond: Even a small pond can make a significant difference in a garden’s biodiversity. Water bodies attract amphibians such as frogs and newts, which help control pest populations. Birds and insects also rely on ponds for hydration and habitat. Installing a pond in autumn gives it time to settle and become an inviting environment by spring.
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