A healing garden can be beneficial to the wildlife surrounding the environment if you know which plants to choose to attract them. Many people use sprays and harsh chemicals to rid their gardens of pests and as a result they kill off many that would be a boon to their gardens and help provide bountiful harvests.
One way that wildlife can benefit a healing garden are the sights and sounds they provide. Fish in a water feature of your garden can provide beauty (Koi are especially beautiful) and keep the water clean and the bad bacteria at bay.
Insects such as butterflies and bees can help pollinate your garden and keep non-beneficial insects out of the way. And, there are many plants that can actually keep the bad insects away.
You’ll want to attract beautiful birds too. They add so much to the environment and the sound and how pleasing they are to the eye can help to relax and can also provide interest and conversation.
Some plants that will attract a variety of wildlife to your healing garden are:
- Sunflower – There are many smaller versions of sunflowers other than the large variety that people often think of. Sunflowers provide pollen and nectar and many birds and other forms of wildlife feast on them.
- Honeysuckle – Choose Lonicera species of honeysuckle that are native to the area in which you live. Some species can be invasive to certain ecosystems. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Angelica – This herb loves shade and is used in culinary practices to decorate cakes. It’s a plant rich in nectar and attracts bees, birds and butterflies.
- Sage – A distinctive, flavorful herb, sage attracts bees and butterflies that love its nectar.
- Lavender – Bees and butterflies flock to this easy growing, flowering plant that provides beautiful and scented blooms from May to September.
- Fennel – Produces bright yellow blooms that attract butterflies and seeds that are eaten by birds.
- Thyme – One of the most useful plants for your healing garden, thyme is also a great choice for attracting various species of butterflies and birds.
- Basil – Useful in the kitchen and to provide you with medicinal remedies, basil can also be a grand attraction for various insects that can be very beneficial to your garden environment.
When planning your healing garden, don’t forget the herbs and plants that can be beneficial to and attract wildlife and well as being beneficial to your own well-being. You don’t have to garden in a huge area to enjoy one that attracts interesting wildlife.