Wildlife Friendly Planting and Habitats
The key to providing habitat for wildlife is making sure there are plenty of places for them to hide - with food and water sources available nearby. You'll be surprised to find that once you build it - they will come! Remember also that the wildlife may not live in your garden full time, but will appreciate your garden as a safe stepping stone between the places where they live and feed.
Native Planting for Wildlife
- Patches of planting of varying heights and densities are great for wildlife, check out this resource from the Department of Conservation!
- Observe what is flowering and fruiting when. Are there any gaps over the year where there is no food available?
- If you have a small space, be selective about which trees you choose and think about potential shading issues later on!
- Check out your local nursery to see what's available, or try growing your own plants from seed! By eco sourcing - using seeds and plant material sourced from your local area, you are ensuring that the plant will be suited to our local conditions.
- Rethink your approach to weeds and embrace a bit of wild in your garden. Explore alternatives to chemical sprays, and learn about edible weeds.
- Remove and dispose of invasive pest plants safely.
Some of the best native plant species for wildlife that like to grow in backyards in our region include:
| Māori/ Common Name | Species name | Benefits |
| Kōwhai Ngutukākā Kaka beak | Clianthis spp. | Beautiful red flowers for nectar feeding birds and insects. |
| Korokio | Corokia spp. |
Flowers great for pollinating insects. |
| Harakeke Flax | Phormium spp. | Harakeke flowers are wonderful for bees and nectar feeding birds such as tui and korimako/bellbirds. |
| Koromiko Hebe | Hebe spp. | Various coloured flowers for insects, including butterflies, providing nectar over a long period. |
| Karamu / Taupata | Coprosma spp. |
Orange/ red fruit for birds such as silvereyes and kereru who help spread the seed. |
| Kōwhai | Sophora spp. | Beautiful yellow flowers for birds and insects when there isn't much else available. |
| Mānuka | Leptospermum scoparium | Red and white flowers with delicious nectar for insects and butterflies. |
|
Pohuehue Maidenhair vine |
Muehlenbeckia spp. | Berries and dense habitat for lizards and insects. |
| Tī kōuka Cabbage Tree | Cordyline australis | The 'skirt' of leaves provides habitat for insects including weta! Birds love the berries and flowers. |
| Pūriri | Vitex lucens | Kereru love to chomp on Puriri berries, and assist with distribution! |
Growing kai in harmony with wildlife
Adopting permaculture principles when growing kai has significant benefits for wildlife. You can:
- Plant plenty of flowering companion plants and herbs under your fruit trees and vege plants to bring in the pollinators and beneficial insects to help control pests.
- Densely plant a diverse range of species to provide habitat and increase resilience.
- Use mulch and ground cover plants to retain moisture, feed soil bacteria AND prevent weed growth.
- Use cloches and covers to keep birds off fruiting plants and vulnerable seedlings.
- Use natural fertilisers such as compost, worm wee, seaweed or comfrey tea.
- Get in touch with local organisations in your area who are passionate about growing healthy local kai and educating others through the Mana Kai Mana Ora initiative and map.