Lykkers, today, we’re diving into the wonders of creating a natural garden—a space that can transform your surroundings into a vibrant habitat for both plants and animals.
Whether you have a small backyard or a spacious garden, embracing natural gardening can not only enhance biodiversity but also offer a much more pleasant living environment for everyone.
Let's explore how a well-designed natural garden can be beneficial to the ecosystem and your quality of life!
Declining Biodiversity: A Growing Concern
Unfortunately, many species that once thrived in gardens are now rare or completely gone. Birds like the common blackbird and the robin are still found in Swiss gardens, but others, such as the owl, hoopoe, and ortolan, have become quite scarce. The situation is even worse for insects like butterflies, wild bees, and snails, with numbers dramatically decreasing.
The Impact of Intensive Agriculture and Fragmented Habitats
The rapid decline in biodiversity is primarily due to intensive farming practices, which harm natural habitats. Additionally, the fragmentation of ecosystems and the depletion of our gardens further contribute to this issue.
The shift toward lawns with non-native plants like thuja and laurel leaves little room for wildlife. Gardens that focus on maintaining native plants and traditional fruit trees offer a much better refuge for many species.
The Importance of Natural Gardens
Today’s gardens often look green but are, in reality, ecological deserts. The abundance of grass and exotic shrubs may look neat, but they do little to support a wide variety of species.
What we need are natural gardens—those that provide spaces for animals and plants to thrive. To make urban areas more hospitable to wildlife, cities should integrate a network of natural habitats. Many insects move only a few hundred meters from their home, so it's essential to ensure that nearby habitats are suitable for their survival.
The Benefits of a Well-Designed Natural Garden
A natural garden is not only ecologically beneficial but also offers several advantages for those who create it.
Low Maintenance and Sustainable
In a thoughtfully planned natural garden, nature does much of the work. With native plants and balanced ecosystems, the garden requires minimal intervention. Weeding, mowing, fertilizing, or using pesticides is rarely necessary. A well-established natural garden supports its own growth, ensuring that you can spend more time enjoying it and less time maintaining it.
Enhancing Biodiversity in Your Garden
A natural garden attracts a wide range of wildlife, from wild bees and butterflies to birds and hedgehogs. You can even grow edible fruits and herbs that are not only beneficial for the environment but also for your health. Imagine enjoying a fresh harvest from your garden, all while contributing to a greater cause—supporting biodiversity!
A Safe and Educational Environment for Children
Natural gardens are perfect spaces for children to explore and learn about the environment. By minimizing harmful plants, such gardens become safe areas for younger ones. These gardens teach kids about the importance of nature, offering them hands-on experiences with insects, flowers, and plants.
Improving Quality of Life
The atmosphere of a natural garden significantly enhances the quality of life. The sounds of chirping birds and buzzing bees, the sight of colorful butterflies, and the fragrance of blooming flowers create a peaceful and pleasant ambiance. Such a space becomes a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, promoting relaxation and well-being.
Better Soil and Climate Regulation
In a natural garden, plant cover dominates almost every surface. This reduces soil erosion and helps retain nutrients, meaning less reliance on artificial fertilizers. It also minimizes water evaporation, keeping the soil moist and cooler during the hot summer months.
With the rise of heatwaves in urban areas, cities like Amsterdam and Basel are already creating green spaces to combat the heat. A natural garden in your own neighborhood does the same, providing a cooling effect for both the garden and surrounding area.
Conclusion: The Beauty of a Natural Garden
Creating a natural garden goes beyond beauty—it’s about fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for both people and wildlife. By incorporating native plants, minimizing maintenance, and supporting biodiversity, a natural garden can transform your outdoor space into a lively and beneficial haven. So, start planning your natural garden today—your backyard and the environment will thank you!
