Strategies recommended by wildlife specialists for luring birds to a balcony or city garden
Creating a Vibrant Urban Wildlife Garden on Your Balcony
Transforming a small urban space into a thriving wildlife haven is easier than you might think. By focusing on providing food, shelter, and water sources using space-saving methods, you can create an inviting and compact urban wildlife garden on your balcony.
Food for Pollinators and Birds
The first step is to offer a food source that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as birds. Plant nectar-rich flowers, herbs, and berry-producing plants such as lavender, borage, native wildflowers, and early blooming plants like hellebores and primroses. These plants serve as excellent food sources, especially in colder seasons.
Maximising Space with Vertical Gardening
To make the most of limited floor space, consider vertical planting techniques using trellises, wire lattices, plant walls, or shelves. Climbing plants like jasmine or passionfruit vines can be trained on trellises or fencing, while espalier fruit trees and berry bushes on walls enhance accessibility and yield while saving space.
Hanging baskets and railing planters are also great space-savers. They can hold trailing flowers, compact herbs, and even vegetables like lettuce or tomatoes, keeping them elevated and safe from ground pests such as slugs and rabbits.
Water and Bird-Friendly Features
Including a birdbath or shallow water dish in your urban garden provides a drinking and bathing spot, increasing urban wildlife visits. Position these features where birds can see predators clearly but have nearby perches for safety.
Deterrents and Safety Measures
Deterrents should prioritise keeping pests away while allowing beneficial insects and birds. Elevating plants via hanging baskets naturally limits access to ground pests without harsh chemicals. Consider using a baffle to prevent squirrels from accessing bird feeders.
Attracting Birds to Your Space
To attract birds to small gardens or balconies, provide a consistent food source. Sunflower hearts, mealworms, fat balls, fruit, and other bird-friendly foods can be offered. Choose a feeder made from weather-resistant material like metal and position it away from reflective windows to make birds feel safer.
Hanging feeders are suitable for small spaces, and window-mounted feeders provide a close view of birds. Recommended plants for vertical gardening include honeysuckle, known for its high nectar content and attractive berries, and cuphea (cigar plant), with tubular flowers that appeal to hummingbirds.
Pre-esembled hanging baskets provide flowers all summer long, making them a great addition to your urban wildlife garden. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a thriving urban wildlife garden that both you and the local wildlife can enjoy.
By incorporating various climbing plants like jasmine and honeysuckle in vertical gardening methods, you can offer both food and shelter to pollinators and birds. Additionally, supplying a birdbath or shallow water dish within your urban garden will attract birds and provide them with a crucial water source.
