As the seasons shift and temperatures dip, it’s crucial for gardeners to assess their green spaces with a mindful eye toward supporting local wildlife. Offering food and shelter to our feathered companions is a fundamental aspect of a thriving garden. One often underestimated plant in this effort is ivy, which plays an unexpectedly vital role in nurturing wildlife, particularly during the colder months. As the chill sets in, gardens tend to thin out, and food for birds becomes increasingly scarce.
To aid your local birdlife, consider adding evergreen shrubs that yield long-lasting fruit, providing both sustenance and aesthetic appeal. Crab apples, with their golden hues, or Pyracantha, ideal for training along fences or creating elegant window frames, are excellent choices. These plants can bolster your garden’s appeal while supporting the birds’ dietary needs.
However, among the more commonly overlooked plants, ivy stands out. Frequently regarded as an unwelcome guest in the garden, it is often pruned back or removed. Yet, ivy offers far more than mere coverage—it is an indispensable resource for wildlife. The warning here is clear: if you plan to tidy up this winter, avoid removing all of your ivy.
While trimming some ivy for holiday decorations, like wreaths, is fine, ensure you leave enough for the birds to benefit from. Ivy’s berries are a critical food source during winter, especially for species such as blackbirds, thrushes, and wood pigeons. By clearing away all the ivy, you would be depriving these birds of a vital nutrition source during the harsh winter months when food is harder to come by.
Beyond nourishment, ivy provides crucial shelter for various creatures, offering dense foliage that serves as a safe haven for roosting birds. Additionally, its late-summer flowers are rich in nectar, attracting vital pollinators. So, while it may be tempting to trim or remove ivy for the sake of tidiness, remember the integral role it plays in sustaining your garden’s wildlife.
With small adjustments like this, you can cultivate a garden that not only dazzles with color and structure but also serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife, helping them weather the winter with the resources they need.
