There’s something truly magical about the start of spring (albeit spring seemed to start a month earlier with the winter heat wave experienced😲).
The crisp morning air starts to soften, plants wake up from their winter slumber, and suddenly, the garden bursts into life. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and for those of us lucky enough to live in Australia, it’s also the perfect time to think about how we can help nature thrive right in our own backyards.
As a parent and someone who deeply cares about the environment, I’ve been reflecting on how our small, everyday actions can make a difference. One of the most beautiful ways to do this is by increasing biodiversity in our gardens—creating spaces where native plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife can flourish.
Biodiversity is super important because it keeps our ecosystems healthy and balanced. We rely on it for things like clean air, fresh water, food, and even a stable climate. When we have a variety of species, it helps nature stay strong and bounce back from challenges. In short, protecting biodiversity is key to keeping our planet—and all of us—thriving.
Here are some simple, impactful ways to boost biodiversity in your garden this spring:
🪻 Plant Native Species
Australia has an incredible variety of native plants that are perfectly suited to our unique climate. By planting natives, you’ll attract local birds, insects, and pollinators that rely on these species for food and shelter. Plus, native plants are often more drought-tolerant, meaning they’re easier to care for during those dry summer months.
Consider planting species like kangaroo paw, bottlebrush, or grevillea. These vibrant plants not only look stunning but are also a magnet for native birds like honeyeaters and lorikeets.
🐝 Create a Pollinator Haven
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are vital to a healthy ecosystem. By planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom throughout the seasons, you can provide a year-round food source for these important creatures. Try planting native daisies, correa, or tea trees to attract bees, or plant a lavender bush for both its beauty and pollinator appeal.
You can even leave a small patch of your garden wild with long grasses and flowers to provide a more natural habitat for insects.
🦜 Install a Bird Bath or Water Feature
Water is life, especially in the dry Australian climate. Installing a bird bath or small pond can make your garden a haven for thirsty birds, frogs, and insects. Keep the water fresh and shallow, and place it near some shrubs or trees to give birds a safe place to perch.
As we approach warmer days, even leaving some saucers of water around your yard could be a life saver for our fauna. Consider placement if you have mischievous/ inquisitive house pets.
🐛 Build Insect Hotels
Insects are an essential part of any garden ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and control pests. Creating an insect hotel is a fun family project and a great way to encourage beneficial insects like native bees, ladybugs, and lacewings.
You can build a simple insect hotel using bamboo sticks, pinecones, and small wooden boxes. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot, and soon you’ll see all sorts of creatures making it their home. This is a super fun project to start with your kids and grandkids.
[Download this How To Build An Insect House]
🚫 Go Chemical-Free
One of the easiest ways to increase biodiversity is by avoiding chemical pesticides and herbicides. These products can harm not only pests but also the beneficial insects and animals that keep your garden in balance. Instead, consider using organic solutions or companion planting to naturally deter pests. For example, planting marigolds can help repel certain bugs, and ladybugs are excellent at keeping aphids at bay.
🧑🌾 Add Layers to Your Garden
Biodiversity thrives in complex ecosystems, so think about adding layers to your garden with a mix of groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. This creates a variety of habitats for different species. For example, ground-dwelling insects like beetles and skinks will benefit from groundcovers like native violets, while larger shrubs can provide shelter for birds and small mammals.
🐸 Welcome Frogs with a Frog-Friendly Garden
Frogs are excellent for natural pest control, and their presence is a good indicator of a healthy environment. Create a frog-friendly space by including a small pond with shallow edges and surrounding it with native plants. Be sure to avoid fish in your pond, as they’ll eat frog eggs. Adding rocks and logs around the pond will give frogs a place to hide and feel secure.
🌿 Mulch and Compost
A healthy garden starts with healthy soil. Use organic mulch to protect your soil, retain moisture, and support microorganisms that break down organic matter. Start a compost heap to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste, enriching your soil with nutrients and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
🦔 Encourage Small Mammals
While we may not all have wombats wandering through our gardens, you can still create a habitat for smaller mammals. Plant dense shrubs where they can seek shelter, and consider installing a nest box for native possums.
✌️Let Nature Do Its Thing
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply let parts of your garden be. Leaving a little untidiness—like fallen leaves, dead wood, or a corner of un-mowed grass—can provide shelter and food for many creatures.
Spring is the perfect time to give back to nature, and there’s something truly fulfilling about watching your garden come alive with the sound of birds, the buzz of insects, and the growth of plants. By making a few small changes, we can create a backyard that not only blooms with beauty but also supports biodiversity and makes a real difference to the environment. So, as you step into spring, why not turn your garden into a haven for Australian wildlife?