High Elevation Gardening Web Log "Blog"

The five elements required for certification include:
1. Food - Growing locally native shrubs, trees and other plants that produce food for wildlife. For birds, feeder can supplement natural food sources.
2. Water - Provide a constant, reliable source of water with a birdbath or shallow dish.
3. Cover - Provide cover for wildlife with shrubs, logs, rock piles, brush piles, stone walls, evergreens, meadow grasses and water.
4. Places to raise young - Offer wildlife safe places for courtship and nurturing young. Mature trees can provide den sites for squirrels and nesting places for birds. Host plants for caterpillars will ensure the presences of butterflies in your habitat.
5. Sustainable garden practices - the way you garden or manage your landscape impacts wildlife in your garden and your entire neighborhood. Planting natives, reducing chemicals and building healthy soils are just some of the things you can do to help wildlife and conserve natural resources.

Last year we saw much wildlife - some welcomed as friends and others who did some damage in the garden. All were enjoyed by the staff, residents and their families. We had stink bugs, a variety of butterfliles and birds, voles, chipmunks, squirrels, white tailed deer, and even a fox. Although not spotted we suspect we had some racoons who raided our bird feeders and food containers. Even with all the visitors the garden not only survived but with all the moisture looked wonderful this year.

If you are interested in certifying your garden contact the National Wildlife Federation at nwf.org/bwh or call 800-822-9919.

Although the garden is asleep we are already looking forward to spring blooms from the many bulbs we planted. Watch for us on this site next year sometime in March.

Loni Shapiro