Wildlife Gardening Wisdom

Inspirational quotes on gardening for wildlife:

“Our gardens are one little patch of land where we can start to turn the tide against the seemingly endless gloomy news of melting icecaps, polluted seas and worldwide habitat loss….[W]ildlife gardening can make a massive contribution to creative nature conservation–indeed, it already has.” ~Chris Baines, Companion to Wildlife Gardening

“Incorporating more native plants into the home garden, agricultural or large natural landscape can have an extremely positive impact on pollinators and all wildlife. Every individual can make a difference by planting native plants.” ~Heather Holm, Pollinators of Native Plants

“[F]or the first time in history, gardening has taken on a role that transcends the need of the gardener. Like it or not, gardeners have become important players in the management of our nation’s wildlife. It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to make a difference. In this case, the ‘difference’ will be to the future of biodiversity, to the native plants and animals of North America and the ecosystems that sustain them.” ~Douglas W. Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home

“Everybody says they love Nature, but nobody ever invites her over to their yard. We mow plant life to an inch or two of its life, relentlessly spray toxic chemicals to kill all the bugs, be they good or bad, and then wonder where all the birds went.” ~Neil Diboli, Prairie Nursery

“Don’t give up. Don’t think it’s too hard. This takes time. The garden you are making is one of the most important places for wildlife in your neighborhood. Keep at it. Learn. Let the space teach you. Evolve and thrive.” ~Benjamin Vogt, “On Not Pulling a Weed,” The Deep Middle: Gardening & Writing in the Prairie Echo

“A native plant gardener soon realizes there is infinitely more going on in their habitat plot, no matter how small, than readily meets the eye. Tuning into and connecting with garden life by noticing the variety of species, their relationships and habits at different times of day and season, we find ourselves more understanding of the interconnectedness of it all.” ~Vicki Bonk, Life Underfoot in the Violet Patch