Numerous furry mammals and a wide variety of birds — especially cedar waxwings — gorge themselves on the berries produced by sabal palmettos . If the leaf bases , or boots , are kept on the trunk , other plants will often lodge and grow from them , such as Virginia creeper and wild grape . An indigenous bat species , the northern yellow bat ( Lasiurus intermedius ), prefers to roost in the “ armpits ” of the bent and hanging branches . Like all bats , it keeps our nuisance insect populations in check .
And the same concept applies to forests as a whole . Dead trees , branch snags , piles of brush , stone , or mulch all provide homes , food , and nesting sites for a variety of native wildlife .
As the variety of native plants added to your garden expands , so too will the interesting creatures you attract . A native garden literally dances before your eyes with the flights of birds , butterflies , and bees , the scurrying of anoles and frogs , and the dazzling colors of damsel and dragonflies .
Don ’ t miss a thing !
28 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY