An eye for beauty
Gardening for Wildlife
photography and story by Jane Gamble
I have gardened for more than three decades , but it is only in the past few years that my love of plants has intersected with my passion for wildlife . I now plant extensively for pollinators , including growing milkweed to support monarch butterfly populations . As a wildlife photographer , I am especially attracted to the plants that entice hummingbirds , which are a favorite subject of mine . We also focus on native plants , and I particularly like to invest in ones that produce berries because they are a vital food source for birds . Many of the trees and shrubs we have planted are home to nesting birds each spring , and I put out wool that small birds collect to line their nests . We also have a pond that attracts frogs , turtles , marauding raccoons , and thirsty birds . Gardening for wildlife has enhanced my experience of nature and enriched the world we ’ ve created in our backyard .
30 plenty I summer growing 2022