Welcome to The Wildlife Garden

A garden isn’t just a place for plants—it’s a living world full of birds, bees, butterflies, and small creatures that help nature thrive. The Wildlife Garden is your guide to creating an outdoor space that welcomes and supports wildlife, no matter the size of your garden. From pollinator-friendly plants to nesting spots, bug hotels, and eco-smart tools, we’ll share simple tips and smart products that make your garden a safe, nourishing habitat. Let’s grow a garden that’s beautiful, buzzing, and full of life.

Close-up of a bee gathering nectar from vibrant purple flowers in the garden.
Close-up of a bee gathering nectar from vibrant purple flowers in the garden.
A charming wooden bug hotel nestled among green foliage and blooming wildflowers.
A charming wooden bug hotel nestled among green foliage and blooming wildflowers.
A colorful butterfly resting gently on a bright yellow flower under soft sunlight.
A colorful butterfly resting gently on a bright yellow flower under soft sunlight.

Our Mission

To help you grow a lively garden that supports every tiny visitor and keeps nature humming.

Life

A close up of a flower with a bee on it
A close up of a flower with a bee on it
A small bird perched on a rustic wooden birdhouse surrounded by green leaves.
A small bird perched on a rustic wooden birdhouse surrounded by green leaves.
gray and white bird on brown wooden table
gray and white bird on brown wooden table
A close-up of a bug hotel made from natural materials nestled among garden plants.
A close-up of a bug hotel made from natural materials nestled among garden plants.
Field of wildflowers with white fence in foreground
Field of wildflowers with white fence in foreground
A peaceful garden corner with a small pond attracting dragonflies and frogs.
A peaceful garden corner with a small pond attracting dragonflies and frogs.

Snapshots of the buzzing, fluttering garden world

Nest boxes are a favorite among our bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, and house sparrows. Place them at least 5 feet up from the ground and face them east or north to avoid any hot afternoon sun. Bluebirds prefer nest boxes in open areas while chickadees prefer them hidden.

Lavender makes a great choice for gardeners as its easy to maintain, naturally repels pests due to its strong scent, and attracts essential pollinators like bees. Pro Tip: dried lavender makes a great gift and can be used in soap, essential oils, or potpourris.

A bug house or "insect hotel" is exactly what it sounds like: a home for bugs! These can simply be a pile of logs and brick in the corner of your garden or a purpose-built bug condominium. These provide essential shelter and nesting for beneficial insects, making your garden healthy and balanced. Use a diverse natural materials like drilled logs, bamboo canes, pine cones, bark, and straw to provide nooks for different insects, and place it in a dry, sheltered spot

Everyone loves a good bird feeder in their garden. Watching the birds come and go is shown to have real therapeutic value (especially watching it entertain the cats of the house!). Many people fill their bird feeders in the warm months, but the most important time of year is actually winter. Birds need high energy, high fat foods to get through the cold (think peanuts and suet).

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Having a variety of plants from small to large and a water source makes any garden pop. Notice the different sizes and levels of the pond rocks to support every thirsty animal.

There is nothing more beautiful than an overgrown, wildflower garden. Traditional lawns are now a thing of the past. These biodiversity havens are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, improve soil health, prevent erosion, and enhance air quality while offering natural beauty, reducing pesticide needs, and saving money on lawn care.

a squirrel standing on its hind legs on a table
a squirrel standing on its hind legs on a table
a black and white bird sitting on top of a white pole
a black and white bird sitting on top of a white pole

Bird baths are an easy and really beneficial accessory to your wildlife garden. They provide essential water for all walks of life, and offer a great form of entertainment for watching the fluttering birds, silly squirrels, buzzing insects, and even croaking frogs. Pro Tip: change the water daily to prevent algal and bacteria buildup.

There is nothing more beautiful than an overgrown, wildflower garden. Traditional lawns are now a thing of the past. These biodiversity havens are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, improve soil health, prevent erosion, and enhance air quality while offering natural beauty, reducing pesticide needs, and saving money on lawn care.

FAQs

What is a wildlife garden?

A garden designed to support birds, bees, butterflies, and other creatures.

How do I attract pollinators?

Plant native flowers, provide water sources, and avoid pesticides to welcome pollinators.

What are bug hotels used for?

Bug hotels offer shelter for beneficial insects, helping them thrive and keep your garden healthy.

Absolutely! Even small spaces can provide food and shelter for many creatures.

Can small gardens support wildlife?
What eco-smart tools help wildlife?

Tools like rainwater collectors and natural pest controls support a healthy garden habitat.

woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

My garden is alive with butterflies and bees, thanks to Homestead Happy!

Anna B.

A close-up of a vibrant butterfly perched on a bright flower in a lush garden.
A close-up of a vibrant butterfly perched on a bright flower in a lush garden.

The bug hotel idea transformed my backyard into a buzzing wildlife haven- so much fun to create with the kids!

Mark T.

A charming wooden bug hotel nestled among green plants and colorful blossoms.
A charming wooden bug hotel nestled among green plants and colorful blossoms.
★★★★★
★★★★★