How should a landscape design effectively accommodate local wildlife?

Incorporating native plants and creating habitats is a highly effective way to accommodate local wildlife in landscape design. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and better suited to thrive in their environment. This resilience provides a consistent food source and shelter for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals that have evolved alongside these plants.

Additionally, designing landscapes that create habitats means considering features that promote biodiversity. This can include the creation of diverse plant layers, such as ground cover, shrubs, and trees, which offer different niches for various species. Incorporating elements like water sources, nesting areas, and undisturbed plots enhances the overall ecosystem, encouraging a more vibrant and sustainable local wildlife population.

In contrast, using synthetic plants does not contribute to a living ecosystem, as these materials offer no food or shelter for wildlife. Including invasive species disrupts local ecosystems, potentially harming native species and reducing biodiversity. Avoiding any plant selection entirely fails to provide any resources for wildlife, rendering the landscape uninviting for local species. Thus, the approach of using native plants and creating habitats is essential for fostering a healthy and supportive environment for local wildlife.