There are many ways we can help improve garden biodiversity. Here are a few options suitable for spaces and budgets of all sizes:
ðŠĪ Predator control. Set up rat, possum or wasp traps on your property. By removing these pest species from your property you will make your backyard safer for other native and beneficial species.
ð Make your garden insect friendly. Build a natural bug hotel by making a pile of rocks, branches and leaf litter in a corner of your garden. DIY decorative bug hotels can also be made from tin cans stuffed with branches and leaves and laid horizontally. These will encourage native pollinators and other insects to move in. Keeping your grass a little longer and eliminating pesticide use can also help support insect biodiversity. If soft bodied pest insects are a problem in your garden, a strong jet of water from the hose or a spray with soapy water can be effective for removing them.
ðŋ Plant native shrubs or trees in your garden to attract native insects and birds. Native plants, insects and birds evolved and adapted together over millennia. Native plantings provide an attractive food source for other native species. If you are interested in finding out the specific types of native plants that will thrive in your neighbourhood, visit the DCC Native planting in Dunedin page. You can enter your location and get a list of native plants that will grow well in your area.
Are you keen to find out your Gardenstar score? The Gardenstar questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete. You can then send a scan or photo of your responses to the Otago research team, who can provide suggestions on how you could make your garden home to more native biodiversity. Check out the Gardenstar page for more information.
February 20, 2025
Nurturing nature for the future â City Sanctuary
maximios city
There are many ways we can help improve garden biodiversity. Here are a few options suitable for spaces and budgets of all sizes:
ðŠĪ Predator control. Set up rat, possum or wasp traps on your property. By removing these pest species from your property you will make your backyard safer for other native and beneficial species.
ð Make your garden insect friendly. Build a natural bug hotel by making a pile of rocks, branches and leaf litter in a corner of your garden. DIY decorative bug hotels can also be made from tin cans stuffed with branches and leaves and laid horizontally. These will encourage native pollinators and other insects to move in. Keeping your grass a little longer and eliminating pesticide use can also help support insect biodiversity. If soft bodied pest insects are a problem in your garden, a strong jet of water from the hose or a spray with soapy water can be effective for removing them.
ðŋ Plant native shrubs or trees in your garden to attract native insects and birds. Native plants, insects and birds evolved and adapted together over millennia. Native plantings provide an attractive food source for other native species. If you are interested in finding out the specific types of native plants that will thrive in your neighbourhood, visit the DCC Native planting in Dunedin page. You can enter your location and get a list of native plants that will grow well in your area.
Are you keen to find out your Gardenstar score? The Gardenstar questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete. You can then send a scan or photo of your responses to the Otago research team, who can provide suggestions on how you could make your garden home to more native biodiversity. Check out the Gardenstar page for more information.