Wildlife Gardening: Books & Resources
Digital Resources
There are so many great, science-based resources available, and these are a few I have found to be particularly helpful as I planned the Wildlife Garden.
Audubon Habitat Heroes
The Audubon Society’s Habitat Heroes program offers an incredibly thorough checklist for creating a bird-friendly environment. I’ve used it as a starting place for our Wildlife Garden, and learned so much in the process. Not in the Rocky Mountain region? Check your local Audubon Society! They will have resources that are specific to your location.
Homegrown National Park
The Homegrown National Park movement is an effort to inspire and educate gardeners to address the biodiversity crisis through planting native species. There are lots of resources about native species, the importance of native plants, and how we all can do our part to improve our local ecosystems. I am on the map — and you can be, too!
The Xerces Society
Dedicated to the conservation of invertebrates — think bugs — The Xerces Society also has great resources for gardeners. Bugs aren’t bad — and the Xerces Society can help you make better bug-friendly choices for your garden. And there are a few invasive bugs out there that should be squished, too.
Instagram Accounts
While Instagram is a quick-shot medium, there are several great accounts to follow — gardeners and garden designers all committed to wildlife gardening in a wide range of contexts. These are some of my favorites.
Books: Ecology
I’m a reader, and reading about how to best support our native ecosystem is a great way to pass the cold winter months.
Books: Garden Planning
Good gardens don’t just happen. A naturalistic garden still requires planning and tending lest it become a mess of non-native plants and invasive weeds. These books were all helpful in figuring out how to plant and what to use.
Books: Gardening Basics
I’ve been gardening for a long time in multiple climates, but I still need a good refresher now and then. These are some of my favorite gardening books about HOW to garden.
Books: Gardening Inspiration
And sometimes just reading about other gardeners — their struggles and triumphs — makes the whole thing easier. Community is a powerful thing!
A Personal Note
In making this list I realize that much of my reading on gardening is of the work of men — white men. I’m am working on diversifying this list, and if you have suggestions, please email me! I would appreciate them!