in developing a good plan, there are certain considerations that are important for creating a healthy and wildlife-friendly garden. These include:

diversity | change of seasons | arrangement | climate | soil | native plants | be realistic

diversity
Planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants provides a diversity of different food types and therefore allows you to meet the needs of a greater number of wildlife species. One species might prefer nuts, another seeds, another fruits, and yet another nectar. Any one species can have different needs depending on the season. For example, birds, such as the American goldfinch, like to eat seeds and yet require a supply of insects at nesting time to feed their young. Other birds which feed mainly on insects through the spring and summer may turn to seeds over the winter when insects are not available.

change of seasons
Most wildlife cannot survive on only 1 season of food. If your flowers only bloom midsummer what will the butterflies do in the spring and fall? Try to provide a variety of plants that will allow for food and shelter to be available throughout the year. Deciduous trees provide shelter in summer but evergreens provide protection from the cold climate.

arrangement
It is not just what you provide that is important, but how you arrange it. Food, in the absence of nearby shelter, will be considered too risky for most wildlife. Wild animals need shelter at hand so they can escape predators. This shelter, however, should not be so close as to allow potential predators, such as cats, to lie in wait and spring on them as they eat. Thought must be given on how best to arrange your garden to allow for the safety of wildlife and your enjoyment of it. Edges are particularly useful to wildlife.

climate
In choosing plants for your garden you must consider the local climate. A plant which is very useful to wildlife, but which grows in zone 7 when you live in zone 4, will not do you much good. Select plants that are suitable for the local climate.

soil
Get to know the soil conditions in the different areas of your yard and pick plants that prefer that soil type. Plants in the wrong location will suffer no matter how hard you try. It is better to do the research before you plant than to spend many months struggling to make an unsuitable plant prosper in the wrong location.

native plants
Plants native to your area are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and will thrive better without the need for harmful pesticides. A plant under stress because of unsuitable soil and climate conditions will be more vulnerable to insect pests, disease, and competition from weeds.

Wildlife will also be better able to utilize native plants as they have evolved together. Fancy exotic flowers, for example, have been bred for show and not for their ability to provide nectar for pollinators.

be realistic
Before you get too far in your planning, you have to decide what kind of wildlife you want to attract. Be realistic - don’t expect to see moose in a downtown backyard! Pick four or five species of wild animals found in your area and build your plan with their needs in mind. Find out what kinds of plants provide their favourite food and shelter. Remember, those plants should be native to your area. What kind of soil, light, and water needs do they have. Consult local field guides or naturalist clubs to determine what species are found in your area.

Start by making a good, thorough plan, which considers your budget and time limitations, set your priorities, and then slowly develop your project. You will have much greater success this way than if you try to do everything at once without planning it out

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