The bees are in trouble; their numbers are in decline. We’ve all heard it.

Meanwhile, native wildlife species are being disrupted by foreign pests, and birds are being pushed further and further from their homes due to density. But what can we do about it? Well, the answer may literally be in our own backyards.

Attracting native species to your garden and providing a haven for them is an achievable mission.

Strategically placed rocks can not only look great but also provide hidey holes for creatures like lizards, such as here in the Holman house by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture. Photo by Michael Wee.

“First, you really need to ask which types of birds, animals and insects you’d like to attract,” says Chris Mahoney, landscape architect and owner of Verde Design Group. “If it’s native parrots, for example, then research their favourite seed or nectar and provide opportunities for them to feed accordingly. On the other hand, honey eaters look for flowers with a high nectar content – native flowering plants like grevilleas, bottlebrush and wattles. Butterflies look for flowers and nectar, native bees enjoy native flowers, and possums generally eat anything soft, leafy and green.”

Some would assume that if it’s native wildlife you’re after, then you need to only use native plants, but this isn’t necessarily true. Mahoney explains: “Generally parrots and insectivorous birds are not fussy, but still have their native favourites. Conversely, in some cases, more prolific flowering exotics will actually attract more birds than natives! It does depend on your area, how much room you have and your personal preference for the aesthetic of your garden.”

Research the kind of wildlife you would like to attract to your garden and plant what they love – like high nectar plants for bees. Pictured: The Berry Mountain house by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture. Photo by Jason Busch.

In addition to suitable plants, things like shelter and nesting boxes provide a safe place for all kinds of creatures. Birds can be attracted to a garden by something as simple a bird feeder, while rocks and sticks in the garden will provide protection and camouflage for lizards.

For bees, Mahoney recommends not overlooking our native stingless bee, which is very small – between three and five millimetres – and black in colour. “European bees are an important pollinator in nature and for agriculture, but our native stingless bees are actually just as important – and human friendly!,” he says. “A hive of native bees can live in small spaces including a balcony, in the garden or even an apartment rooftop, as long as it’s protected and shaded from direct sunlight. I have a hive in my garden and my children love to watch it come to life each morning as the day warms up,” he says. The species only lives in Queensland and New South Wales, however, as it thrives in a tropical climate.

Creating a backyard that birds, possums and bees feel at home in on a long-term basis is an easy way to do your part for our native wildlife. It’s a project driven very much by good design though, so engaging a landscape architect early on will help ensure that you have the right plants, plans and structures in place to do the job right.

WRITTEN BY Sara Kirby