Rewilding small garden spaces is about letting nature take the lead, encouraging biodiversity, and creating a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem, even in a tiny area. It's not about abandoning your garden, but rather shifting your approach to work with nature, not against it.

Here's a breakdown of how to rewild your small garden:

1. Understanding the Principles:

• Let go of control: Embrace a more "hands-off" approach. Less manicuring, more observing.


• Encourage native plants: Native plants support native wildlife, which are adapted to the local climate and soil.


• Create diverse habitats: Varying heights, textures, and conditions provide shelter and food for a wider range of creatures.


• Connect to nature: Think of your garden as part of a larger ecological network, not an isolated patch.


• Reduce chemical use: Pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilizers can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance.

• Assess Your Space: What kind of soil do you have? How much sun does it get? Are there any existing features (like a pond or mature tree) you can build upon?


• Plan for Native Plants:


• Research local natives: Visit local nurseries or native plant societies. Choose plants that suit your soil and sun conditions.


• Prioritize key species: Focus on plants that provide food for pollinators (bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies), birds, and other wildlife. Examples might include:


• Wildflowers: Yarrow, coneflower, aster, black-eyed susan, milkweed (for Monarch butterflies!), selfheal.


• Grasses: Little bluestem, switchgrass (provide cover and seeds for birds).


• Shrubs: Elderberry, dogwood, hawthorn (berries and nesting sites).


• Trees (if space allows): Serviceberry, oak, birch (support a huge variety of insects).


• Create a layered landscape: From groundcover to shrubs to small trees (if space allows). This creates different microclimates and habitats.


• Create Water Sources:


• Pond/Water Feature: Even a small container pond can attract frogs, insects, and birds. Include a shallow area for animals to drink safely.


• Bird bath: Clean it regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.


• Water dish for insects: Fill a shallow dish with pebbles and water so insects can drink without drowning.


• Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites:


• Leave some areas "messy": Don't clear away all fallen leaves or dead stems. They provide habitat for insects and overwintering creatures.


• Bug hotel: A simple DIY bug hotel provides shelter for solitary bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects.


• Brush piles: Small piles of branches and twigs offer refuge for birds and small mammals.


• Birdhouses: Provide nesting sites for birds. Make sure they are designed for the specific species you want to attract.


• Rock piles: Provide shelter for insects, amphibians, and reptiles.


• Improve Your Soil (Naturally):


• Compost: Add compost to your soil to improve its structure, fertility, and water retention.


• Mulch: Use natural mulch (wood chips, leaf litter) to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide habitat for beneficial organisms.


• Avoid tilling: Tilling disrupts the soil ecosystem and releases carbon into the atmosphere.


• Control Invasive Species:


• Identify and remove invasive plants: Invasive species can outcompete native plants and disrupt the ecosystem. Learn to identify them and remove them carefully.


• Prevent their spread: Don't plant invasive species in your garden, and be careful not to spread them when you are removing them.


• Embrace Imperfection:


• Don't strive for a perfectly manicured lawn: Let some areas grow longer to provide habitat for insects and pollinators.


• Accept some "weeds": Many "weeds" are actually valuable sources of food for pollinators and other wildlife. Learn to identify which ones are beneficial and leave them alone.


• Reduce Light Pollution:


• Use low-wattage or motion-sensor lights: Excessive light pollution can disrupt the natural behavior of insects and other nocturnal animals.


• Connect with Your Neighbors (and encourage them!):


• Talk to your neighbors about your rewilding efforts and encourage them to do the same. A network of rewilded gardens can have a much greater impact than a single isolated garden.

• Vertical Gardening: Utilize walls, fences, and trellises to grow climbing plants, creating more habitat in a small space. Consider clematis, honeysuckle (native varieties!), or even a living wall.


• Container Gardening: Grow native plants in containers. This allows you to control the soil conditions and move plants around as needed.


• Microhabitats: Even in small gardens, you can create microhabitats. A shady, damp corner, a sunny, dry rockery, a small patch of bare earth for ground-nesting bees.


• Prioritization: In a very small space, you might have to choose what you prioritize. Pollinators? Bird-friendly plants? Amphibian habitat?


• Maintenance is STILL Required: Rewilding doesn't mean complete neglect. You'll still need to manage invasive species, prune overgrown plants, and keep water sources clean.

• Increased Biodiversity: Attract a wider variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife.


• Pollination: Support pollinators, which are essential for food production.


• Pest Control: Encourage beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.


• Improved Soil Health: Promote healthy soil ecosystems that support plant growth.


• Climate Change Mitigation: Help to sequester carbon and reduce your garden's carbon footprint.


• Mental Health Benefits: Connect with nature and experience the joy of watching your garden thrive.