Growing Greener

     But what if it could be more? What if it could be a wildlife paradise? Imagine it now: petpets nesting in your trees. Bountiful butterflies bursting from bright bouquets of wildflowers. Wild Whinnies prancing through knee-high meadows. Spritely Springabees zipping from one crimson bloom to the next. Handmade nest boxes inviting Weewoos to croon sweetly each morning while they raise their young...

     It’s possible to make the change for a greener, more environmentally friendly yard, and the rewards for doing so are great for both wildlife as well as for your family and friends.

     How does one make a greener yard?

     It all starts from buying local plants and using local seeds. Like us, flowers also have a place of origin, a homeland from where they share their roots—in this case literally. The plants and flowers that grow in one area are specially adapted to the weather conditions, the soil, and the precipitation levels there. Buying local plants also has the benefit of requiring less water, less fertilizer, and less maintenance, which for the busy Neopian is a huge plus. It also acts as a buffet for local wildlife such as Beekadoodles, who will make your yard their preferred warm-weather home for as long as there is food.

     Which plants should you select?

     That all depends on where you live, the kinds of soil your property has, and the ecology of your area. Native bushes with berries provide excellent, nutrient-rich snacks for your avian petpet friends. If you live in a wooded area, consider growing shade-loving shrubs. In marshier areas, water-loving plants offer shelter for wildlife while also stabilizing the soil. For any Shenkuuvian readers, that might mean planting water lilies along with other, native, aquatic plants (broadly called “submerged aquatic vegetation” but plants like skunk cabbage also do very well in marshy areas). When you plant it, they will come. Enjoy front-and-centre views of nature through the comfort of your window or porch.

      Frogarotts are known to actively utilize water lilies as shelter, especially as they raise families of their own. This protects them from predatory petpets such as Whoot. From the perspective of wild petpets, a perfect home provides food, safety, and shelter. If you have all three, then you’re sure to have petpets jumping at the chance to live there. In the case of the Frogarott, lilies act as an umbrella for the sun, a safe place to hide from the watchful eyes of predators, and a table to eat in peace. When the ponds, marshes, and waterways that go through your yard are healthy, an entire ecosystem can thrive.

     Planting non-native plants?

     Flowers, trees, and shrubs from other lands add to the beauty of your property (and for the artist, the landscaper, or the botanist, this can be a form of self-expression). One’s yard by all means can be a place for beauty, and for the most gorgeous things that nature has to offer. But, if possible, some balance is best between native and non-native species.

     The biggest drawback to growing all non-native plants is, while non-native trees and shrubs are beautiful, they also perform less “ecosystem services” for wildlife. Said another way, the fact that no petpetpets nibble on the leaves may seem like an inherently good thing, but that may not necessarily be the case. For a prized petunia or a weeping willow, wildlife exclusion may indeed be the goal. But if every flower or tree in the yard offers neither food nor shelter, it will act as an ecological desert for all but the hardiest, generalist species (those that are not picky eaters). Offering oases, safe harbours, or even apartments for wild petpets can transform your yard into one of natural and ecological beauty.

     Another reason to plant local is because some plants have detrimental effects on the environment. In their native habitat, they have checks and balances such as herbivorous petpets that keep them from taking over. But in places where there are no natural predators? They can turn into what is known as an “Invasive Species.” Invasive plants can spread from the yard and into the forest where they reduce diversity—in the most dramatic of cases, diversity plummets into a monoculture.

      Darigan bitterroot is a famous example. This vine-growing plant is adored for its quick growth and large, deep-purple flowers. Because of this, it is popular around the world. Unfortunately, under certain environmental conditions, it can grow wild over native trees and shrubs, choking them out. In Meridell, this particular plant has been banned due not only to its ecological (and agricultural) damages, but also from its role in causing structural damage to brick buildings.

     Always check with your local arborist or nursery before buying a non-native plant to see if it has any history of being an invasive species in your area.

     Planting a Stewardship Forest or Wildlife Meadow?

     One way that you can transform your property into a natural haven is by making a section of it into a stewardship forest. By planting young trees native to that area, you’re preserving future habitat while also protecting natural resources. Having more trees is good for a variety of reasons beyond providing a home for avian and mammalian petpets. It can also strengthen the soil beneath it by locking it in place and protecting it from erosion. And, perhaps for the interest of Neopians living near rivers or streams, it can help prevent flooding for you and your neighbours (especially if paired with a strong riparian buffer zone).

     For the Neopian who tires of the near-weekly chore of mowing the lawn, a wildlife meadow is a great solution. Not only will it provide excellent petpetpet habitat and food, but it also beautifies your property with a changing splash of rainbow colour. First, ensure that the seed mix you’re purchasing is from your local area and matches the soil type. Then, remove an area of grass and sow the seeds into the soil. It may take a little watering at first to get them going, but once they begin to bloom, maintenance involves removing fast-growing and aggressive plants, and removing the fertile layer of growth at the end of the season. Paradoxically, this keeps wildflowers more abundant, as they grow slower than do more aggressive wild grasses. Diversity will change from year to year as the species richness increases over time.

     What kinds of critters can I hope to see?

     With careful management and native planting, you can see a large diversity of petpets and petpetpets in your natural oasis. Here are but a few examples:

     Draphly

     These darting, diving petpetpets thrive in healthy meadows. Although the Blue Draphly is by far the most common species, a biodiverse habitat has been known to attract Zeenana-winged Draphly and even the sought-after Pink Meepit Draphly, both vividly colourful and large species with iridescent wings. As an added bonus, having a large number of Draphly around your property is a good sign for water quality, as the first few years of their lives are spent in an aquatic nymph stage where they are known as macroinvertebrates.

     Glyme

     This colourful petpetpet is best known for its brightly coloured back, which is developed based on its diet. If there are many species of flowers in your meadows, then the Glyme will match these colours as well. This is part of the petpetpet’s camouflage and aids in its survival. Their waste provides fertilizer to maintain your garden or natural yard and is a highly nutritional food source for the Spyven, Mortog, or even the discerning Gallion.

     Springabee

     A healthy garden is like a candy store to a Springabee. Once one has found your natural haven, surely many are to follow. They feed by sipping nectar from their mouths, and in the process, carry along pollen along their legs. This pollen is then transferred to other nearby plants of the same species, continuing the circle of life.

     Dragoyle

     Not the expected avian inhabitant of a tall elm or oak tree, Dragoyles, which are more draconic in nature, love low, flowering trees, but especially ones with bright red or blue leaves. These are coveted for their nests. Known to be excellent hunters, Dragoyles will help to keep any noteworthy pests at bay while also treating you to close views of their social life.

     I hope you enjoyed this quick introduction to “greening” your yard for wildlife. With some love and dedication, your grass-filled yard can become a lush, welcoming home for petpets and petpetpets to share.

     Wishing you all a happy Illusen Day!