Master gardener tells how to welcome wildlife to landscape

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We create gardens first and foremost for our own enjoyment. But any garden, no matter how small, can also be a haven for some wildlife.

Its my belief that a wildlife-rich garden provides a far greater source of interest, relaxation and pleasure than one from which nature has been virtually banished by pesticides and herbicides.

When my family moved from the low desert of Palm Desert, Calif., to the high desert of Rio Rancho, we knew we would be making some adjustments as we were going from 30 feet below sea level to 5,282 feet above sea level.

However, we did not anticipate the adjustments that would be necessary to build a successful garden in this climate. However, our most rewarding adjustment was learning to co-exist with the wildlife that we would encounter in our Cabezon neighborhood.

Our initial impression of our property was a barren, sterile, scraped-clean lot with a great view of the Rio Grande Valley below.

Upon closer inspection, we could see field mice scurrying into holes along the bottom of the block wall, beetles burying into the sand, ants scurrying into their perfectly formed hills, rabbits hopping down the street, quail walking along the top of the block wall and coyote tracks and scat in the dirt.

It would be my challenge to create an environment that would allow me to garden, then to thrive, and one which would attract other native creatures such as butterflies, birds, bees, ladybugs, praying mantises, hawks, lizards, shrews, toads, squirrels and chipmunks.

Pat Barger has adjusted her gardening techniques to allow for and encourage wildlife to live among her plants. (Courtesy photo)

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Master gardener tells how to welcome wildlife to landscape