Garden tip: How to enhance wildlife habitat

“Our gardens are the last chance we have for sustaining plants and animals that were once common throughout the United States,” says noted entomologist Douglas Tallamy.

Are you thinking of changing your garden in the new year? A wildlife habitat garden can be a wonderful place for you and the plants and animals that share the space. Imagine the joy of butterflies and the beauty of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Here are the basics you will need for a healthy, habitat garden:

• A diversity of plants (lots of California natives) will provide a food source in all seasons.

• A water source, such as a bird bath, fountain or pond.

• Places for birds to shelter — perhaps a garden that’s not too tidy.

• Maintenance without synthetic chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

— Katie Martin, UC Marin Master Gardener