Here's a little quiz to see if you know what draws wildlife to your garden. Think about what you may already have as you answer.

• What types of food can you offer to attract wildlife?
• What can you use to provide water?
• What types of protective cover do you offer?
• How many places do you provide for wildlife to raise babies?
• Do you try to grow native plants?

Pretty simple questions, eh? I thought so too although there were one or two that were not as obvious. Let's see how you did.

• What types of food can you offer to attract wildlife? Plants that provide pollen, nectar, acorns, nuts, cones, or berries.
• What can you use to provide water? Birdbaths, water features such as a pond, shallow dish, natural spring or stream (if you're lucky enough to have on or nearby your property)
• What types of protective cover do you offer? Shrubs, trees, hollow logs, rock piles, or meadow.
• How many places do you provide for wildlife to raise babies? Birdhouses, dense plantings, host plants for butterfly and moth caterpillars.
• Do you try to grow native plants? Native plants are better for both people and wildlife since they don't require extra water or special planting needs to grow. Exotic plants, or whatever can be considered exotic for your area, can become invasive or draw more resources from the environment than natives.

I found a great site that speaks to wildlife habitats and gives even more tips to draw wildlife to your yard. It even provides suggestions on how to live harmoniously with those squirrels who love to steal the seed you put out for the birds. Backyard Wildlife Habitat offers detailed information about attracting birds, frogs, butterflies, insects, turtles, and even kids to your garden. (I'm just kidding about the kids, although it does teach children about helping to attract wildlife.) There are also some pretty interesting links such as Operation Ruby Throat and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. In fact, Lady Bird's site has a quote that I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. It sure brings things into perspective for me. "The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing that all of us share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focusing lens on what we can become..." Happy Gardening and invite some wildlife to your home.