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CREATE YOUR OWN BIODIVERSE GARDEN TODAY!

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Biodiversity is critical to the health of our planet and human well-being.

It guarantees the resilience of ecosystems, the purification of air and water, the fertility of the soil and the pollination of plants. Each species has a unique and irreplaceable role, helping to maintain the natural balance.

Biodiversity is critical to the health of our planet and human well-being.

It guarantees the resilience of ecosystems, the purification of air and water, the fertility of the soil and the pollination of plants. Each species has a unique and irreplaceable role, helping to maintain the natural balance.

View of a hexagonal wooden bird house by Ulap design held in the hand of a woman. You can see the two arms holding the birdhouse emerge from the grass and flowers. Products from the MÖKKI collection help promote biodiversity.

Positive impacts of feeders and houses

MÖKKI feeders and houses support local biodiversity by providing shelter and food for birds and insects. These small interventions increase the presence of pollinators and useful species, improving the health of gardens and green spaces.

“Every small gesture for nature is a big step for the future”.

– Jane Goodall

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity encompasses the different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that make up our natural world. It includes not only the diversity within species (genetic diversity) but also the diversity between species and the diversity of ecosystems.

  • Genetic Diversity: This refers to the variety of genes within a species. It allows species to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.
  • Species Diversity: This is the variety of species within a habitat or a region. It is often measured by the number of species (species richness) and the evenness of their distribution.
  • Ecosystem Diversity: This encompasses the variety of ecosystems in a region. Each ecosystem has its own unique community of species and environmental conditions.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem function and human survival. Here are some of the key reasons why it is vital.

  • Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity provides essential services such as pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, and water purification. These services are critical for agricultural productivity and the health of natural habitats.
  • Resilience to Change: Ecosystems with high biodiversity are more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. They can better withstand and recover from events like droughts, floods, and diseases.
  • Cultural and Recreational Value: Biodiversity enhances our quality of life. Natural landscapes provide recreational opportunities, aesthetic enjoyment, and cultural significance.
  • Health Benefits: Diverse ecosystems contribute to human health by supporting medicinal resources and providing clean air and water.
  • Economic Value: Biodiversity underpins industries such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It also supports tourism and contributes to local economies.

How to Promote Biodiversity in Your Garden

Assessing Your Space

Before you start enhancing biodiversity in your garden, it's important to understand the existing conditions and resources. Consider the following:
- Soil Type and Quality: Test your soil to determine its composition and nutrient levels. This will help you select appropriate plants.
- Sunlight and Shade: Observe how much sunlight different areas of your garden receive throughout the day.
- Water Availability: Assess the natural water sources and drainage patterns in your garden.
- Existing Vegetation: Take note of the plants that are already growing and their health.

Choosing Native Plants

Native plants are species that have evolved in a particular region and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They provide the best support for local wildlife and help maintain the ecological balance.

Benefits of Native Plants
- Support Local Wildlife: Native plants provide food and habitat for local birds, insects, and other animals.
- Low Maintenance: They require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides because they are adapted to local conditions.
- Resilience: Native plants are more resistant to local pests and diseases.

How to Choose Native Plants
- Research: Identify the native plant species in your region. Local gardening centers, native plant societies, and extension services are good resources.
- Diversity: Aim for a diverse mix of plants that provide various resources such as nectar, seeds, and shelter throughout the year.
- Layering: Incorporate plants of different heights and structures to create a multi-layered habitat.

Designing for Different Species

A biodiverse garden should cater to a variety of species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Here are some design tips.

Birds
- Plant Diversity: Include a mix of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants to provide food and shelter.
- Water Sources: Install birdbaths or small ponds to provide drinking and bathing water.
- Nesting Sites: Provide birdhouses and nesting materials.

Insects
- Pollinator Plants: Plant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Insect Hotels: Create or buy insect hotels to provide habitats for beneficial insects.
- Avoid Pesticides: Use organic pest control methods to protect beneficial insects.

Small Mammals
- Shelter: Provide logs, rock piles, and dense shrubs where small mammals can hide and nest.
- Food Sources: Plant fruit-bearing trees and shrubs that produce nuts and berries.

Benefits of a Biodiverse Garden

Enhancing Local Ecosystems

A garden that promotes biodiversity can have a positive impact on the local ecosystem. By providing habitats and resources for various species, you contribute to the overall health and stability of the environment.

  • Pollination: Attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies supports the reproduction of flowering plants, which in turn supports food production.
  • Pest Control: Beneficial insects and birds can help control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
  • Soil Health: Diverse plantings improve soil structure and fertility through natural processes such as nitrogen fixation and organic matter decomposition.

 

Personal Well-being

Caring for a biodiverse garden offers numerous benefits for personal well-being.

  • Mental Health: Spending time in nature and engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Physical Health: Gardening provides physical exercise and encourages outdoor activity.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Creating and maintaining a garden that supports biodiversity gives a sense of purpose and achievement.

Promoting biodiversity in your garden is a rewarding endeavor that benefits both the environment and your personal well-being. By understanding the importance of biodiversity, choosing native plants, and designing your garden to support various species, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard. Join us in our mission to protect and enhance biodiversity by making your garden a sanctuary for nature.

“The earth is what we all have in common”.

– Wendell Berry

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