Humble Abodes

How about creating some homes and habitats for the creatures that literally help your garden grow?

Bird Houses
Bird houses add instant charm to any yard and come in just about any style (and price range) to fit your fancy. Or, you can always build your own, if you're feeling crafty. Bird houses also play a role in bird conservation, particularly in urban areas where there are fewer natural places to nest. But, not all bird houses are created equal. Certain houses attract certain types of birds, so if you want to woo a particular species, do your research.

Mason Bees
Mason bees are solitary, workaholic pollinators and rarely sting. Since they live sans roommates (meaning, they don't create colonies or hives with others), give them a comfy place to call home. I love this idea from Martha Stewart on how to create a simple home for Mason bees out of bamboo sticks.

Bat Houses
Unfortunately, bat populations are diminishing due to declining habitats. Sure, many of us cringe at the thought of creating environments to attract bats, but hear me out. Bats eat mad amounts of mosquitoes, moths and other troublesome insects. A single bat can eat anywhere from 2,000-6,000 insects per night. For all you vegetable gardeners, this is another great means of organic pest control. And, if you give them a proper home, the less likely they are to squat in yours.

Check out this site for more fun facts about bats, and the right way to purchase and install a bat house.

















Top left: Martha Stewart's bamboo mason bee home. Middle left: Chic bird houses from Romence Gardens. Bottom left: Crate and Barrel's driftwood bird house. Middle: Victorian bat house from Best Nest. Right: Anthropolgie's ultra-modern bird house selection.