Environmentally friendly garden alternatives: How to protect local animals!

Environmentally friendly garden alternatives: How to protect local animals!

Did you know that gardens are not only an oasis for us humans, but also an important retreat for many animals? In Ludwigsau-Meckbach, Christine Dorn, a member of the Nature Conservation Association (NABU), shows how you can contribute to biodiversity with easy-care alternatives to traditional lawns. While robotic lawnmowers are becoming increasingly popular in Germany, there are legitimate concerns about their safety for our animal companions. The use of these machines can have fatal consequences for hedgehogs, amphibians and other wild animals, as various studies show.

Christine Dorn has already implemented many measures in her own garden to provide a home for insects and small animals. “Rock gardens are a great alternative to gravel gardens,” she explains, adding that they require no maintenance or mowing. She also recommends wild corners in the garden where plants like wild garlic can grow. These wild areas in particular provide habitat for many beneficial insects that are urgently needed. For more variety, Dorn also recommends perennial beds with flower bulbs such as snowdrops, crocuses and tulips, which not only bloom beautifully but also attract insects.

The dark side of robotic lawnmowers

The use of robotic lawnmowers is favored by many gardeners because they significantly automate lawn care. But as NABU warns, the rotating blades of the robotic lawnmowers can become a death trap for wild animals such as hedgehogs and toads. Hedgehogs that curl up when threatened are particularly at risk because these devices often do not detect live obstacles. Studies also confirm that many robotic lawnmowers have failed safety tests. Stiftung Warentest found that only one device detected an obstacle, while the others caused multiple injuries.

To ensure the safety of wildlife, experts recommend scheduling mowing times throughout the day when animals are less active. Early in the morning or during lunch hours are ideal times to minimize risk. Creating natural areas and using native plants are also ways to promote biodiversity in our gardens.

Tips for a pet-friendly garden

Christine Dorn is committed to making her garden not only visually appealing, but also sustainable. She grows plants for the Milan Center in Solz and knows the importance of a garden that blooms all year round. “Especially in winter, plants such as winter snowballs and witch hazels can provide valuable habitats,” she explains. She also emphasizes the need to leave until the end of winter so that larvae can find shelter.

The increasing poverty of insects and the shrinking breeding bird populations in Germany are alarming signs that indicate a lack of food. NABU draws attention to the fact that the habitat of many wild animals is being further restricted by the increased use of robotic lawnmowers and monocultures. Every garden owner can take action themselves by - like Christine Dorn - designing their areas close to nature and creating an inviting environment for our animals.

Gardening does not have to be a stressful undertaking; in fact, it can be a relaxing activity that has a positive effect on our well-being and that of nature. A good piece of advice from Christine Dorn: “Redesign your garden step by step to avoid stress and at the same time create a valuable habitat for many animal species.”

In summary: By using robotic lawnmowers responsibly and using natural alternatives, we not only protect our pets, but also make an important contribution to preserving biodiversity. Let’s get active together – for colorful and vibrant nature!