Try growing: habitat plants

One of the delights of nature is the serendipity of what turns up after you, the human, have 'done your bit'. And in fact, almost anything you put in your garden will be habitat for something or other....(with the exceptions of plastic lawn and poisons). 

Best of all, if you hate mowing and fussing around in the garden like I do, a messy garden is great for native fauna.  Fallen logs make homes for lizards, frogs, spiders, bees and other insects. Plants are used as food and shelter by birds, bees, frogs, and even mammals. Leaf mulch is broken down into soil by earthworms, fungi and other critters. And the whole cycle just goes on and on. 

Unfortunately photographing fauna is not my strong point. But here are a few shots of plants that will help attract birds, beast and insects to your garden. 

Appleberry (Billardiera scandens) is great for attracting native bees in spring. Crimson Rosellas also eat the flowers and fruit, though there are other species they prefer. Image by Emma Rooksby.

The abundant flowers of Coast Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorus), which bring in masses of local bee species. Image by Emma Rooksby.

The funny-looking flowers of Brush Pepperberry (Tasmannia insipida). This plant, as well as having edible peppery berries, attracts Orchard Swallowtail butterflies and a range of fruit-eating birds. Image by Emma Rooksby.

All three of the flowering plants here - Epacris (Epacris longifolia), Native Flax (Linum marginale) and Yellow
Buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum) attract birds and  insects. Crimson Rosellas adore Epacris flowers and will regularly visit your garden to eat them. Image by Emma Rooksby.

The flowers of the Turpentine Tree (Syncarpia glomulifera) will bring in all sorts of creatures, including birds, bees and even bats. Turpentine is a large and sturdy tree, not liable to drop branches or make too much trouble. Image by Emma Rooksby.

Finally, a spotted pardalote on a momentary pause before dashing off again. Best photo I could manage - told
you I wasn't good at photographing fauna! But this shot demonstrates the value of leaving fallen branches
and twigs in your garden - they can make excellent perches. Image by Emma Rooksby.