People of ReWild – Mel

When and why did you start to ReWild your garden?

I began my gardening journey growing edibles in my front yard, ripping up all the pavers that came with the property – with the intention of creating a permaculture-based food forest in my suburban yard. Anyone who’s ever grown edibles would know that you need to decide how you will manage ‘pests’, attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. I accidently fell in love with invertebrates through observing their behaviours and relationships in my garden, I welcomed them all with open arms and in 2021, I began my rewilding journey. I’ve since converted my verge and my backyard into practically self sufficient native habitat gardens to accommodate invertebrates and of course my 5 year old daughter.

What do you love most about your ReWild garden?

That I can feel miles away from suburbia in my own yard.

What has been the main challenge in establishing a ReWild garden?

Choosing the right plants for not only your soil and conditions – but also your gardening style. I don’t water my native areas after their first summer, they’re on their own and I’ve learned that not every plant that I add to my garden was meant to be. Although if you lose a banksia or even 7 of them, plant another one anyway… it’s not you, it’s them.

Tell us about your garden’s guests – what wildlife have you seen in your garden, including any new species since you started?

I don’t even know where to begin, I started from scratch – so all the wildlife that rely on my garden are there because I created a haven for them. My garden was a hot, sterile space and is now a 24/7 wildlife rave party. I can step outside and find 4 native bee species on one plant, butterflies floating, small birds nesting, frogs calling, parasitoids, predators restoring balance in my garden ecosystem.

What are your top tips for someone starting a ReWild garden?

You will kill plants, we all do, constantly. Don’t over think it, start small, bit by bit or go big straight away, start in pots if you have to – there is no right or wrong way to garden. Don’t forget the little guys, invertebrates are your friends and without them you’ll attract a lot less of our larger wildlife.

Visit the ReWild Perth website to discover resources to create your own wildlife habitat haven.

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