Hedgehogs, Rabbits, and Co. - Our Garden Dwellers

"For cat owners, the safety and well-being of their feline friends are paramount. Many cat owners, especially in larger cities, fear their beloved pets falling victim to traffic. If you still want your cat to enjoy the garden, you can create a dedicated zone, similar to a bird aviary, completely enclosed with netting. Most cats accept this boundary, so it's usually not necessary to make it particularly escape-proof.

A versatile and decorative scratching post, a cozy nook, and a private spot for their litter needs are often enough for most indoor cats to feel completely comfortable.

Dogs are often more demanding. It's crucial to ensure your garden is 100% escape-proof; otherwise, your furry friend will surely embark on an unobserved exploration tour. A dog house, a sandbox for digging, and a few agility elements will keep both you and your four-legged friend busy.

Additionally, it's advisable to protect your fish pond from your pets to prevent it from being emptied or devastated in no time.

Rodents that are part of the family will enjoy their outdoor time if you offer them retreat possibilities. It's important that hamsters and the like can not only take shelter from birds of prey and the neighbor's cat but also from the intense summer sun."

"If you want to make your garden a meeting point for as many native species as possible, you should focus on a wide variety of plants during planning. For example, there are plants that attract insects, which in turn are followed by specific bird species that keep their populations in check.

A colorful wildflower meadow is ideal here, but Buddleia (summer lilac) and Canadian goldenrod also attract many insects. This way, you can attract flycatchers and wrens with flying insects and caterpillars. And a fish pond, especially one stocked with small fish species, might even attract a kingfisher with a bit of luck.

To give animals like insects, as well as amphibians, hedgehogs, and squirrels a chance in your garden, you should ensure that your garden offers plenty of hiding spots."