Butterflies, bees and birds depend on gardeners to reverse the declining biodiversity in our gardens and window boxes.
In Ireland today, there are 13 native species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction, including six species of bumblebee and one species of wild orchid, according to Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland.
Loss of habitat is the biggest threat to our biodiversity.
Gardens account for the biggest associated wildlife habitat in the country and 25 per cent of the land mass of the Dublin area is gardened space, said Mr Hatch at the launch of a campaign to raise awareness about the simple steps garden owners can take to look after the environment and increase biodiversity.
Birdwatch Ireland, in conjunction with Corrin Hill ice-cream, have launched a new initiative to encourage people to plant native plants, flowers and fruit in gardens, on balconies and in public spaces. The campaign includes awards for Ireland's best biodiversity gardens, which should brim with wildlife activity and a wide variety of plant growth.
Biodiversity is the variability of all living organisms across a particular area. Native plants and trees provide a more secure environment for biodiversity to flourish. "The oak tree, for example, can sustain 450 species of insect, while the non-native eucalyptus only sustains three," Mr Hatch said.
Dr Marion Coll of Notice Nature, a biodiversity awareness programme run by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, said gardens have become increasingly less hospitable to native species because the "show" flowers that people opt for are not native to Ireland. "We would always encourage people to set aside a 'wild' of their garden," she said.
1.5 million households in Ireland have gardens, which sustain a network of biodiversity that can be vastly improved with minimum effort.
Mr Hatch says birds are a visible indicator of the presence of the insects they feed on and the plants that sustain certain species of insects. "When you have more birds you can see that you are having an impact on the environment," he said.
Plants recommended to increase the falling bird and bee population include primrose, violets, daisies, lavender and native or traditional varieties of fruit trees.
Suggestions for improving the biodiversity value of gardens and details of the biodiversity award are available at www.corrinhill.ie/biodiversitygardens.