Biodiversity concerns everyone. Here you can find out what biodiversity is, how it develops and what you and your garden can contribute.

Wildflowers provide food and shelter for a number of native species

Species and biodiversity are also threatened in Germany. However, humanity is heavily dependent on the preservation of this we alth, even if we are often not aware of it. Gardens can make a very large contribution to the preservation of important living beings, which is why we have compiled information and practical tips for you here on how you can turn your garden into a paradise for all living beings.

Biodiversity and Biodiversity

Biodiversity generally describes the variety of species found in a given area. This can mean fungal and bacterial species as well as animal and plant species. Biodiversity, on the other hand, means the variety that exists within species. Because just as no one is exactly the same as another, there is greater or lesser genetic diversity within a species.

Biodiversity and Biodiversity: Importance

Diversity is a sign of he althy ecosystems. Many species, and a variety of different genetic types within those species, are able to survive adversity in their environment by using all of their variations to adapt. But what does it matter to us humans how fit the earth's ecosystems are?

Monocultural farming denies us access to vital environmental resources

In short, functioning ecosystems are the basis of our existence. We constantly use the services provided by our environment: our agriculture uses the biological function of the microorganisms living in fertile soils. Natural bodies of water contribute to the provision of clean drinking water. Plants and algae produce oxygen. Specialized insects pollinate most crops. Plants produce active ingredients that can be used in medicines. The worldwide diversity of plants is a valuable source for new active ingredients or properties that are required in the breeding of crop plants.

The destruction of theSpecies diversity and biodiversity cuts us off from the benefits of natural cycles and blocks our way to medicinal substances or resilient plants that should also secure our nutrition in the future.

What do we have to do with biodiversity?

We humans can promote or even prevent species diversity and biodiversity. We are currently changing the earth at such a rapid pace that many species can hardly keep up with the adaptation and are decimated. This reduces diversity and ultimately also species diversity if entire species become extinct. This only arises anew through the natural mutation of the genome - a diversity that is caused by different habitats and a lot of time. However, human development hardly allows this development, so that species diversity and biodiversity in many places on earth decrease faster than they can develop again.

Pollution contributes to habitat destruction of various plants

Overview: How humans are reducing species diversity and biodiversity

  • Agriculture relies on large-scale monocultures instead of extensive agriculture, which would provide a habitat for many species. Meat production consumes additional land
  • Extinction of species due to overfishing, hunting or logging
  • Destruction of habitats through over-fertilization, pollution or conversion to housing, roads, cultivated land or industrial forests
  • Introduction of non-native species that are superior to native species and displace them from their habitat
  • Climate change in particular is leading to global changes that are affecting the survival of specialized species

Biodiversity in Germany

Species and biodiversity are declining worldwide and also in Germany. In a Europe-wide comparison, the Federal Republic is in a bad position, after all, more species are endangered, "missing" or demonstrably extinct here than is the case in many other European countries. The Red List of Endangered Animals shows that more than 5% of the species in this country are already extinct or "missing". Almost 30% are considered endangered.

Structurally rich, somewhat wild gardens offer space for biodiversity - and look great

Preserve and protect biodiversity in the garden

It has been proven that even the smallest areas can make a huge contribution to the preservation of species diversity and biodiversity. By the way, you also benefit from thisGarden owners (or balcony owners) in many different ways. We have therefore put together a few tips for you that will also turn your garden into a true life raft for living beings.

Tips for more biodiversity in the garden:

  • Use native plants. Native insects and animals are adjusted to their heyday and fruit supply. Hedges of native trees provide shelter and food for birds, insects and small mammals. Don't rule out wild herbs either: if your garden has space for a "wild corner", leave it to nature. A flowering meadow is also a very aesthetic option. This does not have to be mowed and often prevails year after year.
  • It is essential to avoid using pesticides in the garden, as these often affect other organisms as well. In many cases, you can also stop pests in other ways. Creating habitats for beneficial insects can often limit problems to a manageable level.
Our Plantura organic fertilizers are animal-free and made to preserve the diversity of the soil
  • Use organic fertilizers and organic fertilizers. These integrate the entire soil life and preserve its diversity. Animal-free fertilizers ultimately use up less valuable land than animal-based ones. For this reason we have developed our own animal-free Plantura organic fertilizers: You can find out more about our Plantura organic fertilizers here.
  • Try not to see your garden as an outside living room. Leave a few leaves here and there, leave wilted perennials and watch the natural development with interest rather than displeasure. Sometimes interesting animals or beautiful wild plants suddenly settle down and you will be rewarded not least by the sight of them.
  • If your garden still looks very tidy, the best way to create artificial breeding areas is by installing nesting boxes or insect hotels. These are all the more readily accepted when they are integrated into a diverse environment: no insect will be interested in a beautiful insect hotel on a bare lawn. By the way, a particularly interesting habitat donor is a dry wall. This offers a wide range of lighting, temperature and humidity zones and can also be planted very decoratively.

If you are interested in how to turn your garden into a bee paradise, we have the right article for you.

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Garden Design