How can I create a backyard habitat to attract birds and butterflies?

You can create a thriving backyard habitat by providing four essential elements: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. Transforming your lawn into a sanctuary requires shifting away from manicured turf toward a diverse, layered, and pesticide-free ecosystem.

🌿 1. Plant Native "Habitat Layers"

Native plants are the foundation of a biodiverse yard because local wildlife evolved alongside them. A common rule of thumb is the 70/30 rule—ensuring at least 70% of your landscape consists of native species . Arrange your plants in vertical layers to maximize space and safety:

• Canopy & Understory Trees : Plant native oaks, cherries, or willows to provide nesting sites and a massive supply of caterpillar food.
• Shrubs : Mix deciduous and evergreen shrubs like serviceberry, holly, or dogwood to provide winter shelter and nutrient-rich berries.
• Perennials & Grasses : Grow dense patches of colorful wildflowers and native grasses (like switchgrass) to produce nectar and seeds.

🦋 2. Double Down on Butterfly Essentials

To keep butterflies in your yard, you must support their entire life cycle, not just the adults:

• Host Plants for Caterpillars : Female butterflies only lay eggs on specific plants that their larvae can eat. For example, plant milkweed for Monarchs and spicebush for Spicebush Swallowtails. Expect these plants to get chewed up
• Nectar Plants for Adults : Plant continuous, overlapping blooms from spring to fall. Excellent choices include coneflower, Joe Pyeweed, black-eyed Susans, and cosmos.
• Basking & Puddling Stations : Place flat stones in open, sun-drenched spots so butterflies can warm their wings. Keep a shallow saucer filled with damp mud or sand so they can safely sip essential minerals.

💧 3. Offer Dynamic Water Sources

Clean water attracts a wider variety of birds than food alone.

• Birdbaths : Use a shallow container (under 2 inches deep) with a textured bottom so birds don't slip. Add pebbles or twigs to the edges to give butterflies and bees a safe place to land without drowning.
• Moving Water : Add a solar bubbler or a dripping mechanism. The sound and sight of moving water act as a magnet for migrating birds.

🪵 4. Leave Safe Cover and Nesting Sites

Wildlife needs protection from bad weather and predators like free-roaming cats.

• Build a Brush Pile : Pile fallen logs, branches, and yard clippings in a quiet corner to create hidden spaces for ground-feeding birds.
• Keep "Snags" : If a dead tree poses no safety hazard, leave it standing. Woodpeckers and cavity-nesting birds depend on them for food and shelter.
• Install Nesting Boxes : Mount birdhouses on poles equipped with predator baffles to keep eggs safe from raccoons and snakes.

🚫 5. Practice Wildlife-Friendly Maintenance

• Eliminate Insecticides : Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides. Caterpillars and insects are the primary food source for over 90% of land birds raising their young.
• Embrace the Mess : Let your perennial flower heads go to seed in the fall; goldfinches and sparrows will eat them all winter. Leave patches of fallen leaf litter in your garden beds so birds can forage for insects.

If you want to tailor this specifically to your yard, let me know:

• What geographic region or climate zone do you live in?
• How much sunlight does your backyard get?
• Are you dealing with a small patio/balcony or a large yard?

I can give you a specific list of native plants that will thrive in your area.

The most effective backyard habitat mimics a natural ecosystem: provide food, water, shelter, and places to reproduce. Birds and butterflies are far more likely to stay if all four needs are met.

1. Start with native plants

Native plants are the foundation of a successful wildlife garden because they support local insects, caterpillars, birds, and pollinators better than most non-native ornamentals. Many songbirds rely on caterpillars to feed their young, and butterflies often need specific native host plants for their larvae.

Good examples in much of the northeastern U.S. include:

• Milkweed (especially for monarchs)
• Butterfly Weed
• Coneflower
• Aster
• Goldenrod
• Bee Balm
• Native shrubs that produce berries, such as dogwoods, viburnums, and beautyberries.

2. Plant for the entire butterfly life cycle

Many gardeners focus only on nectar flowers, but butterflies also need host plants where they can lay eggs and caterpillars can feed. A butterfly-friendly yard should include both nectar plants and caterpillar host plants.

For example:

• Monarchs need milkweed.
• Different swallowtails, fritillaries, and skippers each use specific host plants.
• Include flowers that bloom from spring through fall so nectar is available all season.

3. Add a water source

Even a simple birdbath can make a big difference.

For birds:

• Provide shallow, clean water for drinking and bathing.

For butterflies:

• Create a "puddling" area by keeping a shallow patch of damp sand or soil moist. Butterflies often gather there for minerals.

4. Create layers of vegetation

Wildlife prefers habitats with different heights and structures.

Try to include:

• Tall trees
• Medium-height shrubs
• Flowering perennials
• Native grasses and groundcovers

These layers provide nesting sites, shelter from predators, and food sources throughout the year.

5. Reduce lawn area

A large lawn offers little food or shelter. Converting even a small section into a native wildflower bed can dramatically increase butterfly and bird activity.

6. Avoid pesticides

Pesticides often kill the insects that birds and butterflies depend on. A healthy habitat includes caterpillars, beetles, and other insects—even if a few leaves get chewed.

A common theme among native-plant gardeners is that butterflies and birds thrive when you allow a balanced insect community to develop.

7. Provide shelter and nesting areas

Consider:

• Dense shrubs for cover
• Brush piles in a back corner
• Dead stems left standing through winter
• Birdhouses suited to local species

These features give wildlife places to hide, nest, and overwinter.

A simple beginner plan

If you're starting from scratch:

1. Add a birdbath.
2. Replace a small lawn section with native flowers.
3. Plant at least one milkweed patch.
4. Add a berry-producing native shrub.
5. Stop using broad-spectrum pesticides.
6. Leave some leaf litter and plant stems over winter.

Even a modest habitat built around native plants can start attracting noticeably more butterflies and birds within a single growing season.

If you'd like, I can also suggest specific native plants for your area around Middletown, New York.

Create a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies by providing food, water, and shelter through native plantings and sustainable practices. Key steps include planting native flowers and shrubs, reducing lawn area, eliminating pesticide use, and installing water features like bird baths with perching stones. A diverse, multi-layered landscape—using trees, shrubs, and perennials—ensures year-round food and protection for wildlife.

1. Plant Native for Food and Shelter

• Use Native Plants: Choose plants native to your region to provide nectar for butterflies and bees, and berries/seeds for birds. Native plants are vital because they host the insects birds eat.
• Butterfly Host Plants: Plant milkweed for monarchs and native host plants for caterpillars.
• Continuous Blooms: Choose species with varying bloom times to provide food from spring to fall.
• Layered Design: Plant a mix of tall trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials to create diverse nesting and hiding sites.
• Key Plants: Consider shrubs (lilacs), flowers (phlox, alliums, verbena), and sun-loving wildflowers.

2. Provide Water Sources

• Bird Bath: Install a bird bath, keeping it clean and filled with fresh water.
• Butterfly Puddling Dish: Create a shallow, pebbled dish for butterflies to land on and drink.
• Water Safety: Use a shallow container (maximum 3 inches deep) for a, or add rocks to deeper water features so bees and butterflies don't drown.

3. Create Shelter and Nesting Spots

• Build a Brush Pile: Leave a corner of the yard with twigs and branches for birds to hide in.
• Dense Planting: Use thick shrubs and evergreens to provide protection from predators and weather.
• Nesting Boxes: Install bird houses or roosting boxes, tailored to the species in your area.

4. Sustainable Gardening Practices

• Stop Pesticides: Avoid pesticides and insecticides, which kill the caterpillars butterflies need and the insects birds eat.
• Leave the Leaves/Seeds: Allow plants to go to seed in the fall, and leave leaves to provide habitat for pollinators.
• Reduce Lawn: Replace turf grass with flower beds or native prairie gardens.

5. Design Tips

• Plant in Groups: Group plants of the same species together to make it easier for pollinators to locate them.
• Sun and Shade: Place nectar-producing plants in full sun, as butterflies love to bask in the sun and stay warm.

For tailored advice, search the Audubon Native Plant Database for your area.

Creating a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies is really about rebuilding the basics of a small ecosystem: food, water, shelter, and places to reproduce. When those four things are in place, wildlife tends to show up on its own. blog.nwf.org

Here’s a practical way to set it up in your yard:

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1. Start with native plants (this is the foundation)

Native plants are the most important part of a wildlife-friendly yard because local birds, butterflies, and insects already recognize them as food and shelter. cnps.org

• For butterflies: plant nectar flowers + “host plants” (for caterpillars)

• Milkweed (Monarch butterflies)

• Coneflower, black-eyed Susan, asters, goldenrod

• Parsley, dill, fennel (for swallowtails)

• For birds: add seed, berry, and insect-friendly plants

• Serviceberry, elderberry, viburnum

• Sunflowers, native grasses

• Oak trees (huge value for insects that feed birds)

Aim for plants that bloom at different times so something is always available.

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2. Add layers like a natural habitat

Wild areas aren’t flat—they have structure.

• Tall layer: trees (nesting + insects)

• Middle layer: shrubs (berries + cover)

• Ground layer: wildflowers + grasses (nectar + caterpillars)

This “stacking” gives birds places to hide, nest, and hunt safely. plantnative.org

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3. Provide clean water (simple but powerful)

Even a small water source makes a big difference.

• Birdbath (shallow, 1–3 inches deep)

• Add stones so butterflies can land safely

• Refresh water often to keep it clean

Moving water (like a dripper or small fountain) attracts even more birds.

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4. Skip pesticides and chemicals

This is critical for butterflies.

• No insecticides (they kill caterpillars and reduce bird food)

• Avoid herbicides that remove native “weeds”

• Let some leaf litter stay—it supports insects birds eat

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5. Add shelter and nesting spots

Wildlife needs safe places to rest and raise young.

• Dense shrubs or brush piles

• Native grasses left standing in winter

• Birdhouses sized for local species

• Evergreens for year-round cover

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6. Feed birds (optional but helpful)

Natural food is best, but feeders can boost activity:

• Black oil sunflower seeds (most birds love this)

• Suet (great for woodpeckers)

• Hummingbird nectar (4:1 water to sugar, no dye)

Keep feeders clean to prevent disease.

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7. Design for “wild edges,” not perfection

Butterflies and birds prefer slightly messy, natural spaces:

• Curved beds instead of straight lines

• Flower patches mixed together

• Let some plants go to seed

A “too tidy” yard often supports less wildlife.

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8. Think seasonally (this keeps your yard alive year-round)

• Spring: caterpillar food plants

• Summer: nectar flowers

• Fall: seeds and berries

• Winter: shelter + dried seed heads

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If you want a simple starter plan:

1. Plant 3–5 native flowering plants

2. Add 1 shrub with berries

3. Install a shallow birdbath

4. Skip pesticides completely

That alone can start attracting visitors within weeks to months.

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If you want, tell me your yard size and whether it’s sunny or shaded, and I can suggest a specific plant layout that fits your space and your region.

Create a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies by planting native species in layered clusters, providing water sources, reducing pesticide use, and leaving some areas of the yard "messy" for shelter. Focus on a mix of canopy trees, shrubs, and perennials to offer food (seeds, berries, nectar) and nesting spots throughout the year.

Key Steps to Create Your Habitat

• Plant Native Species: Native plants are essential because they provide the right food and shelter for local wildlife. Aim for at least 70% native plants, such as oak trees, coneflowers, and milkweed.
• Layer Your Garden: Mimic a natural ecosystem by planting in layers: canopy trees, shrubs/small trees, and groundcover/perennials. This provides varied nesting and hiding spots.
• Provide Water: Install a birdbath with a shallow, pebbled area for butterflies and bees to land. Ensure water is clean and available year-round.
• Create Shelter and Nesting Areas: Keep parts of the yard natural with brush piles, dead leaves, and log piles for insects and small animals. Dense shrubs or evergreens provide shelter.
• Plant for Butterflies & Caterpillars: Include nectar-rich flowers like verbena, zinnias, and lavender. Add host plants for caterpillars, such as milkweed (for Monarchs) or dill.
• Reduce Pesticides: Avoid chemicals that harm pollinators and eliminate food sources for birds.
• Group Plants: Cluster plants in groups of 5 or more to make them easier for pollinators to locate.

Plants to Attract Wildlife

• Birds: Sunflowers (seeds), berry-producing bushes, and oak trees.
• Butterflies & Pollinators: Purple coneflower, milkweed, bee balm, aster, and butterfly bush.

Small Space Tips

• Even a small balcony can support wildlife with potted plants like Lantana or Pentas, a small bird feeder, and a shallow dish of water for insects.

Creating a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies is really about rebuilding a small, functional ecosystem. The core idea is simple: if you provide food, water, shelter, and places to reproduce , wildlife will naturally move in and stay. blog.nwf.org

Here’s a practical way to set it up in your yard.

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1. Start with native plants (this is the foundation)

Native plants are the most important step because local birds, butterflies, and insects evolved with them.

• Choose native flowers, shrubs, and trees suited to your area (Southern California natives are especially effective)

• Mix plants that:

• bloom in different seasons (spring, summer, fall)

• produce nectar (butterflies + hummingbirds)

• produce seeds/berries (songbirds)

Examples commonly used in California-style habitats:

• Milkweed (for monarch butterflies)

• Salvia, penstemon, and buckwheat (nectar plants)

• Sunflowers and coneflowers (seeds for birds)

Native plant gardens also support caterpillars, which are essential for butterfly life cycles. wildark.org

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2. Add water (a surprisingly strong attractor)

Even a small water source dramatically increases visits.

• Shallow birdbath (1–2 inches deep in most areas)

• Add stones so insects can safely land

• Keep it clean and refill often

• Optional upgrades:

• dripper or small fountain (moving water attracts more birds)

Water supports drinking, bathing, and even butterfly activity. plantnative.org

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3. Create layered shelter (don’t leave open “lawn space”)

Wildlife needs places to hide and nest.

Try to layer vegetation like a natural landscape:

• Ground layer: native grasses, low flowers

• Mid layer: shrubs for cover

• Upper layer: small trees or tall shrubs

Also include:

• Dense shrubs for nesting birds

• Brush piles or logs in a corner (excellent insect habitat)

• Evergreen plants for year-round shelter

Birds especially rely on dense cover to avoid predators. backyardnaturecenter.org

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4. Provide food the natural way (and optionally supplement it)

Best approach is letting plants do most of the work:

• Seed plants (sunflower, native grasses)

• Berry shrubs (if space allows)

• Nectar flowers (for butterflies + hummingbirds)

You can also add feeders, but they should be supplemental—not the only food source. Natural plant-based food keeps wildlife more self-sufficient. plantnative.org

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5. Stop using pesticides and herbicides

This is critical.

• Insects are the base of the food chain for birds

• Caterpillars are essential for baby birds

• Chemicals can break the entire habitat system

A healthy habitat relies on natural balance instead of chemical control.

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6. Design for butterflies specifically

Butterflies need two types of plants:

• Host plants (where they lay eggs)

• milkweed (monarchs)

• parsley, dill, fennel (swallowtails)

• Nectar plants (food for adults)

• lantana, salvia, lavender, verbena

Also:

• Leave some sunny, wind-protected areas

• Avoid overly “clean” gardens—some wildness helps

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7. Add simple habitat extras

These small features make a big difference:

• Flat stones (butterflies warm themselves on them)

• Bird nesting boxes (for cavity nesters)

• Bare soil patches (native bees nest in soil)

• Fallen leaves in corners (insect habitat + bird foraging)

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8. Think “ecosystem,” not decoration

A good rule: if your yard starts looking a little less manicured, it’s often becoming more alive.

A successful backyard habitat:

• attracts insects first

• then birds and butterflies follow

• becomes more self-sustaining over time

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If you want, tell me your yard size and whether you have sun/shade areas—I can suggest a simple layout plan specifically for your space in Southern California.

Creating a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies is mostly about rebuilding the basic things wildlife need: food, water, shelter, and places to raise young. The good news is you don’t need a huge yard—just intentional plant choices and a bit of “letting nature be natural.”

Here’s a practical way to set it up:

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1. Plant native species first (this is the foundation)

Native plants are the single most important step because local birds and butterflies evolved with them.

• For birds: shrubs and trees that produce berries or seeds (serviceberry, chokecherry, elderberry, coneflower, sunflower)

• For butterflies: nectar flowers + host plants for caterpillars (milkweed for monarchs, dill/parsley for swallowtails)

• Try to plant in clusters , not single plants, so pollinators can find them easily fs.usda.gov

• Aim for blooms from spring through fall so food is always available

In Colorado specifically, native plantings also support hundreds of bee and butterfly species and reduce the need for watering and chemicals pueblo.extension.colostate.edu

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2. Add water (simple but often overlooked)

Wildlife won’t stay if they can’t drink safely.

• Shallow birdbath with stones for footing

• Moving water (dripper or small fountain) attracts more birds

• For butterflies: a shallow dish with wet sand or mud (they “puddle” for minerals)

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3. Provide shelter and nesting areas

Think “safe places,” not just open lawn.

• Dense shrubs for nesting and hiding

• Layered habitat: trees + shrubs + flowers (mimics natural structure) conps.org

• Brush piles or dead wood in a corner (great for insects and native bees)

• Leave some leaf litter in fall for overwintering butterflies and insects

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4. Skip pesticides and chemicals completely

Even “safe” garden sprays can harm pollinators.

• Avoid insecticides and herbicides

• Let a few “messy” areas exist—this is actually critical habitat

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5. Create butterfly-specific support zones

Butterflies need more than nectar:

• Host plants (where caterpillars feed)

• Sunny flat rocks for warming up

• Wind-sheltered areas with sun exposure

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6. Make it feel like a “mini ecosystem,” not a manicured lawn

A successful wildlife yard often includes:

• Mixed plant heights

• Wild patches or meadow-style areas

• Seasonal variety (some plants bloom early, others late)

Even small yards or container gardens can qualify as functional habitat when designed this way audubon.org

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7. Optional upgrades (if you want more activity)

• Hummingbird feeders (especially useful in summer)

• Native bee houses (drilled wood blocks or reeds)

• Small “pollinator garden corner” instead of redesigning everything at once

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Simple starter plan (if you want it easy)

If you only do 3 things, do these:

1. Replace part of lawn with native flowers

2. Add a shrub or two for shelter/berries

3. Put in a shallow water source

That alone will noticeably increase bird and butterfly activity within a season or two.

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If you want, tell me your yard size and sun exposure, and I can suggest specific plants that do especially well in northern Colorado.

Create a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies by planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers, installing a water source, and reducing lawn area. Focus on layered landscaping (trees, shrubs, perennials) for shelter and food, provide host plants for caterpillars, add feeders, and leave some "dead" zones like brush piles or leaf litter.

Essential Elements for a Wildlife Habitat :

• Food Sources: Plant native species to provide nectar, berries, and seeds year-round. Use milkweed for monarchs, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and berry-producing shrubs.
• Water Sources: Install a birdbath with shallow, clean water and rocks for butterflies and bees to land on. Ponds or water features also work.
• Shelter and Cover: Plant dense shrubs and evergreen trees for protection from predators and weather. Create brush piles with logs and sticks to provide shelter.
• Nesting Places: Install birdhouses or nesting boxes, and leave dead trees (snags) if they are not a hazard, as they offer nesting sites.
• Sustainable Practices: Reduce or eliminate chemical pesticides to protect pollinators and insects that birds eat.

Designing for Butterflies :

• Host Plants: Plant specific plants that caterpillars feed on, such as Milkweed (monarchs), Dill, Fennel, or Pawpaw trees (zebra swallowtails).
• Nectar Plants: Provide a continuous bloom of nectar-rich flowers like Lantana, Verbena, Salvia, and Buddleja (butterfly bush).
• Sunny & Sheltered: Place plants in sunny spots and ensure they are protected from strong winds.

Designing for Birds :

• Vertical Layers: Plant a mix of tall trees, medium shrubs, and low ground cover to offer different nesting and feeding zones.
• Feeders: Supplement natural food with bird feeders (seeds, suet).
• Native Plants: Select native trees like oaks, dogwoods, or cherries, which support high numbers of caterpillars to feed baby birds.

Creating a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies isn’t complicated—but it does require thinking like wildlife. The goal is to meet their basic needs: food, water, shelter, and places to reproduce. Once you cover those four elements, your yard starts functioning like a mini-ecosystem. blog.nwf.org

Here’s how to do it in a practical, step-by-step way:

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🌱 1. Plant the right mix (this is the foundation)

Go heavy on native plants —they’re the single most important factor.

• For birds: plants that produce seeds, berries, and attract insects

• For butterflies: both nectar plants (for adults) and host plants (for caterpillars)

Good options:

• Flowers: milkweed, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, bee balm

• Shrubs/trees: serviceberry, viburnum, dogwood

• Grasses & wildflowers for diversity

Why it matters:

• Butterflies need specific plants to lay eggs and feed larvae butterflywebsite.com

• Birds rely on seeds and insects that live on these plants backyardnaturecenter.org

👉 Tip: Plant in layers (tall trees → shrubs → flowers → ground cover) to mimic nature.

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💧 2. Add water sources (simple but powerful)

Wildlife is drawn to water just as much as food.

• Birdbath (shallow, with stones for footing)

• Small fountain or dripper (movement attracts birds)

• “Puddling station” for butterflies (wet sand/soil dish)

Butterflies actually need minerals from muddy water—not just nectar. wdfw.wa.gov

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🌿 3. Create shelter and nesting spots

Animals won’t stay if they don’t feel safe.

• Dense shrubs or hedges for cover

• Trees for nesting and perching

• Leave some areas a little “messy” (leaf litter, brush piles)

Birds use these areas to hide from predators and raise young Healthy Backyard Habitat - Back Yard Nature Center, while butterflies use natural debris during their life cycle.

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🍽️ 4. Offer supplemental food (optional but helpful)

This boosts activity, especially at first.

• Bird feeders with sunflower or nyjer seeds

• Nectar-rich flowers instead of artificial butterfly feeders

Feeders work best when placed near shrubs so birds feel safe.

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☀️ 5. Design for sun + open space

Butterflies love warmth and visibility.

• Plant nectar flowers in sunny spots

• Include flat rocks for basking

• Leave open flight paths between plant groupings

Butterflies rarely feed in deep shade, so sunlight is key. butterflywebsite.com

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🚫 6. Avoid pesticides (this is critical)

• Chemicals kill insects → birds lose a major food source

• Caterpillars (future butterflies) won’t survive

A slightly “buggy” yard is actually a healthy one.

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🌼 7. Plan for all seasons

Aim for year-round support:

• Spring/summer: nectar flowers

• Fall: seed heads and berries (don’t deadhead everything!)

• Winter: evergreen cover and leftover seeds

This keeps wildlife coming back consistently.

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🧠 A useful mindset shift

From gardening experts and even hobbyists, one consistent insight is this:

“Plant for the caterpillars, and the butterflies will follow.”

And when you support insects, birds naturally follow too.

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🎥 Quick visual guide

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Bottom line

If you focus on:

• Native plants + diversity

• Water + shelter

• No chemicals

…your backyard will gradually turn into a thriving habitat.

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If you want, tell me your yard size and sunlight (full sun, partial shade, etc.), and I can suggest a specific plant layout for your area in Texas.

Create a backyard habitat for birds and butterflies by planting native species for food, providing clean water sources like birdbaths, and leaving "messy" areas for shelter, such as brush piles. Key steps include reducing pesticides, planting in layers (trees to groundcover), and offering varied habitats.

Essential Components for a Backyard Habitat

• Native Plants (Food & Shelter): Use native plants, which offer the best food (seeds, fruits, insects) for local wildlife. Use tools like the Audubon Native Plant Database to find species suited to your area.
• Butterfly Host& Nectar Plants: Plant milkweed for monarchs, along with dill, fennel, and parsley for caterpillar host plants. Use nectar-rich flowers like coneflower, salvia, and lavender for adult butterflies.
• Water Sources : Install a birdbath with a shallow, textured basin. Add sand or stones to the edge for bees and butterflies.
• Shelter and Nesting : Build a brush pile or keep a, snag (dead tree) to offer protection. Add nesting boxes or bird houses.
• "Messy" Gardening : Leave leaves, perennials, and seed heads over the winter. This provides crucial food for birds and habitats for pollinators.
• Diversity and Layers : Create a layered effect with tall trees, shrubs, and perennials to mimic natural ecosystems. Group similar plants together to attract pollinators.

Actionable Tips

• Reduce Chemical Use: Avoid pesticides to protect pollinators and ensure a healthy food source for birds.
• Create Continuous Bloom: Select plants that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a steady supply of nectar.
• Start Small: A simple container garden on a balcony with native plants can still attract pollinators.

For more detailed tips, you can read the National Wildlife Federation's guide to attracting wildlife and Wild Birds Unlimited's advice on creating a habitat.