While working in your garden, do you work on cultivating every square inch of ground? Do you mow, string trim, prune, and weed throughout? Have you ever thought of leaving a bit of untidiness, undisturbed ground, and weeds? This may go against your inner-gardener instincts or what you were taught at one time, but leaving a piece of ground unkept for a more wild garden is an easy, beneficial, and very important thing to do.

A diverse mix of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms is critical

In the area where I live on Bainbridge Island in Washington, near the forest edge at the top of my property is a loose, wild “planting” with lots of herbaceous and evergreen native plants. Biodiversity happily exists here. Many people don’t understand the need for biodiversity—land that has a rich mix of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. All the flora and fauna living and working together provide habitat that sustains life, including people. Loss of these areas is in a critical state across the world. Loss of diverse ecological landscapes like this one and the extinction of plants and animals is a real problem, for ALL of us.

No matter the size, letting your garden go a bit wild keeps nature’s systems moving along smoothly

Now I realize that this little bit of land on my property may not make the difference that a national park or large conservation site would, but think of the collective effect if everybody did a little bit to promote biodiversity in the area in which they live. The small wild garden area on my property is teaming with layers of biodiversity that begin with a deep stratum of fallen leaves, which is used by some animals to create cozy winter dens. These animals, such as field mice, moles, and voles, play a part in every garden, aerating the soil and adding organic matter.

As the leaves break down, it becomes leaf litter (nature’s mulch) with the help of other small creatures or organisms. Lifting the leaf litter mulch, you can see the white threads of beneficial fungi breaking down and creating good soil. These saprophytic fungi feed on dead organic matter, like mulch, compost, and various soil conditioners (like animal manure). They are critical to soil health. They are one of the primary organisms that break down raw organic matter into humus and release essential minerals to plant roots. This naturally occurring fertilizer benefits all the plants in this area, including the trees.

Weeds play a key role in biodiversity too

Another important layer in the ecological landscape is the “weeds.” While typically unwelcome in any of our cultivated beds, plants like stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla), candy flower (Claytonia sibirica), and bishop’s cap (Mitella trifida) play a key role as food for insects and other animals in the biodiversity network. Stinging nettle, for example, is a host plant for a number of butterfly and moth species. It also provides great perennial habitat for a wide range of other beneficial pollinators and predatory insects, from native bees to parasitic wasps.

I’ve added sword fern (Polystichum munitum, Zones 5–9) and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens, Zones 3–8) to the wild woodland area. Western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa, Zones 4–8) reseeds and spreads throughout the sunnier areas. The stream that flows nearby has salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, Zones 5–8) and skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus, 4–8) growing in the moist soil there. Together, all these plants, along with the wildlife and other creatures that live here, create a beneficial ecosystem and interdependent web of biodiversity.

Am I tempted to clean this out, add more cultivated plants, irrigate, and create a serene garden space in the forest? Yes, but the sustainability benefits of the “weed” patch are greater than the need for another garden area.

—Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Photos: Susan Calhoun

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Gardener's Log Book from NYBG

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features: · Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil · Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds · Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when · Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening · Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting · Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.

Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase.

Buy at Taunton Store