I have written before on attracting beneficial creatures to your yard and garden.

I have even built a few bee houses.

It’s nice to watch the insects and birds and know they’re working on my behalf (most of the time).

A couple of weeks ago I met Eric via an online gardening consultation and he showed me his homemade bird feeder and insect hotel. I asked if I could share them here. He graciously agreed and sent me pictures.

First, here’s the bird feeder:

I love reclaimed materials.

Now check out the bee house / insect hotel:

And, just for fun, check out this nicely set up woodpile Eric also created:

I dig the door knob and latch.

At my old property I had places for toads and snakes, wasps and bees, beetles and butterflies… my yard was alive with life and my pest problems were minimal, unlike most suburban gardeners.

Now I live in the jungle so habitat is everywhere, but I do think I should probably pop in a few bird houses one of these days.

Eric is on the right track. Make a place for life on your homestead!