New neighbours have just razed their backyard. Gone - 70 year old almond tree, much frequented by Black Cockatoos, lorikeets, wattle birds and assorted honey eaters. Also two apple trees ditto. We have a almond tree at least 100 years old, now it has nothing to cross pollinate with so I imagine our bountiful crops of almonds are cactus. Our backyard is fast becoming the only one in our street with any habitat for birds, bees (including native bees), butterflies and bugs in general. Oh, our backyard is not squeeky clean, no nasty bronze spiky plants and river pebbles. Vale almond tree.
A cry from the heart, Nikki! But I sincerely hope that your almonds aren't now cactus, in both senses of the term, since cactus provides little or no habitat for Aussie native birds. Hummingbirds, perhaps, but not our native birds.
I guess the stark reality is that your neighbours are entitled to create an ecological desert if they wish. In fact, they may even be mentioned in the New Years Honours list, if this is what they've done, as there seem to be ample rewards for ecological destruction in our great nation. However, is it too early to despair completely? Have you engaged them in conversation about their plans for their backyard? Perhaps, but only perhaps, they plan to do some ecological restoration & create some wildlife habitat. Perhaps in a conversation with them you might introduce them to the idea of wildlife habitat, especially if you've done likewise. I don't know if the soil where you live is still suitable for planting local natives at this time of year but I'll be interested to hear what your neighbours have done with their backyard & whether they are aware of the great opportunity they have to contribute to the recovery of Australia's biodiversity.
Thats very sad Vikki, but it seems to be the way these days. Low maintenance ugliness.
Ooops, Vikki (not Nikki). Sorry.