When the first golden rays of spring start to warm up the yard, and millions of Canadians' minds turn to thoughts of veggie plots, flower beds and barbecues, mother nature is already busy at work.

Behind the scenes, seeds are germinating, and hibernating creatures are stirring. Unfortunately for many of us, that can mean trouble, as invasive weeds take over our lawns or plots, and all manner of bugs start looking for nice things to eat and places to raise the next generation. Regrettably, one of the results of our modern lifestyle is our complete lack of knowledge about the world around us, and we usually respond to the notion of sharing our space with nature by eradicating it without a second thought.

The truth is, every critter or wild plant has a part to play. Our lack of understanding about which bugs and creatures are beneficial to us, and lead to a 'kill 'em all' attitude, can ultimately create more problems than cures, in the long run. Some insects are top predators and will keep your garden free of prized-plant-munching beasties, while garter snakes, frogs and many birds will control the pests you don't want in the yard, the natural way. By recklessly killing all the wild inhabitants of our green spaces, we're often doing far more harm than good and, at the same time, depriving ourselves of a peek into the fascinating natural world around us.

One of the first things any responsible gardener should do, is to obtain a good identification guide to garden wildlife. Not only will it highlight the astonishing range of diversity that exists right alongside us, but may well also start the family on an exciting journey of discovery. Know your bad garden visitors and be prepared, plus learn how to invite the natural pest controllers into your haven, and watch as the micro-jungle plays out before your very eyes.

Sometimes, we may find that bees, wasps or hornets decide to pitch camp right in our backyard. This is always a worry, particularly for those with small children or pets. Always seek professional advice and have the insects dealt with early, before the colony becomes troublesome. In the case of bees, which are generally friendly, contact a local beekeeping association. They will be happy to provide expert help and will often come and remove the insects, and relocate them elsewhere. Unfortunately bees are in serious decline throughout North America, and as the key pollinators of many of our favorite flowers, vegetables and fruit, as well as being the providers of honey, it is essential that we look after them as best we can.

Not everyone likes the thought of bats or birds sharing our living spaces, but they can be astonishingly effective bug removers - some of the commoner bats we see around our homes consume literally thousands of insects each night! Of course, those of us who love to see and hear the array of birds that come to our gardens will be aware that many of these feathered friends are seeking protein-filled bugs to eat. By spraying harmful chemicals around, we are not only adding toxic elements to our own environment, but also depriving the birds of essential food. Small warblers and chickadees will find all the hiding places of those unwanted garden pests, while larger flycatchers, robins, and the like, will hunt larger troublesome insects.

If we find that we are still being plagued by pests, it's really worth considering all alternatives to harmful pesticides, where we can. The untold long-term effects to our own health should be enough to discourage the majority of us from bombarding our greenery with manufactured chemicals, but also, a garden free of diversity and wildlife can be a barren and sterile place. The increase in effective natural, and organic, pest control methods has gained considerable ground in recent years. There is plenty of information out there, online and in books and magazines, for us to find out what will be best for our own situation.

So, as we dream of sipping a gin and tonic in the summer sun, steaks sizzling nicely on the barbecue, we can be thankful for the sound of songbirds filling the air, and the sight of a brilliantly colored butterfly dancing over the nodding flowers, happy in the knowledge that we are the proud co-creators of the flourishing, idyllic oasis around us.