4
s
Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
s
Scarlet Sage
(Salvia coccinea)
There are many kinds of
shrubs illustrated throughout
the yard, and variety is one of
the most important
considerations when
landscaping for wildlife.
By offering a wide selection
of flowers, fruits, and heights
of plants, you will appeal to
the greatest number of
different species.
Fruiting shrubs near the
windbreak include inkberry (Ilex
glabra), bayberry (Myrica
pensylvanica), rugosa rose
(Rosa rugosa), and blueberry
(Vaccinium corymbosum). All of
these are native and favorites
of birds and other small wildlife.
Some are duplicated in the
upper planting areas, along with
shrubs planted for their nectar,
including spicebush (Lindera
benzoin) and sweet pepperbush
(Clethra alnifolia). The
spicebush has berries for birds,
and the white flowers of the
sweet pepperbush will attract
butterflies. The red twig
dogwood (Cornus siberica), while
not native, provides wonderful
red color in winter and birds
enjoy its autumn berries.
Group Plantings
To Increase Appeal
In most cases, groupings of
trees and plants will be more
pleasing to the eye and more
appealing to wildlife than
individual specimens standing
alone in a sea of lawn. Mowed
grass is nice for people, and you
may want to maintain an area
of lawn near the house, but it
offers little for wildlife, requires
effort and money to maintain,
wastes water, and encourages
the use of polluting chemicals.
Less lawn is better for both
you and the environment. For a
low-growing alternative to
grass, consider the many kinds
of ground covers available, such
as cotoneaster and creeping
junipers. If you have corners
that can be left taller, many
native grasses provide shelter
and seeds for birds.
Man-made structures can
add decorative accents to the
garden and at the same time
contribute to your wildlife
habitat. In this design, trellises,
arbors, and lattice screens
support vines which bear
flowers for nectar, berries for
birds, or provide nesting sites.
Bittersweet (Celastrus
orbiculata, an exotic that may
become invasive), climbing rose,
clematis (native version is
ligusticifolia), and trumpet
creeper (Bignonia capreolata)
are shown in the plan. Other
choices include Virginia creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia),
yellow jasmine (Gelsemium
sempervirens), coral
honeysuckle (Lonicera
sempervirens), and grapes.
Nesting boxes placed around
the property will encourage
birds to raise families in your
habitat. Additions like a dust
and grit area for birds or a mud
puddle for butterflies may not
sound charming to humans, but
the wildlife will come in even
greater numbers.
Feeders are an obvious
addition, and water is essential
for all wildlife. You may not have
room for a pond, but a birdbath
or fountain will see lots of
activity. It should be kept clean
and be placed within 5' of a tree
or shrub to allow escape from
predators.
Benches and paths through
the garden let you wander and
rest to enjoy your creation.
The WindStar Wildlife
Institute publication, How To
Create A Wildlife Habitat Plan
For Your Property offers a
step-by-step guide. Some other
titles in this series which might
be of help to you include:
s
Butterfly Gardening;
s
Landscaping for Birds;
s
Essential Elements of a
Wildlife Habitat;
s
Homes for Backyard Birds;
s
Creating a Wildflower
Meadow; and
s
Creating a Wildlife Habitat
Plan.
This article was written by
Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist Cathy Gilleland.
For more information or for the
name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist in your area, please
contact:
WindStar Wildlife Institute
10072 Vista Court
Myersville, Maryland 21773
Phone: (301) 293-3351
E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
http://www.windstar.org
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
national, non-profit, conservation
organization whose mission is to
help individuals and families
establish or improve the wildlife
habitat on their properties.
