| |
By Carolyn Oldham
What’s the most colorful, varied
and fascinating kind of wildlife you can attract to your backyard? What
critters eat thousand of insects and weed seeds we find irritating and
undesirable? The answer is birds of course. What state has the largest
number of recorded species - 618? Texas, of course. A well-planned backyard
habitat can attract a surprisingly large number of bird species. My personal
checklist is up to 104. Create your own bird haven by planting lots of
natural cover offered at different heights. Here are some suggestions:
- Large Trees - Oaks, Pecans, Cedar Elms, Eastern Red Cedar,
Chinese Pistachio.
- Understory Trees - Yaupon Holly, Carolina Buckthorn, Possumhaw
Holly, Mexican Plum, Redbud.
- Shrubs - Wax Myrtle, Hollies, Nandinas, Sumac, Leatherleaf
Mahonia, American Beautyberry, Pyracantha.
- Vines - Cypress Vine, Coral Honeysuckle, Virginia Creeper.
- Groundcovers - Pigeonberry, Coralberry, Liriope, Mondo Grass.
- Perennials - Turk’s Cap, Salvias, Coneflower, Flame Acanthus,
Rudbeckia.
- Grasses - Muhly, Miscanthus, Side Oats Grama, Switch Grass,
Mexican Needle Grass, Little Bluestem.
The addition of more diverse plants to your garden will
not only appeal to the birds but will enhance your enjoyment as well.
North Haven can help you garden for the birds.
|
| |
Plant:
Plant Pansies, Violas, Primrose and Cyclamen now. Plant Dutch
Hyacinth and Tulips in mid-December. Plant shrubs that will
give fruit color such as hollies, nandinas, Indian Hawthornes
and mahonias. Finish planting fescue or ryegrass for overseeding.
Fertilize: Pansies and
other winter color plants with ‘Buds and Blooms’ Plant Food
or any of the fine high phosphorous water solubles. Cut back
on fertilizing indoor plants. Water is critical immediately
prior to hard freezes to lessen cold injury.
Winterize: Dormant trees
and summer flowering shrubs. Remove any weak or dead wood.
Keep mowing your lawn until the first frost stops its growth.
Protect: All tender annuals
or Flowering shrubs with frost cloth during severe cold spells.
Fall and Winter is a great time to make changes to your landscape.
Our Metroplex soil never freezes. Plants grow roots all winter.
Our Garden Center is known for the best selection of quality
trees and shrubs. North Haven also offers a planting service.
Stop by and let our expert sales staff help you with the right
selections for your landscape.
|
|
|
November-December
2000 Newsletter