Always select native plants over exotic plants
Always select native plants over exotic plants
Always select native plants over exotic plants. Look around and see what kind of native plants grow in your area. If you have native plants in your back yard always try to cultivate and protect these plants. It makes sense, if you think about it; these native plants and wild birds have co-evolved for thousands of years and fit together like a glove.
To give you an example, about 300 different species of trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover in the northeast, depend on having there seeds distributed by birds. There are some birds that will only eat the fruit from these different trees and bushes, and when the bird pick the fruit and brings it along, undamaged seeds will fall of during the flight.
The plants that depend on birds distributing there seeds, will produce fruits, just at the right time, when the birds need the extra nutrition. Flowering Dodwood (Cornus florida), there fruit will be ripe, when migrant birds are building up fat supplies for their long journey. To attract the migrant birds the flowering Dogwood’s fruit will be bright red and just the right size to swallow.
When the small, hungry and tired hummingbirds arrive from migration, they have many different hummingbird-pollinated flowers to choose from as well. So, you see, it is much better to choose plants that are native to your area, not only will you help birds to survive and flourish, you will have a much more visited garden.
Using exotic plants in your back yard instead, will not create such a great or inviting environment for the birds, even though there are some exotic plants that are good for birds. Exotic plants have a tendency to over grow and spread to other back yards and open land. Once they take over, they will crowd out native plants and will be very hard to get rid of.
When you get in to choosing different plants for your garden there will be some research involved. You have to find out what type of soil you need, what size plant you like, what color and what value to the wildlife it has.
Basically, try to choose old-fashioned, single variety plants, because modern, double petal varieties will not produce as much if even any nectar for the birds. It is also a good idea to pick plants that are attacked by insects, bugs and caterpillars a lot.
Here are some native plants:Purple Coneflower is native plant and is also known for its medicinal value. Finches love to feed on them and butterflies enjoy its nectar. Another one is the Arrowwood, also a native plant, witch have shrubby vibernum and will bare dark blue fruit in the fall. This plant is loved by seasonal migrants and other garden birds.
When you buy a plant, ease it out of the pot, and check the roots for overcrowding. Also look to see that there are plenty of leaves, and it has a balanced growth to it. You can also choose bare-root trees or scrubs. Make sure that the roots are spread evenly, and should have plenty of small “feeder” roots on the stem. Remember that bare-rooted plants must be planted when they are dormant.
When you are ready to plant, it might be helpful to make a map of your property. Start with creating a planting plan and how you are going to arrange your plants. On a paper, place the tallest trees at the border of your property. You should locate all your tall conifers on the north side, to provide wind breaks and help insulate your house from cold winter winds. Place tall deciduous trees on the south side of your property, for great shade during hot summer months and more light in the winter months.
