Planting A Sun Garden to Attract Wild Birds

As previously discussed (refer to Planning A Garden Blog ) there are several fundamental issues that need to be addressed before planting a garden.  In quick review they are: the plant hardiness zone temperature, drainage, light exposure soil type and the type of garden you wish to have.  For the sake of this article I am going to plant a full sun garden with average soil and drainage.  It will be an informal garden with various heights,and colors.  The garden bed will be approximately 20 x 20 ft. and exposed on all four sides .  The soil is slightly on the dirt side so will need some remediation with manure, garden soil, peat or topsoil.  The plant hardiness zone is 6b and will be created to attract wild birds and wildlife.  I prepared the dirt with garden soil and manure turning and raking the soil until all the big clumps are out.  I've taken the winter weeds out also.  I am going to plant on one side towards the back a kousa dogwood and opposite that a weeping crabapple off setting the plants  Both trees grow well in full sun  and offer three season appeal.  The weeping crabapple gets profuse amounts of pinkish flowers attracting wild birds, butterflies and bees.  As the seasons change the tree yields small red fruit which provides food for wild birds such as mockingbirds, jays, robins, and cedar waxwings.  The leaves turn brilliant red in the autumn.  The kousa dogwood blossoms are white four petaled flowers with a 'wolf eye' in the center.  Nectar sipping wild birds and butterflies are attracted to the nectar rich flowers .  In the fall the tree bears plump red raspberry like fruit devoured by woodpeckers,thrashes and sparrows.  Before planting the tree make sure you read the nursery tag  for directions.  When planting trees and shrubs make sure the hole that's dug is twice the size of the root ball or container.  This allows the roots to grow without exerting extra energy to set roots.  Once the hole is dug place the tree in it to ensure the size is correct.  Next untie and cut  the burlap and remove it carefully.  Many planters or nursery personnel tell you the burlap can stay on , just untie it and it will disintegrate.   I have never had any success with the burlap disintegrating; thus the roots don't spread, they fail to thrive and tend to rot.  I strongly recommend burlap removal.  Back fill the hole adding whatever corrective soil medium the ground needs with water.  Take time to dislodge any air pockets working the soil to keep the roots and tree in place.  Tamp down the soil around the tree to secure it. Most of the time the tree's crown ( where the trunk meets the roots ) should be exposed.   Next plant the shrubs in the same manner placing them where they will not interfere with the trees.  Both trees grow 15 ft. tall and wide so stagger the bushes accordingly.  Working from the middle of the garden out to the periphery plant shrubs that will stay smaller or lower in height to give depth to the garden's look.  Hollies, dwarf conifers, blueberries or roses are all good choices offering berries, pine seeds or rose hips to attract wild birds.  These plants provide shelter and protection for our feathered friends too.  The next section should be lower in height and flower at a slightly different time so the garden is continually having color and interest.  Maybe some flowering quince that bears quince  which are good for human consumption or for the wildlife would and some nice color and interest due to its leggy habits.  This is a good place to add plants and flowers that thrive in the sun.  Echinacea (coneflowers) come in various colors and yield lots of seeds in the fall for goldfinch, buntings and many other songbirds.  Group plants in a bunch to give the flowers their due justice.  Garden phlox are liked by butterflies especially by swallowtails.  Hummingbirds will frequent phlox too.  Plants need the same attention as trees when planting however you may need to do one other thing before planting them.  Many plants or flowers in containers become root bound so it may be necessary to score or cut the root.  This allows the roots to spread .  Just make one or two cuts and tease the roots before setting the plant in the ground.   Near the perimeter plant low growing plants,Daisies, candy tuff, creeping phlox and lavender work well.  Butterflies and moths are always landing on these plants. Lavender smells so good when you pass by it.  Walk on me plants such as thyme or oregano emit nice scents when they are crushed and stepped on. These plants make great hiding spots for garden toads and ground birds.   Ornamental grasses can be used to give a different look and added texture to the garden.  My concern with many of the grasses is they spread and take over the garden.  To avoid this from happening plant the grasses in the pots containing their roots.  Wild birds (quail, buntings and bluebirds ) eat many of the seeds throughout the season.  The grass seeds will get eaten by other critters well into the winter.  Many insects besides butterflies and moths like these plants and flowers.  They help cross pollinate and pollinate the plants however they well become part of the food chain with swallows or purple martins munching them up,  After all the plants and flowers are in assess the garden.  If there are a few bare spots that need addressing use annual flowers ( cocks comb or salvia ), garden art, bird feeders or bird baths to make the garden more eye appealing.If you wish to keep the weeds at bay, place newspaper down in the unplanted spots and cover with mulch. Cardboard works well too.  Water the garden well  now and then probably 2-3 times a week till the plants start to grow.  For any birdbaths or bird feeders please see the website at www.WildBirdSeedMart.com.      .