6 tips for Starting a Wildlife Garden

Now is a great time to start planning your garden and making additions. While you are in the planning stage consider starting a wildlife garden. Have you wanted to see more birds and butterflies in your yard year-round but don’t want to spend a lot of cash? Here are some tips on how to get started with out breaking the bank.

I developed my wildlife habitat over many years having to start with a nearly blank slate. Only 2 pine trees, one spindly oak tree were left by the builder and a large area of newly planted grass. Not much in the way of food, water or shelter for birds, butterflies or other wildlife in the yard. I started planting trees and shrubs adding feeders and nesting boxes all at once when I moved in but you can start on a smaller scale for a lot less money.

1. If your not sure this type of gardening is for you start small by planting a container garden filled with nectar-rich plants like lantana, floss flower and fuchsia. Then later you can add plants to your landscape on a larger scale.
2. Birds are attracted to water so build a small size pond using a whiskey barrel or something of similar size. If you can add a bubbler or something else to make movement in the water you will attract more birds. To use as a bird bath you will need to have a shallow area for the birds and a place for them to perch.
3. As you add to your landscape take advantage of late-season sales to acquire perennials, trees and shrubs as a discount price in the fall. Buy and plant wildlife favorites in the fall and you will be able to attract more birds and butterflies for next year.
4. Try and rescue native plants from local construction sites when you see them. Ask the developers if you can remove them before they are bulldozed. They are often happy to oblige. We had a house in Georgia that had plants rescued from a neighboring lot under construction.
5. Avoid insecticides whenever possible. This will allow beneficial insects to your backyard. You may suffer a little more damage in your garden but its worth it when you consider many birds like wrens, bluebirds and robins look at bugs as their favorite food.
6. Save money by not buying seed. Plant your landscape with seed- and berry- bearing plants like sunflowers, viburnums, coneflowers, zinnias, black-eyed Susan’s, blueberries and Cosmos.

Try one or all of these tips and in no time you will be attracting more birds, butterflies and other wildlife to your yard or garden.

Weed Prevention

Weed prevention

It’s that time of year again….time to think about controlling weeds before they take hold of your lawn or garden. I’ve been so busy that I didn’t get my pre-emergence down as early as I like but late is better than never! If you live further north you still have time to apply your pre-emergent for the best control. Preventing weeds before they make an appearance is the best idea to control weeds. Let’s review the types of weed control.
Herbicides
Chemicals that prevent or kill existing weeds are known as herbicides. While all herbicides control weeds, the key is to know which one is most efficient for your weed problem. First it’s important to properly identify the weed you wish to do away with and understand its growth cycle. This will enable you to choose the proper herbicide product and correctly time its application to achieve best weed control.
Herbicide products can be classified several ways. One is by their activity - selective or non-selective. Generally most herbicides are selective, meaning they will only control specific weed species without damage to nearby grasses and ornamentals. When controlling weeds in lawns, it is also important to know your variety of turf grass, since their tolerance to herbicides does vary.
Non-selective herbicides will kill or damage all vegetation, so it is important to apply them precisely to avoid injuring desirable plants and grasses. These are commonly used in landscaping for lawn renovation and for controlling weeds and brush along highways.

Pre-emergence herbicides
Another classification for herbicides is based on the time they are applied in the weed's life cycle. Pre-emergence herbicides are most effective when applied a few weeks prior to the germination and emergence of weed seeds. They will not control established weeds. These herbicides create a weed control zone on the soil surface, preventing seeds from germinating. Because most pre-emergents have a long residual, they are not recommended for newly seeded turf grass. Annual weeds such as crabgrass, annual bluegrass and goose grass are normally controlled by pre-emergence herbicides.

Post-emergence herbicides
Post-emergence herbicides are applied after the weed is established and actively growing. While a some products work through soil application, most of post-emergents work on contact. They are absorbed through the surface of leaves and translocated throughout the plant. It is recommended that applications be made during a dry, eight-hour period, since rain can wash off the material and lessen control. Most broadleaf weeds are controlled by post-emergent herbicides.
Remember before you buy and apply any herbicide, carefully read the entire label for exact weed species controlled and places where it can be safely used. It is important to review precautionary information and restrictions, follow directions for use, and store and dispose of empty containers as indicated on the label. Unfortunately some people feel that is a little product is good, a lot will be even better. This is not true and can be very harmful to you, your lawn and the environment.
If you don’t want to use any chemicals you can always pull or hoe your weeds. When using this method remember to start early to stay ahead of the weeds!