Posts Tagged ‘landscape’

Creating Your Own Wildlife Garden

August 8th, 2011

Often gardens are completely shut out from the rest of nature and are not the best for attracting local wildlife. Obviously, for some this is perfect but for others who may want to open their gardens up to the surrounding landscape and possibly attract birds amongst other wildlife, designing your garden in a particular way can help make this happen. One of the first things to do to achieve this is to map out the surrounding area and see how this can fit in terms of wildlife, look out for ponds and streams for example and see how these can complement your garden landscape.

In order to attract birds you will need to provide food, water and a suitable nesting area that has enough shelter. Providing for different species is necessary and planting a range of berry-producing vegetation can attract more varieties of bird. Plants that grow around the local area can also help in attracting indigenous species of birds, so this can also prove useful. Food will also need to be varied to match the seasons your garden goes through. In spring, for example berry-producing shrubs are the best while during the summer hanging several containers full of seed can prove more useful for attracting wildlife. Always make sure these feeders are full however, as often birds may become dependent on this method and having a fully stocked container can help keep the birds visiting.

Plants on the other hand offer a great source of shelter for birds. Evergreens and other shrubbery can provide good nesting areas as well as protection from the weather during the colder months. By planting several more dense shrubs, you can make your garden a much more hospitable place for wildlife, thus attracting many more birds. Finally, water is also a great way to attract birds and if there is a lack of a natural source around a birdbath can generally be very beneficial by offering something to drink from and bathe within. Be sure to keep it stocked regularly and if it freezes over during winter make sure to break the ice so it becomes accessible. » Read more: Creating Your Own Wildlife Garden

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Posted in Green Energy Plans, Green Living

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Rain Garden Plants

May 29th, 2011

Rain Garden PlantsA rain garden is like any other garden, either as a part of a huge garden, or part of a suburban landscape. A rain garden basically monitors the water it receives. In most large gardens, rain gardens are added as borders or as an entry feature, whereas in landscaping, they are used as features that beautify parking lots, sidewalks, traffic turns, etc. Rain garden plants are mostly grown in locations, where water can accumulate, without stagnating.

A rain garden is designed to imitate the hydrological action of a forest. Water is captured in a garden, which is dug and shaped like a basin that uses specific water intensive plants. Rain garden plants reduce the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, and the overall sediment that gets drained in the garden by the action of the plants and the soil they grow in. The treatment that is given to the water, treats waste or pollutants by bioremediation (use of microorganisms) that can break down the undesirable substances. Rain gardens are mainly of two types; under-drained and self-contained. They are both used for the purpose of reducing water runoff volumes, improving storm water quality, and to facilitate infiltration of water into the soil. Some rain gardens have drainage systems that move excess water into a conventional storm sewer pipe system.

Types of Rain Garden Plants
Rain gardens are created using plants that can withstand extreme moisture, as well as thrive in it. Most horticulturists recommend the use of native vegetation to build a rain garden. Native plants are mostly fuss-free, have good root systems, that utilize the water and nutrients available in their own soils better than non-native ones. Trees, perennials, shrubs, wildflowers, can all be incorporated in a rain garden. Invasive or noxious species should be avoided in a rain garden, as they would take over most growth, and ruin the design of the rain garden. Following is a list of rain garden plants state-wise.

  • Delaware: New England aster, blue flag iris, woolgrass, soft-stem bulrush, Canada rush, cardinal flower, arrow arum, etc.
  • New Jersey: Virginia bluebells, wild geranium, joe-pye weed, white wood aster, Canada anemone, swamp milkweed, white turtlehead, etc.
  • Maryland: Ebony spleenwort, Christmas fern, bottlebrush grass, wild ginger, smooth blue aster, black snakeroot, marsh marigold, white heath aster, etc. » Read more: Rain Garden Plants

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Posted in Rain Gardens

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