| |
Shrubs and Birds Paradise
Shrubs and Birds Paradise is a design truly for birds and bird lovers. I used part of this design in front of my screened in porch. This idea came from a personal experience. The Ligustrum Shrub, A Cardinal's Place to Nest,is a true tale that took place in the spring 2006. This article is in a back issue of the free monthly newsletter. There are now 8 feeders in this area, and 3 bird baths. I already had evergreen landscape around the area with two Carpet Rose bushes. Three natural rocks are arranged where Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Morning Doves, etc..come and rest.
Most of my design work is done on the porch. Some days there are 30 to 40 birds flying around. I do believe they think of this area, as their fast food express. Except for the Maple trees, which are deciduous, every other bush is an evergreen. The birds love the shelter in thewintertime. Below in the design key, are some examples of bushes and trees.
- Maple Trees - deciduous large tree providing wonderful shade. They can grow thirty to forty feet high and ten to twenty feet wide. There are thousands of varieties available and will grow in most zones. Green leaves appear in the spring and in fall the leaves take over the beauty of spring and summer flowers. Maple leaves turn bright red, orange and yellow colors and make some of the most spectacular scenes at this time of year.There is nothing like fresh Maple Syrup!
- Leyland Cypress - Evergreen tree growing anywhere from thirty feet to seventy feet high and fifteen to twenty feet wide. The Leylands are fast growers and can grow three to four feet a year. You can prune the top to keep it under control. It is a upright with long, soft needle like leaves. Great in zones six through ten. This tree is very popular for providing a privacy wall. Plant at least seven to ten feet apart.
- Indian Hawthorn - evergreen bush with pink or white flowers in spring. Blue berries will appear in the in fall and winter months. Indian Hawthorn minor is a bigger shrub and will grow four to six feet wide. The major is a little smaller and will grow three to four feet high and two to three feet wide. Very durable shrub. Variety of zones but most will do well in zones four through nine. Popular for along your front of the house or good with any variegated shrubs.
- Variegated Ligustrum - evergreen with variegated leaves of green and yellow/cream tones. This bush grows six to eighteen feet high, and six to eight feet wild. Does great in full sun and grows well in zones seven through ten. Does well in a sandy soil, and wilo do well in clay base soil. Nice shrub for an open area.
- Chinese Pizzazz - Loropetalum -evergreen shrub with purple and green leaves year around. Pink/red flowers will bloom in spring and summer. The Ruby Loropetalum is a dwarf and will grow 3 to 4 feet high and 3 wide. The larger versions will grow 8 to 10 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide. The larger variety will need to be trimmed, unless you have it in an open area and want the shrub to grow naturally. Grows well in zones five through eight. Nice shrub next to the Mop Cypress
- Black Dragon Cryptomeria - evergreen upright tree that can reach ten to twenty feet high and three to five feet wide. Great in zones five through nine. Soft needle shaped long leaves. A bright green color and this tree has an open airy feeling. Great for a backdrop in an open landscape garden. You can top this tree to keep the height down..
- Two Bird Baths - bird baths are a must for any bird bird garden. Baths are great in the hot summer months as they fine feather friends can take a quick dip in the bath.
- Series of natural rocks. Two different sets of a series of three rocks. Find rocks around your house and place them throughout the bed, or purchase a few. The rocks add a natural look.
- Walkway - This one is done with a round stone. You can use brick,pavers, gravel.etc... The walkway is a nice added feature to enhance the beauty of the landscape area.
Mulch, pine straw or decorative stones around shrubs can finish a landscape project.
The mulch, pine straw or decorative stone is also another option and a little less expensive.
- Fountain - There are many size fountains out in the market today. Birds love the sound of water trickling. Create this design near your house and you also will be able to hear the running water.
- Bird Feeders - Three - Specific feeders are available for certain type of birds. Most birds will flock to any feeder, as long as their is food.
- Bird Houses - Two - If you live in a cold climate, birds love their houses for warmth. Many times people use the bird houses for decorations. There are small, medium and large houses available. There are even bird complexes out now. you could have a whole community living in one specific garden.
Shrubs and Birds Paradise is just one example of a landscape design. You can change any plant or reduce the number of feeders. I do think I get carried away sometimes with my fine feather friends. Bird Paradise Two has a little bit of a different look.
Sign up for your Growing Together, a free monthly newsletter.
|
