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March 2017
Inside this Issue:
Announcements —————— 2-4
Ed’s Garden Talk —————— 5
Announcements —————— 6-9
Special Addition ————— 10-12
Last Look ————————— 13
MarchGeneral Meeting: March 11th, 9-12pm Centennial Farms Toastmasters Meeting: Tuesdays March 14th & 28th
AprilGeneral Meeting: April 8th, 930-1130am Plant ExchangeToastmasters Meeting: Tuesdays April 11th & 25th
ALWAYS CHECK VMS for the most accurate, up-to-date information. You can also sign-up for events or volunteer for an event. Please remember “un-volunteering” (two weeks or less before your event) requires finding a replacement. Thank You!
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March 2017 Have something you want to share?
Send us your contribution by the 15th of each month to be featured in the upcoming
GardenThymes:
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March 2017
The OC MG Plant Exchange and Brunch – It’s Coming Up!
By: Ingrid Cebula
The annual MG Plant Exchange and Brunch will be held on Saturday April 8th at South Coast REC at 9:00 am. For our new MGs, or those that have been missing out (wink), this event is open to all MGs (but not guests) and you do not need to sign up on the VMS in order to attend. For the exchange, plan on bringing about 5 to 10 plants or garden items. It is not an even exchange so how much you bring isn’t as important as the effort you put into what you bring. I always like to send out this ‘Heads Up’ article because the more planning we all put into this event, the better it is. I hear that Brian Hale has already organized his forces to bring us a jaw-dropping array of tomatoes and peppers. What a sight that was last year! You still have a month, so survey your garden and shed. Do you still have plants hanging around from last years’ garden shows? –If you haven’t found a place for them by now, you aren’t going to. We’ve all made those impulse purchases– it’s okay – bring them to the exchange! Do you need to divide any plants? – pot up the extras! How about the garden shed? Look for garden tools and supplies you no longer use, or garden books you’re done reading. Mark Lamorte is asking for 1 gallon nursery containers so if you’ve got some, set those aside. I will provide more information about this event in the April Thymes, but start organizing the items you want to bring so you won’t be scrambling at the last minute. Mark your calendar now; you do not want to miss this fun event!
http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=23229
New mobile app to track close encounters with coyotes
2017 In-House Garden Tour NEW DATE!
September 9, 2017
I am excited to announce a change to the In-House Garden tour this year. We decided to move the event to the fall to change things up a little. May 2017 seems to be a busy time for everyone and I haven’t had a lot of volunteers for hosts. Fall seems to be a more open schedule for several people willing to be hosts this year. So far we have gardens in Laguna, Laguna Hills, San Clemente and Mission Viejo. If you are in this area and want your garden to be considered, please contact me. I plan to keep the tour smaller this year, but would like one more.
The second change is the addition of a school garden. I am in the planning stages with one of our master gardeners who are active with school gardens. She is hoping to get us lined up to include one of her schools. If anyone is involved with a community garden in the area, please let me know. Perhaps we can include a community garden also.
Fall gardens have a different look and although it might not be peek bloom time, southern California gardens still look very nice. We will try September and determine if the season should be repeated. It will be fun to fill an otherwise slow month with this fun event.
We will need between 24 and 30 docents for the tour. If you would like to be a docent, please calendar the date and watch for announcements for VMS sign-ups. Docents will be invited to the preview tour and lunch on Friday, September 8th.
See you in September!Janet [email protected](562) 760-5133
Announcements
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March 2017
AnnouncementsUCCE Orange County Design Charettes
Char-ette: A meeting in which all stakeholders in a project attempt to resolve conflicts and map solutions.
UCCE MG Design Charette: We meet at the home of a master gardener host and divide into three groups of four people. Each group is given approximately 90 minutes to collaborate, agree on a plan, draw it on a base plan and then present it to the full group. During the presentations there can be explanations and dialogue between members. The charette “serves as a way of quickly generating a design solution while integrating the aptitudes and interests of a diverse group of people.” (//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charette)
A charette was held at the home of Christine Kenny on January 18th. Christine and her husband have taken on a huge restoration project with their 19th century historic home in Santa Ana. The home was built in 1888 for rancher Monroe David Halladay. The design charette focused on the front yard only and Christine received three unique design plans from our designers. The age and history of the home made it a different challenge from our past charettes and served as an educational experience for all who participated. Everyone is looking forward to visiting when they complete all or part of their landscape!
Our next charette was held in Dana Point at the home of Diane Bianchini on February 21st. The home was purchased by Diane and her husband when they moved here from the east coast in 2015. The single level home boasts a 270 degree view of the coastline, as well as the white water at Salt Creek Beach, Catalina Island, city lights and the surrounding mountains. The designers focused on the front yard and were given permission to start with a clean slate, which is always fun. Perhaps this home will be on a future In-House garden tour when the new landscaped is finished.
The next charette brings us to the home of Art and Elizabeth Ando. Both are new members in the 2017 MGIT class. The charette will take place on March 20th. Art and Lizabeth purchased their home three years ago when they decided to downsize and be semi-retired. The Nutwood Place home, located in Old Towne Orange, was built in 1949. The Andos want
designers to help with ideas for their backyard. Their goal is to add shade near the house and add more edibles in the rear of the yard.
Watch for more charettes being planned in the future, including one in La Habra in April. We also plan to schedule one on a Saturday to give working members an opportunity to participate in the design process. This is a great way to earn CE hours and have lots of fun!
For more information about having a charette at your home or to learn about participating as a designer, contact Kathleen or Janet. You need not be a professional designer. The charettes are meant to be educational. All you need to do is bring a potluck dish to share!
Janet Sonoff Kathleen Kraisinger [email protected] [email protected]
Do you love to teach kids? Master Gardeners are needed to staff our booth at the OC Fair Imaginology. We will instruct kids on how to make seed that they can take and plant in their home garden. Our booth will be will be staffed April 21-23. Admission is free, Parking will be provided. Sign up now on VMS.
Question can be directed to Linda Hales at [email protected],
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March 2017
A Taste of Toastmasters
Captions for the Photos of the February 7 Taste of Toastmaster Meeting
1. Ken Schwartz, the Toastmaster, organized A Taste of Toastmasters evening meeting themed The Oscars at South Coast REC on February 7th. Deb Ringler joined him for Table Topic subjects, giving awards during the fun meeting.
2. New visitors joined in with this engaging group.
3. Deb Ringler provided great questions connected with "Oscar Night".
4. Mark Fierle spoke on Table Topics.
5. Mark Fierle, and Ken Schwarz enjoy a snack break. Tuxedo worn by our host for the night. Wow!
6. Greg Stevenson told us "You Ought to Be in Pictures." He informed us of possibilities for us to shine in Master Gardener service.
7. Kris Bonner evaluated Greg's Speech.
8. Heather Waxham evaluated Sharon Stolen, who shared her Public Relations with "Gardens in the Great Park" which are SO IMPORTANT to the next generation to connect with "Where does our food come from?"
9. Christine was voted winner of the spontaneous 3-5 minute Table Topic speeches
10. Kathy Hutchins evaluated our well-done evening meeting.
⭐ Be sure to mark your calendar for our next evening meeting TUESDAY, MAY 2nd from 6:30-8:30. (AUGUST 1ST, also) ☀ Our regular meetings are at South Coast REC at 7am-8:45 on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday.
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March 2017
Ed’s Garden TalkAucuba brightens up shady gardens
by: Edward Shaw, MG
A goal for many gardeners is finding a shade plant with brightly colored foliage that will look good year-round, even in wintertime. One of the variegated cultivars of Aucuba japonica, commonly known as Japanese aucuba, is often a favorite in filling this need.
The species, which is a member of the dogwood (Cornaceae) family, originates in Asia and can be found growing from the Himalayas to the lowland woods and mountains of Japan. Though the species, itself, is green, there are many variegated varieties that provide color, most often gold splashed on a green background but sometimes white against green.
Japanese aucuba prefers partial to full shade (takes early morning sun), and the variegated cultivars maintain their bright color contrasts throughout the year, even in the deep shade beneath trees and during the winter months. It holds its own nicely against competing tree roots and planting it under trees typically is not a problem.
The species grows in a rounded upright shape to 6-10 feet high and equally as wide and can be expected to reach its full height in about ten years. The variegated cultivars grow somewhat more slowly. Pruning is rarely needed but, if desired, it can be employed to keep the plant’s height down. In fact, Aucuba japonica tolerates being pruned back severely, even into the old wood.
The leaves are attractive lanceolated ovals, 4-8 inches long and 2-4 inches across, with lightly serrated edges above the mid-portion. An added bonus is the plant’s springtime production of small purple blossoms followed by clusters of bright scarlet berries that persist from late autumn through winter. However, Aucuba japonica is dioecious and will not produce fruit unless both male and female plants are clustered closely together. Japanese aucuba can be grown throughout all the regions of southern California, where it associates very nicely with other shade-loving plants such as hydrangeas, clivias and ferns. And its bright foliage does
an excellent job of brightening otherwise dark and uninteresting areas of the garden. Here are some of the more popular cultivars that usually can be obtained through local nurseries:
“Variegata,” which may be either male or female, is perhaps the most widely known of the aucubas. Named the gold dust plant, its leaves are dark green splashed with yellow spots.
“Picturata,” a female cultivar, has dark green leaves with golden yellow centers.
“Crotonifolia” is a male plant with white and gold spots against the dark green background of its leaves.
“Sulphur” is a female plant with leaves having broad yellow edges and green centers.
“Fructu Albo,” a female cultivar, has white variegation on its green leaves and produces berries that are buff pink in color.
Japanese aucuba is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. It will tolerate a wide range of soils, though its growth and appearance are better if the soil is improved. It should be kept moist during the growing season, with a tapering off of water during the winter months. The plant is tolerant of ocean air, atmospheric pollution and, to a limited degree, dry soil and drought. It also transplants easily.
Though it prefers a cool, shady garden location, Japanese aucuba will likely have better fruit production if it receives early morning sun. However, its leaves are easily sunscorched, especially in hot weather, so its sun exposure should not be extended beyond the early morning hours.
A spring feeding with a balanced fertilizer will promote plant growth and fruit production. Bear in mind that Japanese aucuba has shallow roots, so the soil close to the plant should not be tilled.
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March 2017
AnnouncementsAucuba brightens up shady gardens Continued…
A spring feeding with a balanced fertilizer will promote plant growth and fruit production. Bear in mind that Japanese aucuba has shallow roots, so the soil close to the plant should not be tilled.
Aucuba japonica is a versatile and adaptable plant. In addition to its garden role as a specimen shade plant, it can also be used for foundation plantings on the north side and sometimes the east side of the house. It makes an excellent container plant, both in shady patio areas and indoors. And outdoor container plants are capable of making an easy transition to indoor areas with bright, indirect light.
Propagation is by seed or by stem cuttings from terminal shoots in spring or summer. The cuttings, which root slowly, should have two or three side branches.
The insects most often associated with Japanese aucuba are mealybugs, mites and snails and slugs, all of which are easily controlled. Major damage is rare. Phyllosticta aucubae and several other fungi may cause leaf spot damage. Avoidance of overhead watering is a good preventive measure and application of a broad-spectrum fungicide may also be beneficial. Certain viral diseases specific to Japanese aucuba have been identified but they are not known to be a problem in the U.S.
Note that the fruit and leaves of Aucuba japonica are considered poisonous, but they cause only mildly toxic effects (nausea and vomiting) if ingested.
Help Wanted – Volunteer Opportunities If you are looking for volunteer hours, here are a few for you to consider. If you are a Lead looking for help on your project, you can ask for help here. Just email me either way and I’ll put you in contact with the right people, or post your wish list item here in the next issue. Mary Lou Ledgerwood [email protected]
Data Entry: Someone to input names and email addresses into an Excel spreadsheet – quite a bit of catch-up data to be entered. Must be detail oriented and familiar with Excel and have email.
Garden Care: Santa Ana Zoo Demonstration Garden needs volunteers to help maintain the demonstration garden. A little weeding, watering, watching to make sure everything is growing. Some contact with the public.
Grow Plants: Grow plants from seeds for the SOS program. MG supplies everything you need. You just need to plant the seeds and care for them at home until they are big enough to give away.
Share Your Knowledge: Speakers needed for the Speakers bureau to present to the public. Information, PowerPoints, notes and other material is ready for you to step in and help.
Lead a Project: New Leads are needed for the Community Gardens, SmartScape and Tanaka Farms projects.
Meet Nicholas Staddon
Nicholas Staddon has been working with plant breeders, hybridizers, and professional Plant Explorers for the last 15 years. Scouring the globe for new creations and discoveries in the plant world. Nicholas is also sought out as a resource and guest for television and radio gardening shows across the United States. Nicholas works
closely with professional Garden Writers, providing information on plants both old and new – sharing his views on garden trends and more. Nicholas has created a series of informative ‘Plant Savvy’ videos that can be found on line.
Born in England, Nicholas attended Otley Agricultural College where he received his credentials in Agricultural Science. Most recently working At Monrovia Nursery for nearly 27 years, 15 of which he lead the New Plant program.
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March 2017
AnnouncementsMeet Nicholas Staddon Continued…
When first in America, he managed garden centers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He says of New Mexico, "One of the most beautiful places in the world—the vistas will move your heart and the gardening will break it." Nicholas now resides in California and continues to be consumed with a passion for plants and animals. He travels extensively for in his quest for great new and notable plants for American gardeners.
Nicholas is proud to be professionally affiliated with the Royal Horticulture Society, the California Association of Nurserymen, AmericanHort, formally the American Landscape and Nursery Association. He is on the Board of Advisors for the Mediterranean Garden Society Southern California, Mount San Antonio College, Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences and Cal-HIP, California Horticultural Invasives Prevention. A voluntary partnership, to help gardeners and the horticultural industry to proactively address the problem of invasive plants in the trade.
“Nicks Hot Picks and More.” Join Nicholas Staddon, passionate plantsman and Master Gardener favorite, as he navigates us through some of the most recent plant introductions in the marketplace. Woodie ornamentals, perennials and trees to excite the sage and new Master Gardener. “There’s going to be a few plants here,” says Nicholas, “that will make you positively make you go weak at the knees.” After the presentation there will be a raffle, supported by Village Nurseries of several plants. No pushing, shoving or other unruly behavior allowed during the raffle!
Save the Date – April 21st – Village Nursery Landscape Tour and more with Nicholas Staddon and Village Nursery
Personnel Watch VMS for sign ups coming soon…. Details from Nicholas Staddon: Village Nurseries Horticultural Encounter …………
For the last two years Village Nurseries has had an event called The Horticultural Encounter. Three events are staged in California, one each in Sacramento, San Diego and Huntington Beach. The Encounter’s foundation is plants and the sharing of information. In the past the primary audience has been the Landscape Architects and Designers and Landscape Professionals. Our own Nicholas Staddon, made a suggestion to the Village team ……… Let’s include the Master Gardens of Orange County and host a special day for them. The Encounter is a unique opportunity to see thousands of plants bought together is a series of themes. It is one of the most visual plant displays to take place in Southern California and we want you to be a part of it. You will meet old plants and new plants, plants you have forgotten about, plants that you never thought about using. There will be a series of speakers to entertain and delight you, something in every presentation and display for the sage Master Gardeners as well as the new. We will have raffles for all sorts of things as well as a special in-store coupon just for Master Gardeners. After the presentations and lunch there will be lots of time to shop the nursery with assistance from the Village team. It’s going to be a great day and we so look forward to having you as our guests. Tentative Timeline: • 10:00 – 10:45 tour the Horticultural Encounter
display with Nicholas Staddon and Suzie Wiest. • 10:45 – 11:45 New Plant presentation including
container presentation/demonstration. • 11:45 – 12:00 Landscape Center overview from
the manager and staff. • 12:00 – 12:15 Kellogg’s Soil presentation. • 12:30 Lunch. • After lunch continue to tour the Horticultural
Encounter and the Landscape Center, everyone can shop and stay as long as they wish.
Location: Village Nurseries Landscape Center, 10500
Garfield Ave, Huntington Beach
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March 2017
Need CE Hours??
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March 2017
AnnouncementsSCREC Youth Garden Scarecrows get makeovers
By Kathie Burns
After spending more than a year protecting our crops both Gertrude the Gardener, created by Fountain Valley master gardeners, and Sally, donated by Girl Scout Troop 1344 of Fullerton have some new clothes. Susan Shevlin headed up the makeover with contributions by MGs Bev Vargish and Linda Pluta, and MGITS Karen Crouse, Vince Pozzuoli, and Jill Robinson.
Sally’s new clothes
Gertrude in her new duds
Gertrude before makeover
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March 2017
What Is Happening On The Bee Front At SC REC?
New location for the apiary
As you may have noticed, the beehives have been moved to a new location at SCREC. A big thank you to Ed Andrade, Jon Schara, and Ben Pouliquen! Everything went smoothly. However, hive 3 our very little colony did not make it. It is sad, but it was limping along and with the Bee Team, we tried to save them…a few times.
Beehives 1 and 2 have about 4 frames of brood. Our colonies are small; it would be better to have 6 frames of brood at this time of year. This is mostly due to the fact that we are opening each hive every week for more than one hour. This disturbs, and slows down the healthy functioning of the colony. We have to remember that those colonies were established to be used for teaching. One of the best ways to learn about our bees and caring for them is to open a hive, and observe what is going on in this mysterious bee world! Both queens look very plump and walk well on the frames. They have started to lay few eggs like they should. As the weather gets warmer and sunnier, they will ramp up their laying activity. The bees are bringing in nectar, and some pollen between the rain events and blustering Santa Ana winds. It is amazing how those bees are finding the flowering plants.
On Valentine’s Day, the Bee Team has performed a sugar roll test to assess the number of Varroa mites (a damaging parasite) in each colony. The levels were elevated, hive 1: 9.6%, and hive 2: 11%. In November the levels were 8% for both. We are treating them with an acaricide called Apiguard. This treatment is made with thymol, a natural constituent found in thyme and
in some honey such as lime.
We have some good news: We will have 3 more beehives. Early April, I will drive to Orland Ca (9 hours one way!) to pick up our bees! This is exciting because it means we won’t have to open all of our hives for 1H1/2 every week; we will be able to rotate. The Bee Team is increasing with new volunteers, as I just finished teaching Beekeeping I, a series of 3 classes.
Our group is now 18 strong! This group is so enthusiastic and always ready to learn the beekeeping techniques. Soon some Bee Team volunteers will graduate from novices to apprentices…I cannot wait!
Again I would like to thank Sharon Stolen, Jennifer Pelham, Tammy Majcherek, Chris Martinez, Darren Haver and ALL the volunteers that help make this BEE Project a success.
THANK YOU.
Written by Karine Pouliquen, Beekeeper, Educator & UCCE Master Gardener
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March 2017
Special AdditionCultivating a Nation
By Marianne Taylor
The third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of the Independence, founder of the University of Virginia was also a highly knowledgeable gardener and farmer. A man of many talents, he extolled the virtues of the agrarian life. He considered himself a farmer by profession. In Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, he documents his varied approaches to gardening –from landscape architecture and pleasure gardener to horticultural scientist and teaching his grandchildren. Evidence of Jefferson’s passion for gardening can be seen today in the restored gardens at Monticello in Virginia. The gardens are admired worldwide. Jefferson’s love for gardening was well known. He inherited his family’s 2000-acre plantation as a young man, designed the neo-classical house and planted flower gardens, grain and vegetable fields, fruit orchards and vineyards. He planted in 24 squares beds of herbs and vegetables.
In his diary he wasn’t afraid to admit his fair share of garden failures. He had a holistic view of the garden and knew that the failure of one thing is repaired by the success of another. He once wrote if he failed 99 times out of 100 that one success was worth the 99 failures.
After planting his garden he worked the land with family members, slaves and European workers. A meticulous, obsessive record keeper, he kept a horticultural diary, for 60 years noting observations such as the degree of frost damage and when seeds were sown.
He was always interested in new crops and machinery searching for more progressive ways to work his plantations. At Monticello he grew 330 varieties of vegetables, 170 fruit varieties and had amazing gardens bursting with seasonal blooms and bounties of produce.
Jefferson’s delight in gardening, which was revealed in his correspondence with leading horticulturist worldwide, brought in wonderful curiosities from Mexico such as peppers, squash and broccoli from Italy, figs from France and beans varieties collected from the Lewis & Clark expedition. His love for family was equally important. His affectionate letters to his family provided sweet tributes to his tulips, strawberries’ and sugar maples awaiting his arrival back home. Thanks to his
experiments with rare and exotic food from around the world, he brought the nation seeds and produce such as sesame seeds, chickpeas, sea kale, tomatoes and eggplant.
As a patriot with a mission and love for his farm he wrote, “The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture.” For Jefferson, farming was perhaps the foremost means for social change; he believed that plants could transform society.
Towards the end of his life, difficult to walk he would tour his farm by horseback to do his daily garden inspections. He found the garden healthful to his body, mind and affairs.
“No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, & no culture comparable to that of the garden but though an old man, I am but a young gardener.” Thomas Jefferson
No matter if you’re young or old, it’s never too late to plant a garden. Take baby steps and start with a small container garden recording your daily observations. Watch your plant progress and see your garden thrive with daily care. Like Jefferson, don’t be afraid of failures -one success is worth any failure.
Want to learn more about gardening? Join the Master Gardeners of the OC at Reata Park and Event Center in San Juan Capistrano for the garden winter series of classes. For more information: www.goinnative.net
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March 2017
Special Addition
By: Julie Bawden Davis
One day several years ago, my sister, Amy, called me when I was out doing errands. I don’t remember the reason for her call, but I can still hear the wonderful symphony of birds in the background as she spoke. Picturing her at an arboretum or aviary, I asked where she’d snuck off to.
“I’m at your house,” she replied. “In the backyard.”
The symphony of birds consisted of hundreds of feathered friends that visit, dine and live in what is my backyard wildlife habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation in the 1990s. In addition to birds, my backyard attracts possums, raccoons, squirrels, butterflies, hummingbirds, salamanders, dragonflies and a whole host of insects.
It was for urban gardens like mine in Southern California that the Garden for Wildlife Program (formerly Backyard Wildlife Habitat) was created. Founded in 1973, the program’s purpose remains the same today. In order to fulfill the National Wildlife Federation’s goal of protecting wildlife for future generations, it’s necessary to restore habitat within cities and towns where development has gobbled up wildlands. The best way for this to happen is for individual gardeners to create environments in their yards where wildlife can dine, rest, seek cover and raise their young.
“Considering that our landscapes are dominated by human activities, it’s tough for wildlife to navigate,” says David Mizejewski, the National Wildlife Federation’s Naturalist and author of the book
Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife. “The Garden for Wildlife Program provides opportunities for wildlife, such as stopping points for all species of birds, as well as other animals, and it creates a place for people to get their daily dose of nature.”
Perhaps best of all, the Garden for Wildlife Program gives the average person an easy way to do something to improve the world in which we live.
“So many of conservation challenges are big issues, and that can seem overwhelming to many people,” says Mizejewski. “Add to that the fact that even if you do get involved in those efforts, there are no easy or quick answers. By participating in the Garden for Wildlife Program, you take a personal action by creating a refuge for animals in your own garden, and the results are immediate.”
You don’t need a large, elaborate garden to become certified. “The program is not exclusive, but is designed to be very accessible and has certified more than 176,000 gardens of all kinds and sizes to date,” says Mizejewski. “You can create a habitat on a balcony in pots.”
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March 2017
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), physical or mental
disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, status as a protected veteran or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 [USERRA]), as well as state military and naval service. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: John I. Sims, Affirmative Action Compliance Officer and Title IX Officer, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2801 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618, (530) 750- 1397. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/.
Seasonal Recipe Corner Do you have a favorite recipe that uses seasonal fruits or vegetables? Please share it with us! Email [email protected] and use the subject line: Seasonal Recipe. Thank you in advance!
To create a wildlife-friendly garden eligible for certification, you need to supply four elements:
Food. While feeders are okay for birds, only a handful of species actually use them, which is why it’s also important to plant a wide variety of native plants, such as trees that produce, nuts, berries and fruit, says Mizejewski.
Native plants are your best bet, because they have co-evolved with wildlife and are therefore the plants that wild animals require to survive. Plant shrubs and trees that produce tasty fare, like nectar, pollen, berries, nuts, seeds and foliage for birds, butterflies and other creatures. Native plants also attract beneficial insects. Add supplemental feeders and sources of food, if you like.
The National Wildlife Federation will soon have a database that allows you to check natives that grow well in your area. It will be based on research by Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, in partnership with the United States Forest Service. You can also learn more about what natives to grow by checking on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s website at http://www.wildflower.org.
Water. Wildlife require a clean water source in order to drink, bathe and reproduce. Water sources could include a backyard pond that has a shallow end where birds can bathe and a birdbath set directly on the ground without a pedestal, which allows animals that can’t fly to jump in, such as box turtles and toads. Birds are drawn to trickling and dripping water, so attach a mister to the side of the birdbath.
Cover. Wildlife need a place to feel safe from predators and bad weather. Good locations include native trees and shrubs, including thickets and brush piles.
Place to raise young. The same sheltered places that wildlife go to for cover work well for raising young. Also consider adding a nesting box.
Becoming certified is easy. Once you’ve provided the above four elements, apply online here: http://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife/Create.aspx. And while you’re at it, purchase a sign to announce to friends, family and even passersby that they are about to enter a wildlife habitat.
