 |
|
|
|
|
Much wildlife depends on backyard gardeners Landscape for birds or provide feeders
BY TONY TOMEO
Winter is nearly over and many plant species are beginning their spring growth cycle. Soon your garden will be more active than at any other time of year. Various species of other wildlife will also be exhibiting increased activity.
Migratory birds will be arriving with appetites for nectar, fruit, flowers or seeds that are mostly provided by plants in our landscapes. These birds will also be in need of nesting sites to build homes and start families.
Many of us do not realize how important our gardens are to the entire ecosystem of the Santa Clara Valley. Birds which have been coming here long before urban development have become more reliant on plants used in our home gardens for food and shelter as native plant populations have been minimized. Some birds also rely on a healthy population of insects in our landscapes for food.
Although few landscape plants are native to this area, most were collected from the wild, where they may have been reliant on birds for pollination and distribution of their seeds.
Pyracantha for example, provides its guests with a profusion of red berries in exchange for transportation of the indigestible seeds. Honeysuckle is an example of a species that produces flowers attractive to hummingbirds, which perform the important task of pollination.
Each errand is rewarded with sweet nectar at the base of the tubular flowers that seem specifically designed to fit the long thin beak of the hummingbird. Each bird-reliant plant species appeals to a prominent species of birds in its respective ecosystem. These same appealing qualities attract similar birds in our ecosystem.
Some plants may also be used to attract squirrels, bees or butterflies. Landscaping to attract wildlife is gaining in popularity; and you will likely find that many landscape designers are expanding their expertise to accommodate this trend.
Almaden Valley Nursery, at 15800 Almaden Expressway, has devoted a section of its nursery to plants that are attractive to birds. The staff is educated in these various species and can help in the selection of material preferred by your favorite birds or other wildlife. Their knowledge of landscaping is helpful in practical uses of these selections. They also have referrals for landscape designers who specialize in landscaping for wildlife.
If you want more wildlife without landscaping for it, The Wild Bird Center on Los Gatos Boulevard at Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos has a vast selection of wildlife supplies. They stock every form of bird feeder imaginable, including hummingbird feeders. They also carry bird houses, bird baths, squirrel feeders and even butterfly feeders! Many publications about attracting wildlife with landscaping are also available at The Wild Bird Center.
Recently, I wrote about the open house at Bay Laurel Nursery, and will soon write about the Los Gatos Spring Garden Tour. I hope to meet many of you at these great events. I am always eager for information about other events that would be of interest to garden enthusiasts. Please contact me at 358-2574, or write to "Gardening," 152 #4 Carlton Ave., Los Gatos, Calif. 95032, with your suggestions.
Plant of the Week: Rosemary
Those of us with rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, in our gardens know how attractive it is to the birds and the bees. When it blooms in late winter and early spring, it draws crowds of butterflies and honeybees. Large plantings actually buzz with the activity. Hummingbirds also enjoy the small bilateral flowers.
Because of its prostrate growth, rosemary is generally grown as a deep groundcover under 2 feet tall. Some cultivars spread better than others and can be used to drape over retaining walls or from planters or urns. It may also be used as a sheared hedge. "Tuscan Blue" is an upright cultivar that can be as tall as 6 feet. Rosemary flowers are about 1/4-inch wide in clusters on new growth, in various shades of blue. Narrow needle-like leaves are dark green above and gray below. They can be very aromatic if planted near walkways where visitors to the garden may brush against them as they pass by. Leaves are also used as seasoning for beef, lamb and venison as well as fish and poultry.
Rosemary is native to Mediterranean Europe; so grows very well in our climate. Once it is established, it requires only minimal irrigation. Too much water actually promotes less attractive, sparser growth. As long as the soil is well drained, rosemary will grow in it. Extreme exposure and reflected heat is no problem for rosemary. It can be used where most plants would desiccate. Although rosemary is a good garden plant, it is also ideal for bank cover in less accessible areas where high-maintenance plant material would not be practical.
Rosemary is commonly available in even the most basic nurseries. If buying large quantities for groundcover, flats of rooted cuttings are also available. Be sure to remember which cultivar you have so that any replacement plants will be well matched. As with most species, one odd cultivar can make the whole group look bad.
Readers can contact horticulturist Tony Tomeo at 358-2574.
|
|
|
|
Saratoga, California Since 1975
