Habitat assessment by doncoats49.dc@gmail.com

Assessment results

Answer given	Our advice
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: No	Consider increasing the amount of sandy loamy soil. Ground nesting bees often prefer sandy loamy soil as it is easier to dig and drains well. Sandy loam is made up of 10-50% silt or organic matter, 50-75% sand, and less than 20% clay. So if you have 15% sand in your existing soil, you will need to add enough sand to make it at least 50%. If you have 30% clay, you will need to add enough of the sand or compost to bring that percentage down to less than 20%.
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: No	Set aside some areas for no tilling, plowing or turning over. Ground nesting bees nest anywhere from the top inches to several feet below the surface. Reducing disturbance allows those bees to survive to the next year.
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: One smaller area.	Increase the amount of bunch grass in your yard. Many bees nest and overwinter at the base of these grasses.
Are there bee nesting blocks?: No	Supplement your habitats with nest blocks. Learn how to build them here.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: A lot. More than 40%.	You are doing a great job managing for pollinators!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 7-9	Add 2 or 3 more kinds of spring flowers.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 4-6	Add 3-4 more fall flowers to support fall bees.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 4-6	Add 2-3 more types of summer flowers to support summer bees.
Does the garden use herbicides?: Yes, but I have confirmed they are not toxic to bees.	Consider reducing your herbicide use.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: Ten or more.	We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks for contributing!

Score: 158 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?:

1 walnut valley rd, chadds ford pa

How large is your yard?:

1.00

acres

Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?:

Yes

Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?:

Yes

Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:

Yes

What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?:

Native wildflowers

How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?:

Most (more than 75%)

Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?:

Most (more than 75%)

Are flowers planted in clumps?:

Yes.

How much mulch is on the ground?:

Some.

Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?:

Yes

Are pesticides used in the garden?: