Our yard has a gently sloping hillside at the back. This has elderberry, Prunus serotine, Elm, and a "wild" rose. It also has wild grapevines, ferns, garlic mustard (which we are hand pulling to remove), and pokeweeds where there is enough sunlight. The rest of the yard is covered with natives and non-natives with an eye to flowers and/or fruit. We do not use pesticides or herbicides, whatever can be pulled that is a pest, we pull. We encourage bare soil areas as well as "weeds".
Which garden or space are you describing?:
How large is your yard?:
1.00
acres
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?:
Yes
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?:
Yes
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?:
Yes
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:
Yes
Do you have native bunchgrasses?:
Several areas or one large area.
Are there bee nesting blocks?:
Yes
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?:
Yes
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?:
Yes
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?:
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?:
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?:
10 or more
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
Does the garden use herbicides?:
No.
Are pesticides used in the garden?:
No