Habitat assessment by Cathy'sGarden

Cathy'sGarden's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
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.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Mostly non-native plants including vegetables
Shift some of your non-native plants to natives.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: 
Not much. Less than 5%.
Add a flower garden to your habitat or let some part of it go wild.
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
Not much (1-25%)
Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
1-3
Add 7 to 9 more kinds of spring flowers.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 
7-9
Add 2-3 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.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
More than one.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!

Score: 155 (out of a possible 210)

I have a 25 X 50 foot garden borders by Lemon Queen Sunflowers on one long side. Herbs on one short side, Red Clover on other long side and other sunflowers on other short side.

Our property is in a subdivision which backs up to a soybean/corn field. This year was soybeans. We have planted a 3- 5 ft buffer between the field and our yard of Native Plants, Joe pye weed, goldenrod, Big Blue Stem, Rattlesnake Master, several Asters and Several Mondarda species. Common Milkweed, Butterfly weed and Swamp Milkweed.

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
3575 East Emerald Drive, Vincennes IN 47591
How large is your yard?: 
0.80
acres
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
Yes
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
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
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
No.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
No