Our yard is full of shrubs, vines, trees, grasses, annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs AND weeds. We do not kill dandelions! I companion plant and group vegetables with herbs and flowers. There are a few flowering shrubs in my vegetable beds. Throughout the year, we encourage and see birds, butterflies, moths, bees, hummingbirds, preying mantids, lizards, beetles, earthworms, etc. etc. etc. I have been an organic gardener since my first garden in 1974, at every location where I have lived- upstate NY, Tennessee, Colorado (2 different homes and yards) and now Portales, NM. I am absolutely thrilled with the number of honey bees I am seeing this year. They are everywhere in my yard!!!
Which garden or space are you describing?:
How large is your yard?:
0.30
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 the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?:
Most (more than 75%)
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