I live on a 3.5 acre woodland lot near the Pennsylvania state forest Nolde park. I have lived here for 6 years and have recently also gotten my property certified by Cornell as a Bird Spot wildlife sanctuary through their Garden for Birds project. I have never planted a non native or invasive species on my property. I do not mow the woodland and we have a great understory. I still have a lot of work to do on removing invasive bittersweet and honeysuckle and stiltgrass but I have been making great progress by removing by hand with my husband at the ideal times.
Which garden or space are you describing?:
How large is your yard?:
3.20
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
Are there bee nesting blocks?:
Yes
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?:
Yes
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?:
Yes
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?:
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 flowers planted in clumps?:
Yes.
How much mulch is on the ground?:
None.
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