TheMondayGarden.com

Why plant in the fall? Perennials put in now get a head start over those planted next spring and will be more likely to survive a drought next summer or a severe winter next year. Of course, you do risk a severe winter this year. So it's best to "hedge your bets" (pardon the pun) and split your planting between spring and fall.

Why add a bush or small tree? Shrubs are a cheap, low-maintenance way to reduce unnecessary lawn or perk-up a part of the garden looks drab and empty all winter. Most of all, perhaps it's time to upgrade from plants that are environmental threats or environmentally neutral to those that add to the environment in a big way, generally native species that produce edible seeds or fruit. If you add just one great shrub a year, in a few years, your garden could become an environmental model.

What's the best we can do? Exploring the suburban ecology issues for The Monday Garden I’ve become convinced that:

• we are obligated to provide food for the wild critters since we’re living in too much of what used to be their habitat.

• What the wild critters eat, they spread into our remaining wild areas.

• Easily spread foreign plants are diversity-destroying invaders of the worst order.

• Bio-diversity is critical to the survival of the plants and animals, which are our most precious heritage.

• Hardy native plants require less artificial life support, i.e., fewer chemicals in our streams, less draw on the water supply, and more free time for the gardener. (So, what’s not to like?)

The inescapable conclusion for me: plant things the wild critters will enjoy that are native to the area.

What should you take out? Where I live in Connecticut, the woods are full of burning bush (euonymus alata), and japanese barberry (berberis thunbergii). Unfortunately, so are the local gardens, including the landscaping at some major corporate sites. Thus, even though the public-spirited spend countless sweaty hours clearing these invaders out of the woods, the birds bring the seeds right back. For pictures and descriptions of your local bad guy, see http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/index.htm">MidAtlantic Invasives, http://www.rbg.ca/cbcn/en/invasives/invade1.htm">Canadian Invasivesl, and USA Invasives.

What to plant? Fortunately, there's a long list of good guys. Since the goal is maximum bio-diversity, start by taking a look at the beneficial shrubs and trees already in your garden and your neighborhood and choose something different. Too many of the same plant can encourage blights (e.g. viburnum leaf beetle). Also, we need to provide the wild creatures with a full, year-around menu, so we need seeds, nuts and berries for all seasons.

Some good guys to consider: blueberry, service berry (shad), viburnum, native dogwood, bayberry, spice bush, crab apple, pines with long thick needles and cones, hawthrone, junipers, hollies, elderberries, pawpaws, chokecherries, beach plums, and native caneberries (blackberries, raspberries, etc.). Which ones you pick will be depend on what's already growing in your area, your growing conditions, and your space's height and width requirements. Pick plants that will naturally do well in your space, without frequent pruning, watering, fertilizing, etc.

Then what? Get out binoculars and an easy chair. Not only will you have birds and other wild critters to watch but you'll have more time to do it!

What the readers said:

Great article! I feel like rushing to a nursery. Liz (CT)

I love the picture from garden # 78. I was totally in love with the colors and the nice summer light day contrast. Sami (CT)

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