Colleen

@Margo I don't have much of a plan -- I see or read about a native I decide I want, and just kind of find a place for it as I go. I have tried planning but things never really end up that way -- something I want isn't available, I run across somethong I like better, etc... My only plan is, is it native and beneficial to birds or pollinators? I am afraid my yard will probably end up being a mishmash, but at least it will be a beneficial mishmash!! Nature isn't perfect at planning either, so I think I'm ok.

We just built a house last year on what used to be a farmer's field, so our yard was an acre of flat, blank slate. No mature landscaping. I had the chance to get some plantings in last summer. I concentrated on mostly native plants for pollinators but have a few "well behaved" non native favorites as well. In the summer I have 2 birdbaths (one has a solar waterfall feature), several birdfeeders and a few birdhouses but I have learned now what better kinds of seed to offer and where to better place my houses. Unfortunately we had to get the foundation of the house sprayed for spiders which I was not thrilled about but my flower beds went untouched. Anyways, I have lots of great ideas planned for my future gardens... Small to medium sized trees, berry bushes, tall grasses, and flowering perennials from all-native-selling nurseries. Possibly a small pond or water feature. There are so many possibilities it makes my head spin (in a good way)!!