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News Feature for Newsletters, Newspapers and Magazines |
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United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
P.O. Box 2890
Washington, DC 20013
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Dream Yard
Do you ever dream about what your yard could look like some day? As you look
through garden catalogs filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and
pictures of beautifully landscaped yards--complete with ponds and garden
sculptures--the choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds of plants or
giving up because you cannot decide what you really want, here are a few things
to consider.
A common issue in landscaping is creating a peaceful, private environment.
While fencing can provide immediate privacy, consider a buffer strip of
shrubbery between your yard and the one next door. Many shrubs will grow
quickly--within a couple of years--and act as a screen while providing habitat
for a variety of birds. Consider planting native shrubs because they are usually
well adapted to local conditions and may provide the best habitat for local
wildlife. Other considerations: whether the plants have special characteristics
such as flowers or fruits, how large they will eventually become, and how much
maintenance they require to remain healthy and in scale with your yard. Check
with a local nursery or garden center for recommended species.
If you always thought it would be fun to have a pond, try it. With the
variety of materials now on the market, anyone can have a garden pond,
regardless of the size of the yard. If you have a lot of space, you can build
one right in the ground. You can purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and
line it with a plastic pond liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic
lined barrel or tub. Just add water, plants, a pump, and even fish--and you have
a pond for your patio. Be sure to consider sources of electricity if you intend
to add a pump. Also, make sure you use caution and take security measures if
small children have access to your yard and the pond. Another factor to consider
is maintenance. A pond can require a lot of effort to keep it clear of algae,
leaves, and debris.
If you do not want to spend your weekends maintaining a yard, turn part of it
into a wildflower garden. Depending on where you live, this could be a prairie,
desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local zoning ordinances. Some
communities have not yet recognized the value of "native landscaping"
and may consider this a nuisance area. If you want a more maintained yard,
consider ground covers instead of grass and use mulch to control weeds in
foundation plantings and flower beds.
When selecting plants, make sure they are adapted to your area. Consider both
the minimum and maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight,
and soil characteristics. Ask yourself: Do you want an annual that will need
replanting every year or a perennial that comes up year after year? Do you want
cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends?
Consider native plants. They are usually better adapted to local conditions
and need little maintenance. Be cautious about introducing exotic species such
as purple loosestrife that will become invasive and is prohibited in many
states.
Above all, choose what you like. There is an enormous variety of plants that
will provide food and shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. With a little
planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the yard of your dreams.
For more information on Backyard Conservation practices, contact your local
conservation district or the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Or call
1-888-LANDCARE (toll free) for a free colorful Backyard Conservation booklet and
tip sheets.
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- Backyard Conservation is a
cooperative project of
- Natural Resources
Conservation Service
- Wildlife Habitat Council
- National Association of
Conservation Districts
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