Dampness

Nice shot of the Russian cypress (Microbiota decussata) above. This plant can tolerate part shade and will get 12" tall and continue to spread. Originally touted for shade, it prefers some sunlight and requires perfect drainage. Our best specimens are in tough soils, part shade and perfect drainage. It will die quickly in damp areas. This time of year, it also turns a nice bronzy/plum color.

It fluctuated between a light drizzle, heavy drizzle, steady rain and mist today. It never really didn't rain and it never was a downpour. For those of us that went outside (Marv, Terry, Rick, Tony and Jerry), we were all saturated pretty quickly. I managed to run cords most of the day while Marv and Terry set up displays and decorated with lights. Rick and Tony hauled debris, graveled a path and did various odds and ends. Jerry continues to prune and cut back shrubs. Larry went home sick and Marianne was the smart one and stayed inside to work on repairing lights and prepping displays. We're making lots of progress although we still have gardening to accomplish. Rick and Tony will finish next week with the remainder of the garden staff departing the week following (and returning in April 2009).

See below for one of many ways to kill a tree. I can't imagine the roots are pretty happy under all of that asphalt. Consider mulching your tree with 3-4" of woodchips or shredded bark this fall. Taper the mulch away from the base of the tree and understand you'll have to add (topdress) this mulch layer with 1" of fresh stuff every year. Studies have shown that properly mulched trees grow significantly faster than their counterparts growing directly out of turf (competition). Winter is a good time to examine your trees and shrubs for architectural pruning and shaping although know your plant as many prefer to be pruned after flowering (lilacs, etc.).

Consider the value of ornamental berries in the landscape as you examine your landscape. Ornamental berries can offer colorful interest and may also have significant wildlife value. See the article below.

As you enjoy wonderful foods during the cold holiday months of November, December and January, look out in your landscape and realize that wildlife is also looking for food; and perhaps having some difficulty. Many birds and mammals will forage for food through the coldest months of the year. The severity of the winter coupled with limited food supplies can be the difference between life and death for our neighborhood wildlife. Wildlife-friendly gardens should provide food for wildlife through the toughest winter months. While bird feeders, bird houses, nesting boxes and heated bird baths are all helpful, try planting native trees and shrubs that have persistent berries. These food sources will become vital to wildlife in our coldest months.

Landscapes that are friendly to wildlife will contain elements that provide good nesting sites, winter shelter, places to hide from predators and natural food supplies that last throughout the year. Trees and shrubs with winter fruit are those whose fruits remain attached to the plants long after they become ripe in the fall. Many of these berries are not palatable until they have frozen and thawed many times. The National Wildlife Federation has dubbed these plants the “spinach plants” for wildlife. This indicates that while they may be the last food selected by wildlife due to this “transformation of palatability”, their nutrient value at a tough time is vital. It is important to note that some birds never eat seeds and these berries become very important for many resident bird species in late winter and early spring. Small mammals will also utilize these berries as well as available nuts from trees such as oaks, hickories, buckeyes, chestnuts, butternuts, walnuts and hazels. Long-lasting berries can be the life saver for wildlife during tough winters.

There are many plants native to North America that will provide winter berries for our wildlife and also be ornamental throughout the year. Utilize native plants whenever possible if your goal is to attract wildlife. It is interesting to note that native plants will attract forty times more wildlife than non-native plants. Something interesting to note is that while some non-native trees and shrubs do provide berries for wildlife, they are horribly invasive as the seeds are distributed throughout our native ecosystems. Some examples include European Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry, Tatarian Honeysuckle and Russian Olive to name a few. See the accompanying chart for twenty-five great native plants for persistent winter berries. When incorporating these trees and shrubs into your landscape, strive for a variety of plant heights and plant densities. Berries should be provided at all levels and can be done so by utilizing both trees and shrubs. Diverse plantings will be more attractive to a broader range of wildlife.

As you enjoy the winter landscape, notice plants around your neighborhood and parks that are providing berries for wildlife. These fruits can also be quite ornamental and improved varieties of these native species, while still providing wildlife benefits, can easily be incorporated into both formal and informal landscapes. Contact the National Wildlife Federation (1-800-822-9919) for more information on wildlife-friendly landscaping. Including native trees and shrubs that provide essential winter berries will help wildlife through our Wisconsin winters.