| Observing Nature in our own back yard can be a | | | | plantings to give it a more natural feel. Also, keep in |
| wonderful thing. Few things are as relaxing as | | | | mind that you will probably want to add more to your |
| watching animals from the comfort of a garden bench, | | | | landscape as time goes by. It is wise to develop a |
| a patio, or from a window in our home. | | | | planting plan prior to actually beginning work on the |
| To increase the level of birds and butterflies (and | | | | project. |
| ultimately wildlife in general), try strategically planting a | | | | You might also want to consider adding a water |
| few of the following trees and shrubs in your | | | | element to your landscape design, either through a |
| backyard habitat. | | | | birdbath or a small waterfall. Many water elements are |
| 1. Flowering Dogwood | | | | commercially available from your local "Mega-Mart" or |
| 2. Serviceberry | | | | building supplier. |
| 3. Holly | | | | Especially attractive are the small waterfall type |
| 4. Spicebush | | | | elements. Make sure you get one that is relatively |
| 5. Hawthorn | | | | realistic looking. Nothing ruins a beautiful natural scene |
| 6. Flowering Crabapple | | | | more quickly than rocks that look like they are made |
| 7. Colorado Blue Spruce | | | | from plastic. The animals may not pay attention, but I |
| 8. Butterfly Bush | | | | guarantee that you will find a realistic version far more |
| Birds and butterflies love these varieties because they | | | | pleasing to the eye. |
| provide shelter and food. | | | | If you can't get everything in place all at once, create |
| Before you begin planting, observe how nature | | | | your habitat a little at a time. Your efforts will pay off in |
| "manages" its flora and fauna. Trees and plants do not | | | | the long run. |
| grow in straight lines. Vary the positions of your | | | | Enjoy! |