Bird habitat 2017-notes

4/1/2017

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Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. CountyProject SOUND – 2017 (our 13th year)

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Birds on a (Space) Budget: attracting birds in a

small garden

C.M. Vadheim, K. Dawdy (and T. Drake)CSUDH (emeritus), CSUDH & City of Torrance

Madrona Marsh PreserveApril 1 & 5, 2017

Last month we learned how to use narrow spaces to best advantage

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Shady seating/ hot tub

Dining

Learned about several ways to use native and non-native plants in narrow spaces

Learned how to evaluate natives for their ‘espalierability’

Saw that espalier is both an art and a science

Explored both formal and informal forms of espalier –and how they’re created

Learned a few tricks for making an area seem smaller

We clipped some interesting photos

Now it’s time to visit the rest of the garden – from a ‘bird’s eye’ perspective.

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http://dargan.com/blending-design-shapes-into-outdoor-seating-areas/

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Attributes of the ‘dining area’

16’ by 18’ (plus the extra area) Already gets some afternoon shade,

thanks to the neighbor’s trees and house; but sunny midday

Want seating for 6 at an outdoor table

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https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/italian-courtyard/

Perhaps a grape arbor is just the ticket to provide mid-day shade

Advantages: Provides shade Edible grapes; birds can also eat

them Winter-deciduous; get sun in the

winter when we want it Grape vines are an attractive accent

for a Mediterranean style garden Disadvantages:

Require a fair amount of work each year

Raccoons, opossums and squirrels –and right above the dining table!

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https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/italian-courtyard/

But we do love the sunny yellow ‘room’

Paint the house walls a warm, buttery yellow; maybe brick paving (laid in sand)

? Install a retractable shade; or just install a shade structure without plants –or with something other than grape

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Perhaps an arbor or arch?

Lots of fresh ideas for shade: thank heavens!

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http://best-homedecoration.com/47920/retractable-shade-pergola/

http://www.picrevise.com/?image=http://www.conniehogarth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/shade-cloth-patio-cover-ideas.jpg&title=Patio Cover Ideas Shade Cloth Patio Cover Ideas Home Design Ideas&tag=fabric patio cover ideashttp://classia.net/modern-retractable-pergola/

White vinyl from Lowes

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dura-Trel-105-in-W-x-105-in-L-x-96-in-H-White-Vinyl-Freestanding-Pergola/50343812

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It’s time for us all to think seriously about shade

What outdoor living areas could benefit from shade?

Can shade structures help make my home cooler?

How shady? Experiment.

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https://www.pinterest.com/explore/pergolas/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/113223378106437042/

Expanding our useable space

Create a utility area; great potential space for barbeque (handy to table), trash cans, garden shed, rainwater storage, etc. in a handy space

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Extend the hardscape

Make area look larger; might even be able to create a look something like this

An arch with a vine: practical

Nice design element –Mediterranean

Hide utility area; handy but concealed space

Make area look larger by creating another, hidden ‘room’

© Project SOUNDhttp://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Caprifoliaceae/Lonicera%20subspicata.htm

More opportunity for habitat

View from the table (looking North): our vision

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We could place some outdoor mirror ‘windows’ on the yellow wall. View?? Habitat??

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The open look – featuring green vine and decorative trellis on a yellow wall


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Hidden trellis and green espalier on a yellow wall; would be nice if flowering


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Green wall (narrow hedge/screen; or dense informal espalier)

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How bird-friendly is our garden ecosystem?

Excellent Good Fair Poor

How do the common birds rate our garden as habitat?

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To attract birds we need to understand their habits & preferences…

…and a good place to start is with what they eat

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Like butterflies, some birds are ‘picky eaters’

Generalists Eat many different kinds

of food – whatever is available

Well-adapted to different – and changing –environments

Often are common in urban & suburban yards – that’s why many people know them by name

Examples: Crows, Ravens, Scrub Jays, Robins, Mockingbirds

http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/WildlifeSightings/WildlifesightNovember06.htm

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Like butterflies, some birds are ‘picky eaters’

Specialists Eat selected kinds of foods – at

least primarily Raptors – meat-eaters Insect-eaters Fruit-eaters Seed-eaters

Often very well adapted to a specific environment – have ‘developed together over time’

Often are less common in urban & suburban yards – NO FOOD

Examples: Lesser Gold Finch, CA Towhee, Orioles, Tanagers, Warblers, Phoebes

CA Towhee

Audubon’s Warblerhttp://thebirdguide.com/washington/BigDayReport2007.htm

To attract the specialized feeders, we must provide the food they need

Plant ‘hummingbird plants’ that provide good nectar for hummers and other pollinators (next month)

Plant more fruiting plants (including the smaller fruits that we don’t eat – but the birds will)

Use plants (annuals, perennials and shrubs) that produce seeds – and let these plants go to seed

Attract insects to the garden – and don’t kill them with pesticides(more on insects next month)

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What food plants do we have already?Seed eaters Fruit eaters Insect eatersArtemisiaEriogonumSalviasTetraneuris (sunflower)

ArtemisiaEriogonumSalviasTetraneuris (sunflower)

AmorphaCercocarpusPhiladelphus

CitrusHeteromeles (Toyon)Ribes (currants)

AmorphaCercocarpusCitrusPhiladelphus

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The Honeysuckles: consummate habitat plants

Native honeysuckles occur in moist places throughout the world

Are : Known for their fragrance,

medicinal qualities, and beauty

Used in several ways in gardens, due to their vine-like habit

Often invasive when alien

Feed a wide range of living things including hummingbirds, other birds, bees, moths, butterflies and small animals

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Alien Honeysuckles – the “bad boys” of invasive vines

Japanese Honeysuckle -Lonicera japonica

Amur Honeysuckle -Lonicera maackii

Very invasive- remove by cutting, flaming, or burning the plant to root level and repeating on two-week increments until nutrient reserves in the roots are depleted

Pink Honeysuckle – Lonicera hispidula var. vacillans

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Southern (Santa Barbara/San Diego) Honeysuckle – Lonicera subspicata

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Caprifoliaceae/Lonicera%20subspicata.htm

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Southern (Santa Barbara/San Diego) Honeysuckle – Lonicera subspicata

var. denudata: Coastal CA and Sierras

var. subspicata: Mountains of Santa Barbara county

Quite common on dry slopes below 5000' on chaparral slopes and shaded woodlands

var. denudata

var. subspicata

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Southern honeysuckle: woody vine

Size: 3-8 (up to 20) ft. long 3-4 ft, wide

Growth form: Woody vine Branches are thin, flexible and

wand-like Young bark reddish

Foliage: Leaves simple, opposite Evergreen

http://www.planttrails.com/product/lonicera-subspicata-var-denudata/

Var. denudata

https://www.flickr.com/photos/treebeard/14402151565

var. subspicata

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Flowers and fruits: Southern Honeysuckle

Blooms: Apr-May

Flowers: Typical Honeysuckle flowers (buff-cream & white) Sweet-scented Attract hummingbirds and long-

tongued butterflies

Fruits (berries) Ripen in late summer, fall Small - about 5/16" in diameter Bright red or yellow – very

attractive Edible – but a bit tart for human

tastes

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Caprifoliaceae/Lonicera%20subspicata.htm

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Not a difficult plant to please

Soils: Texture: any – sandy to clay pH: most local pH except alkali (> 8.0)

Light: Full sun along coast or with water Some afternoon shade best in most

gardens

Water: Winter: adequate; no standing water Summer: quite drought tolerant once

established; looks best with occasional summer water (Water Zone 2)

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: needs support unless used as groundcover; can be trained on trellis, fence, arbor, etc.

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Garden vine Good groundcover, particularly in

shaded areas; on banks; under water-wise trees

Trained along walls, fences, arbors

In a habitat garden: mostly for nectar and edible fruit

In planters and very large pots (for example on a patio)

https://grownatives.cnps.org/2010/05/12/highlights-of-orange-countys-native-garden-tour/

https://www.sanelijo.org/plant-guide/southern-honeysuckle

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https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d5/ee/21/d5ee218943c589095239d2217aa1a314.jpg

More options for green screens are becoming available all the time

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1743 S. La Cienega Blvd.Los Angeles, CA [email protected]

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Hidden trellis and green on a yellow wall –or just use the honeysuckle on the arches

https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferwitte/honeysuckle/http://blueheronlandscapes.com/tag/major-wheeler-honeysuckle/

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CA Coffeeberry – Frangula (Rhamnus) californica

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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CA Coffeeberry – Frangula (Rhamnus) californica Another coastal species (mostly): Foothills from

OR S. to Baja, including Providence Mtns.; also in some parts of AZ, NV (desert mtns)

Dry flats, moist slopes, ravines, and rocky ridges, usually at elevations below 5,500 feet

Wide range of plant communities: coastal sage scrub, chaparral, woodlands, forests

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Rhamnus+californica©2015 Zoya Akulova

©2012 Jean Pawek

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Coffeeberry: versatile, dense evergreen shrub

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Size: 6-12 ft tall (usually 8-10) 8-10 ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen shrub/small tree Mounded form; at least as wide as tall Bark red, becoming gray Moderate growth rate; long lived

(several 100 yrs)

Foliage: Attractive, medium green; dense Leaves simple, attractive; smaller &

thicker w/ less water Deer love it (hedge); Pale Swallowtail

larval food

Roots: re-sprouts after fire, coppicing

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Frangula californica‘Eve Case’

6-8 ft tall & wide Part-shade is good Can easily be hedged; dense Good habitat: nectar, fruits, cover

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/2785041969 https://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/7343930414


What food plants do we have now?

Seed eaters Fruit eaters Insect eatersArtemisiaEriogonumSalviasTetraneuris (sunflower)



CitrusFrangula (Coffeeberry)Heteromeles (Toyon)Lonicera (Honeysuckle)Ribes (Currants)

AmorphaCercocarpusCitrusFrangula (Coffeeberry)Lonicera (Honeysuckle)Philadelphus

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Thus far we’ve ignored the green hedge between the hot tub area & main garden

4-5 ft. wide by 16 ft. long

Want a narrow, dense, evergreen hedge; suitable plant?

Want a native plant that provides good bird habitat

Need to incorporate a cozy seating nook

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http://dargan.com/blending-design-shapes-into-outdoor-seating-areas/

http://www.kinggardendesigns.com/pruning/

Difference between a narrow hedge and an espalier Narrow hedge/screen

Free-standing; requires no support Usually formed from shrubs or trees;

must be hedge-able Often deeper & more dense than an

espalier Often better choice for background

(creating illusion of depth) Better choice for bird habitat

Espalier Plants require support Can be done with selected trees/ shrubs

and vines; must be trainable Can be trained to a quite shallow depth –

12-24 inches Can be used to make an area look smaller

– can be an accent© Project SOUND

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The importance of hedges and screens in garden design

They can help screen views and create privacy; a good way to break up a garden into rooms

They can be used to make a garden seem larger; green background

They can add a formal element to a garden; clipped hedge

Properly planned and maintained, they can also increase bio-diversity, store carbon, help manage rainwater, and add beauty and livability for all. In short, they can be life-friendly.

© Project SOUND

Lemonadeberry – Rhus integrifolia

Lemonadeberry – Rhus integrifolia

S. California endemic: Santa Barbara county to Baja CA – east to Riverside Co.

Dry places < 2600 ft elevation in Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral; Often on ocean-facing slopes or canyons in coastal areas

Rhus: from rhous, an ancient Greek name for Sumac; integrifolia: leaf margins are entire, not toothed

http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Rhus-ovata/

Lemonadeberry is a large shrubby plant

Large, sturdy shrub/small tree –may be shorter along immediate coast

3 to 10 ft tall and wide

Trunk is short & stout

Evergreen

Thick, waxy leaves are oval shaped and flat to slightly in-rolled

Leaves are aromatic when crushed

Growth is very dense, particularly when hedged

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An attractive native flowering shrub

Flowers

December-May (usually Jan-Mar)

Small, attractive pink-white flowers; clusters at ends of twigs

Lemon-scented

Either bisexual, female or male only; most plants are mostly female or mostly male

Plants not self-fertile; need at least 2 for fruit

Bee pollinated (mostly Honeybees in our gardens)

Lemonadeberry fruits are also attractive Fruit – a flat, very sticky drupe

with a large seed

Borne on female plants (mostly)

Fruits are covered with fine red hairs – and nectar

Fruits ripen in late spring-summer –remain on plants into winter

Wonderful taste; beverage, syrup, jelly, flavoring

Growth requirements of Lemonadeberry

Soils Not particular about pH Well-drained; does fine in

most clays with little/no summer water

Sun: full sun or part shade

Water: little or none when established – very drought & heat tolerant

Nutrition: needs no added fertilizer

Intolerances: High winds – branches brittle Salt spray

Lemonadeberry is very hedge-able

http://gardendesignbybryanvanderhyden.tumblr.com/post/89291529326/this-east-side-santa-barbara-spanish-california

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Two Lemonadeberies create a shady retreat

16 ft. area: plant a plant ~ 4 ft. from each end

Will ultimately grow together© Project SOUNDhttp://dargan.com/blending-design-shapes-into-outdoor-seating-areas/

Green hedge: create a vista? block a view?

Could create an opening between hot tub area and main garden (probably where the seat is)

? What are views from both directions ?

? Privacy vs vistas (to provide interest and “enlarge” the garden)

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http://dargan.com/blending-design-shapes-into-outdoor-seating-areas/http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/the-art-of-framing-a-garden-picture

How long before the hedge is complete?

…and what will we do to create privacy in the meantime?

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March 9, 2017

2009

2012

2015

2017

Short-term solutions to a developing green screen/hedge

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http://homesthetics.net/22-simply-beautiful-low-budget-privacy-screens-for-your-backyard/

http://www.gardenstructuredesign.com/landscape-design-products/trellises-and-trellis-panels/rectangular-trellis-panel/

http://www.brandisworld.com/1798/outdoor-ideas/outdoor-bamboo-privacy-screen/superb-outdoor-bamboo-privacy-screen-5-bamboo-garden-fence-ideas/

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http://www.target.com/p/eden-garden-storage-bench-brown-keter/-/A-17406510?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Patio+Garden+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Patio+Garden&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=s&device=c&location=9031025&gclid=CjwKEAjwtbPGBRDhoLaqn6HknWsSJABR-o5sL_LVTB9hQgCOtgYaBd0CJNbZzFuBLRkvfSU01LBJfRoCz3Tw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/outdoor-couch/

Seating for our cozy nook: many possible options

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CitrusFrangula (Coffeeberry)Heteromeles (Toyon)Lonicera (Honeysuckle)Rhus (Lemonadeberry)Ribes (Currants)

AmorphaCercocarpusCitrusFrangula (Coffeeberry)Lonicera (Honeysuckle)PhiladelphusRhus (Lemonadeberry)

© Project SOUND

Why concentrate first on large plants?

They’re often easier to install first

They often serve as backdrop for other plants

They ‘set the tone’ for the rest of the garden

They are large – so require careful placement

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They provide lots of habitat with a relatively small footprint:

Things to eat (nectar, pollen, fruits, seeds, foliage, insects)

Places to perch and hide Places to nest

Trees provide excellent bird habitat Potentially provide lots of food

Nectar & pollen Fruits/seeds Insects

Can plant under most trees, so very small footprint

Provide safe perches for many birds at one time

Many birds are tree nesters – for good reason

An old tree (even a dead stump) can provide nest sites for cavity nesters

Even provide shade for the birder!© Project SOUND

Most trees (native or not; large or smaller) provide good bird habitat

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Many in the ‘excellent’ category are the natives

The larger the tree, the more ‘clients’ it can serve

‘Ray Hartman’ Ceanothus

White alder - Alnus rhombifolia

Desert willow - Chilopsis linearis

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Does every household need a tree?

It takes a neighborhood to create bird habitat You don’t have to provide everything in your own garden In fact, most gardens are too small to provide adequate range

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http://www.modernhomerealtygroup.com/neighborhoods/

Be aware of the habitat resources in your neighborhood; conduct an informal survey as you walk your neighborhood

Supplement your neighborhood’s habitat resources

Many neighborhoods lack mid-size shrubs

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Suburban tract homes (1940-60’s) often featured shrubs mostly as ‘foundation shrubs’

The lawn ruled supreme

Hedges and vines were viewed as ‘old-fashioned’

Less emphasis on privacy – in part because less crowding? Young families with stay-at-home moms?

Many shrubs planted early (in the life of a neighborhood) have gotten old, were removed (and not replaced)

http://addto.me/1950s-homes/1950s-homes-exquisite-1950s-suburban-homes-economical-small-house/


Hedge vs. hedgerow

Hedge/screen Single species (shrub or

sometimes tree) Width: 2-6 ft.

Hedgerow Multiple species Width: 6 ft. and more Range of size; small (grass) to

large shrubs, even trees Complex ecosystem that

develops over time Good habitat for wide range

of insects, birds, animals

© Project SOUND

Succession in an ecosystem (even a small one)

After a disturbance (like fire or clearing land), a pattern emerges:

First the small things that require full sun appear: annual wildflowers, grasses, annual and some perennial weeds

As the sub-shrubs grow, some part-shade tolerant perennials grow in their shade

As shrubs and trees grow, they serve as ‘mother plants’ to an increasingly varied palette of species, including shade-lovers

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Succession in an ecosystem (even a small one) Development of a hedgerow (or

other) ecosystem over time: the ecology of succesion

The overstory plants have a profound influence on the understory – effect literally all aspects of their environment

An understory develops to meet changing availability of light, water, nutrients, pH, soil biota make-up, and other factors.

Understory plants must be chosen –and placed – with conditions in mind

As the ecosystem develops, it is able to serve more – and more varied – birds and animals

© Project SOUND

Hedgerows for bird habitat Multiple source(s) of food

Fruits Seeds Nectar (Hummingbirds) Insects

Nest materials

Perches

Shelter

Nest sites Taller and mid-height sites

(ground to 8-15 ft high) Dense: important for protection

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If you’re patient and let Mother Nature work her wonders

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Can you create ‘hedgerow habitat’ with

CA natives?

Of course…

Visit hedgerows anytime on CSUDH campus

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Location: S. end, Parking Lot 7. Hedgerow is on west end, near CAMs school buildings

Location: near Child Development Center - just off Parking Lot 1 (north end of parking lot)

Heritage Creek Preserve Garden of Dreams Discovery Garden

Note: if visiting on a weekend, check to be sure there’s not a soccer or football game

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Hedgerow at Heritage Creek Preserve

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Location: S. end, Parking Lot 7

Started: 2008

Runs: north-south

Features: formal vs. informal

Backbone shrubs:

Lemonadeberry Toyon native Cherries

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii

Desert lavender Desert thorn/Wolfberry

Formal side (west)

Informal side (east)

Hedgerow at Heritage Creek Preserve

© Project SOUND

Understory plants (mostly east side): these plants supplement those growing in the Preserve proper

Native sages (Salvia apiana; S. leucophylla; S. mellifera)

Native Aquifolium/Berberis

Keckiella antirrhinoides

Native grasses

Native perennials: Narrowleaf milkweed; Yarrow; Sticky monkeyflower

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Hedgerow at Garden of Dreams

© Project SOUND

Location: N. end of Parking Lot 1, East of Child Development Center

Started: 2009

Runs: East-West

Features: sunny side vs. shady side; located on steep slope

Backbone shrubs:

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia)

Catalina cherry (Prunus ilicifoliassp. lyonii) (planted 2016)

Lemonadeberry arch

Sunny side

Shady side

Hedgerow at Garden of Dreams

© Project SOUND

Understory shrubs & plants: supplement those found in other parts of garden

Sunny side: Catalina snapdragon Catalina silverlace Mock heather CA encelia CA sagebrush

Shady side: Coyote bush CA Brickelbush CA encelia Sticky monkeyflower CA wild rose Hummingbird sage Woodmint Mugwort Assorted shade-loving annuals

Sunny side

Shady side

Park near the hedgerow and observe…

© Project SOUND

…then go sit on the convenient benches to watch and listen

You’ll likely be surprised by all the activity: birds, insects, animals

Hedges & hedgerows: require routine upkeep

Begin pruning after 3-4 years with local native shrubs, after first year with N. CA shrubs; give time to establish

Prune when actively growing (usually spring-summer; after bloom if possible)

Do as needed – every other month; a bit less as plants mature © Project SOUND

2014

2016

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/151--ceanothus-griseus-horizontalis-yankee-point

‘Yankee Point’ ceanothus

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© Project SOUND

Cuts that increase the number of new outer branches: shearing (hedging; heading back)

A form of heading that makes no attempt to cut back to a bud.

Because plants chosen for shearing typically have many lateral buds close together, you'll usually end up cutting near a bud.

Shearing stimulates many buds to produce new growth - you'll be repeating the job regularly. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/PruningPlants

https://www.best4hedging.co.uk/blog/2015/01/10-reasons-to-choose-box-hedging/

http://www.elitetreecare.ca/hedge-shearing/

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=64903

Where is there space for a hedgerow?

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Shady seating/ hot tub

Dining

Backyard is pretty full Front yard might be a

possibility What size does a hedgerow

need to be?

Born of need: the ‘mini-hedgerow’

http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/cea_thr.html

The ‘mini-hedgerow’ – garden-sized ecosystem Height: 4-6 ft. maximum

Width: 4-6 ft. maximum

Length: any 6-30+ ft. (the longer the better the habitat value)

Layers:

Backbone shrubs: medium size shrubs (or those that can be pruned to size)

Smaller shrubs & sub-shrubs (evergreen or drought-deciduous)

Annual and perennial wildflowers

Native grasses© Project SOUND

‘Centennial’ Manzanita, Purple sage, grasses & wildflowers

The ‘mini-hedgerow’ – backbone shrubs

Local favorites Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) Coyote bush (tall form) Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia

Green and more northerly Coffeeberry cultivars * Arctostaphylos densiflora cultivars

like ‘Howard McMinn’, ‘Sentennial’ **Arctostaphylos pajaroensis 'Paradise‘ * Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium

Desert shrubs: *Berberis fremontii *Calliandra species * Ceanothus greggii Boxthorns (*Lycium species) * Simmondsia chinensis

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Northerly options

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http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/California_native_hedges.html


http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/California_native_hedges.htmlOregon grape

Desert species should do well into the future

© Project SOUND

Lycium andersonii Simmondsia chinensis

Lycium cooperi

We decide to postpone our decisions on the mini-hedgerow until next month

By then we’ll know more about our backyard choices

And we’ll also see how our choices will affect both bird and insect habitat

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Birds need more than food…

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© Project SOUND

Things you can do to attract more birds

Provide clean, safe water Provide a spot of bare soil

about 20 inches across in a sunny corner of your yard. This will allow birds to take dust baths to clean their feathers and get rid of parasites.

http://www.iusedtohatebirds.com/2011/07/youngins.html

How can we measure our success (as a bird garden)

Checklist: provide all the elements of bird habitat

Bird numbers: roughly count the number of birds: Before we install the habitat After (at intervals)

Species diversity: start a bird list for the garden Simple running list Add details each year: numbers, months

seen, nesting, etc.

Functional assessment: how birds use garden (feeding; drinking; nesting; etc.)

© Project SOUND

How are we doing? Multiple source(s) of food


Nest materials

Perches

Shelter

Nest sites

Water

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Let’s focus on attracting a group of birds (and butterflies) that are also pollinators

Ribes, Lonicera Lamiaceae (Mint family) Other herbs

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Characteristics of the eastern side yard area

Size: 8 ft x 30 ft

Bright part-shade: between the espalier and house

Views from both bedrooms

Currently just ignored –some garden castoffs are stored there

It’s a shame to let this area go to waste, but what will grow here? Herbs?

© Project SOUND

What herbs could we grow in bright shade?

Annuals Parsley (Petroselinum neapolitanum/ crispum) Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Perennials Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) Lovage (Levisticum officinale) Mint (Mentha spp.) Native mints (Monardella; Pycnanthemum) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) Golden Oregano (Origanum vulgare 'Aureum’) Angelica (Angelica archangelica) Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

© Project SOUND

http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/2014/11/save-money-grow-your-own-herbs.html

We could also grow lettuce and spinach here in the cool season

We sit in the area and assess its potential

Narrow, but workable

Good site for part-shade-loving herbs – especially the mints

Will be relatively easy to water as needed

? containment

© Project SOUND

http://www.almanac.com/blog/gardening-blog/herb-garden-solutions

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/growing-watermint.htm

Two types of ‘shady herbs’: the shrubby ones and the spreaders

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Some differences between the two herb types Shrubby types

Often are sub-shrubs

Often from mediterranean climates

Need less water/drier conditions

Some may sprawl, but they don’t really spread

Spreaders

Usually are herbaceous perennials; spread via rhizomes

Often from slightly moister climates (including higher elevations)

Need to be moist/regular water© Project SOUND

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymus_vulgaris

English Thyme

Wild mint

Three types of ‘herbs’ we might want to include:

Sub-shrub Mints CA Monardellas

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Creeping thyme Tarragon (Artemisia

dracunculus)

Dill Parsley/Chervil Cilantro

Creeping thyme Garlic chives Ginger Golden Oregano Lemon balm Mints

Mentha Pycnanthemum Salvia spathacea

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Stay put/ drier shrubs Spreading perennials

Annuals

We flip through our garden notebook for inspiration

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https://davidwalkerattny.com/2017/03/12/lets-get-planting/comment-page-1/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/the-medieval-herb-garden.htm

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/texas-gardening/

http://www.verticalveg.org.uk/what-you-can-grow-in-shady-spaces/

Aha! moment: spreaders in containers; sub-shrubs

in ground

© Project SOUND

http://www.sunset.com/garden/garden-basics/

http://jayscottsmanufacturing.com/distributors/http://clipart-library.com/bushes-png.html

For our in-the-ground plants we consider thyme, creeping thyme, tarragon and our favorite native Monardellas

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Advantages of this planting plan: several

Makes good use of ground place; sort of like hedgerow Contains the plants that need containing Allows us to provide optimal water, soil conditions Adds interest and habitat value (in addition to cooking and

medicinal herbs)© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

The genus Monardella

20 species native to western North America.

Commonly known as wildmints, coyote mints or monardellas.

Highly aromatic foliage; some species used for herbal teas.

Two-lipped, tubular flowers in terminal clusters; usually red, pink, or purple.

Caterpillar (moth and butterfly) foodplants; also nectar sources

Special needs: excellent drainage; cannot take excess winter dampness

http://www.laspilitas.com/butterfl_files/pale_swallowtail_butterfly_on_a_monardella.jpg

© Project SOUND

Coyote Mint – Monardella villosa

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*Willow Mint – Monardella linoides ssp. viminea

© 2005 Jasmine J. Watts

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© Project SOUND

*Willow Mint – Monardella linoides ssp. viminea

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4745,4789,4811,4815

SW San Diego Co. from Poway to the Mexican Border; also in Baja

Rocky washes to 1000‘; chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian scrub

linoides: having form/some resemblance to Linum, the genus of flax; viminea: with long slender shoots

Rare in nature; ?? delisted

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127605180@N04/15756408994©2009 Robert Steers

© Project SOUND

Willow Mint: a dainty perennial Size:

1-2 ft tall 2-3 ft wide; sprawling

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial Sprawling/draping Semi-deciduous;

evergreen with more water

Foliage: Narrow leaves Light green; very aromatic Makes a nice tea

Roots: taproot

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Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: very well-drained;

sandy or rocky pH: any local

Light: Full sun to light shade; better

with some shade from afternoon sun

Water: Regular water to establish Summer: occasional water

best (Zone 2)

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: cut back by 1/3 after blooming to improve appearance if desired.http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/willowymonardella.html

© Project SOUND

Flowers are delicately lovely

Blooms: Summer: usually June-Aug. in

our area; may be as late as Nov.

Flowers: Typically Mint-like Color lavender, white or pink Minty fragrance Nectar attracts many

pollinators: butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Seeds: songbirds eat the small seeds.

Vegetative reproduction: via divisions

http://www.treeoflifenursery.com/main/PDFs/Plant-Profiles/Mona_lino_vimi.pdf

http://www.theodorepayne.org/gallery/pages/M/monardella_linoides_viminea.htm

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© Project SOUND

Garden uses for Willow Mint

Along dry walkways (where you will smell its fragrance)

In rock gardens or containers As a fire-retardant buffer plant In a native perennial hummingbird/

butterfly garden Any place with some dry part-shade

http://www.theodorepayne.org/gallery/pages/M/monardella_linoides_viminea.htm

http://www.landscaperesource.com/plants/monardella-linoides-ssp-viminea.htm

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So. Mountain Monardella – Monardella australis

J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences

Eastern Transverse Range of S. CA – San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto Ranges

Wet or dry, rocky, forest openings from 3500-11,000 ft.; Sagebrush scrub, montane forests

ADA: Desert monardella

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So. Mountain Monardella – Monardella australis

©2007 Thomas Stoughton ©2017 Keir Morse

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Short, grayish and oh, so fragrant!

Size: 1-2 ft tall 2-3 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from stout

woody taproot Many upright stems

Foliage:

Color: green to gray-green (hairier in hot, sunny places)

Simple leaves

Strong minty scent – great tea (medicinal or ‘sipping tea’)

Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://cnps-sgm.org/gallery/images0808/GMG_0495-South-A-m.jpg

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© Project SOUND

A showy Monardella Blooms:

Summer in the wilds Likely June-July in our area

Flowers: Pale pink to light magenta –

good colors for garden Flowers small – typical for

Monardellas Flowers in ball-like clusters

at ends of flowering stems Really showy Attracts butterflies,

hummingbirds, many others

Seeds: small, typical for Mint family

© 2009 Terry Dye © 2011 Wynn Anderson

© Project SOUND

Likes a little shade Soils:

Texture: well-drained; sandy or rocky are fine

pH: any local

Light: Part-shade (morning sun) works

well Dappled shade under trees is ideal

Water: Winter: good soakings Summer: happy with occasional

summer water (Zone 2, even 2-3 in well-drained soils)

Fertilizer: fine with organic amendments, mulches

©2017 Keir Morse

© Project SOUND

S. Mountain Monardella Shadier edges of herb garden –

S. CA Monardellas work well with Thyme, Creeping thyme, Tarragon

As an accent plant in large containers

In a rock or butterfly garden

© Project SOUND

Mountain Monardella – Monardella odoratissima

J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences©2011 Steven Perry

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© Project SOUND

Mountain Monardella – Monardella odoratissima

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Monardella+odoratissima

Foothills and mountains of northern and central CA, incl. Klamath, N. Coast, Sierra, White and Inyo Mountains – north to OR, WA

? San Gabriels – Monardella australis sometimes AKA Monardella odoratissima ssp. australis

Wet or dry, rocky, forest openings from 3500-11,000 ft. in Sagebrush scrub, montane forests

https://klamathsiskiyouseeds.com/2015/10/Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences

© Project SOUND

The name (odoratissima) says it all

Size: 1-2 (sometimes 3) ft tall 2-3 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from

stout woody taproot Many upright stems

Foliage: Color: green to gray-green

(hairy) Simple leaves Strong minty scent – great tea

(medicinal or ‘sipping tea’)

© 2009 Terry Dye

Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://web.ewu.edu/ewflora/Lamiaceae/Monardella%20odoratissima.html

© Project SOUND

A showy Monardella

Blooms: Summer in the wilds Likely June-July in our area

Flowers: Pale pink to light magenta –

good colors for garden Flowers small – typical for

Monardellas Flowers in ball-like clusters at

ends of flowering stems Really showy Attracts butterflies,

hummingbirds, many others

Seeds: small, typical for Mint family

© 2009 Terry Dye © 2011 Wynn Anderson

http://cedarmountainperennials.com/wildflowers/monardella_odoratissima

© Project SOUND

Mountain Monardella

Northern Monardellas work well with other part-shade garden herbs like Dill, Parsley, Chervil and Cilantro

© 2010 Steven Thorsted

Ssp. pallida

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Monardella_odoratissima_ssp._pallida&redirect=no

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Mints for May

© Project SOUND

Next month we’ll have a few of our favorites for sale

Spreaders we may want to include in our hummingbird herb garden

© Project SOUND

Creeping thyme

Garlic chives

Ginger

Golden Oregano

Lemon balm

Creeping Mints Mentha Pycnanthemum Salvia spathacea


We love them – but don’t want them to take over

Do we have to use expensive containers?

© Project SOUND

Nope: the spreaders like a little more water, so they are happy (and easier to keep watered) in containers with slower drainage - plastic, composite, etc.

© Project SOUND

http://goodlifegarden.ucdavis.edu/blog/tag/mint/

https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/menthaspicatacv.htm

19 gal. from Walmart - $10.00

https://www.behrensmfg.com/products/tubs/15_5-gallon-square-tub/

Options for containing the spreaders

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© Project SOUND

* Mountain Mint – Pycnanthemum californicum

© 2001 Jeff Abbas

© Project SOUND

* Mountain Mint – Pycnanthemum californicum

Foothills of mountina ranges from OR to Mexico

Locally in the San Gabriels

Moist sites of chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4745,4861,4862

The genus Pycnanthemum - in the mint family, Lamiaceae.

Most species are very strongly scented and pungent

Most are used in cooking and in making herbal tea.

All species in this genus are native to North America.

© Project SOUND

CA Mountain Mint – a typical mint Size:

1-2 ft tall Spreading to 4+ ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial Stems erect (for the most part) Fast-growing (like Stachys) Woodsy looking

Foliage: Attractive gray-green color – may

be fuzzy or not Simple, lance-shaped leaves Make a nice tea

Roots: Spreading via rhizomes

© 2006 Dean Wm. Taylor, Ph.D.

© Project SOUND

Flowers are tiny & sweet

Blooms: Summer - usually June-Aug

in our area

Flowers: In ball-like cluster typical of

Mint family Flowers are small White, usually with lavender

spots Very old-fashioned look

Seeds: Many tiny seeds – can shake

them out of dried clusters

© 2009 Neal Kramer

© 2001 Jeff Abbas

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© Project SOUND

Easy to please Soils: Texture: any, very adaptable pH: any local

Light: full sun to part-shade

Water: Winter: takes seasonal flooding –

good for wet parts of garden Summer: needs regular water –

Zone 2-3 to 3.

Fertilizer: would do best with some added humus or leaf mulch

Other: treat like other mints – rip out parts that are growing where you don’t want it (pot up and give new plants away – people will be happy to get them!)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3922100003_85f1edee51.jpg

© Project SOUND

Use Mountain Mint in wet areas

Under a birdbath or fountain

Places where the neighbor’s water makes the soil damp

In bog gardens

In large, moist-soil containers

In the vegetable garden

Moist areas along walkways –smells wonderful when stepped on – and it doesn’t mind a bit!

Around ponds/pools

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/97463864_abe4a596f8.jpg?v=0

© 2001 Jeff Abbas

http://best-home-decor.com/decorative-bird-baths-to-beautify-your-garden/

© Project SOUND

* Wild (Field) Mint – Mentha arvensis

© 2005 Louis-M. Landry

© Project SOUND

Field Mint – a typical mint Size:

1 to 1 ½ ft tall spreads to many ft wide; in

nature, forms a mat-like colony in favorable sites

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial Dies back in fall/winter Upright or sprawling

Foliage: Typical mint with square stems Aromatic; strongly minty – repels

deer, mice, unwanted insects

Roots: spreads via rhizomeshttp://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/mentha-arvensis-wild-mint

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© Project SOUND

Flowers are dainty

Blooms: anytime from July to Oct; usually in bloom about 4 weeks

Flowers: Color: white to very pale

violet or pink Tiny; bell-shaped In dense, ball-like clusters in

leaf axils – often mostly hidden by the leaves

Vegetative reproduction: Easy to propagate from stem

cuttings in spring, fall Let them root in water in a

light place – no direct sunhttp://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/mentha-arvensis-wild-mint

© 2004, Ben Legler

© Project SOUND

Mint in the garden Best use: as an attractive

potted herb; evergreen most of the year (dies back in fall/winter)

© 2003 Steve Matson

© Richard Oldhttp://groweat.blogspot.com/2010/06/plant-with-caution.html

Hummingbird Sage – Salvia spathacea

Hummingbird Sage – great for attracting birds & butterflies

Hummingbirds collect nectar from the flowers –hummingbirds actually pollinate the flowers

Seed-eating birds eat the seeds

Butterflies are also attracted by the nectar

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/sages.htm

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Benefits of our hummingbird/herb garden

Provides nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and others much of the year

Provides some of the herbs we use regularly in cooking

Provides an attractive, restful view from the bedrooms

Allows us to grow plants with different water, containment requirements

Would be a wonderful place to sit on a hot day

© Project SOUND





CitrusFrangula (Coffeeberry)Heteromeles (Toyon)Lonicera (Honeysuckle)Rhus (Lemonadeberry)Ribes (Currants)

AmorphaCercocarpusCitrusFrangula (Coffeeberry)Philadelphus

© Project SOUND

Plenty of sources of food for nectar-sippers

Plant groups that provide lots of seeds Apiaceae (Carrot family)

Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Boraginaceae (Borage family)

Brassicaceae (Mustard family)

Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot family)

Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf family)

Fabaceae (Pea family)

Nyctaginaceae (Four o'clock family) Onagraceae (Willowherb family) Papaveraceae (Poppy family) Polygonaceae (Buckwheat family)

© Project SOUND

Aha! moment: good seed-producers are often good pollinator plants!

© Project SOUND

Plants that need to produce lots of seeds (to insure survival) need to attract many pollinators. It’s no surprise they produce lots of nectar and pollen to entice their pollinators.

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We’ll take up the choice of pollinator plants next month…

© Project SOUND

…and provide food for the pollinators and the seed-eating birds, all with our carefully chosen plant palette.

© Project SOUND


Plant a greater variety of plants to attract a greater diversity of birds: taller and shorter trees, shrubs, native flowers, and grasses.

Diversify the height, leaf type, and food (fruits, berries, and nuts) provided by the plants in your garden.

Plant shrubs and trees that provide berries well into the winter to attract fruit-eating birds – including migrants like Cedar Waxwings.

© Project SOUND


Supplement your natural food sources by adding feeders - but only if you choose to.

http://www.duncraft.com/Bird-Feeders

http://realhousemoms.com/orange-bird-feeders/

Bird feeders vs. ‘natural foods’: each has its place

Supplemental/Bird feeders

Insure constant supply of food, even in a small yard

Provide food in ‘off-season’ -when not available from natural sources

Allows to provide unusual, bird-specific foods that may not be available naturally

Can locate for easy viewing

Natural (plant-related)

Cheaper in the long run

Possible health benefits – we don’t yet know all the plant chemicals and their benefits

Some plants supply other needs: perches, cover, nesting sites and materials, etc.

Spread out the food – less easy target for birds of prey

Joy of watching bird’s natural behavior in natural setting

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© Project SOUND


Provide clean, safe water Provide a spot of bare soil

about 20 inches across in a sunny corner of your yard. This will allow birds to take dust baths to clean their feathers and get rid of parasites.

http://www.iusedtohatebirds.com/2011/07/youngins.html

© Project SOUND


Plant in groupings: more food & edge effects.

Include native wildflowers and shrubs that attract insects: the insects will feed insect-eating birds and the young of many seed eaters.

Allow flowers/grasses to go to seed to attract finches, juncos, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds.

Consider providing the whole habitat package Multiple source(s) of food


Nesting materials

Perches

Shelter

Nest sites

Water

Dust-bathing site© Project SOUND

In small gardens, use vertical space effectively to create a life-friendly garden

Plan your taller plants first

Consider all possibilities:

Walls, fences, arbors, pergolas, etc.

Places to accommodate an espalier, hedge, taller shrub or small tree

Choose taller plants based on habitat value (often food)

When possible, plant a hedgerow instead of a hedge:

Maximizes space; plants grow together Increases diversity and habitat in

relatively small area.© Project SOUND

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If I had to choose just a few plants…

Fruiting/nut tree (elderberry; oak; other) that provides fruits, insects, perches & nesting sites

A mixed hedgerow of large evergreen fruiting shrubs: Toyon; Rhus; Ribes; scrub oak; wild rose

Several large ‘bush sunflowers’ (Mulefat; Goldenbushes)

Anything else in the Sunflower family: annual, perennial or shrub

Annual/perennial wildflowers

Native grasses

© Project SOUND

Native hedgerow : Heritage Creek Preserve – CSU Dominguez Hills

Some books you might enjoy

D. Tallamy – Bringing Nature Home

R. Darke & D. Tallamy - The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden. Timber Press. ISBN-10: 1604694084; ISBN-13: 9781604694086

C.E. Sawyers – The Authentic Garden: Five Principles for Cultivating a Sense of Place. Timber Press. ISBN-13: 978-0-88192-831-0

S. Stein – Noah’s Garden: Restoring the Ecology of Our Own Backyards. Houghton Mifflen Press. ISBN-10:0-395-70940-7; ISBN-13: 978-0-395-70949-5

© Project SOUND

Next month we’ll explore the fascinating world of Pollinator Gardening

© Project SOUND

Bird habitat 2017-notes

Education

Transcript of Bird habitat 2017-notes