I called in an order for flowering dogwood and Canadian hemlock...both of which I already have planted on our two acres. In addition to those, I ordered two natives that I've never grown before...and, to my knowledge, have never seen in nature (although, it is possible I've seen them and did not know what they were): dwarf chinkapin oak (Quercus prinoides), and American sweet crabapple (Malus coronaria).
I've been looking for this particular oak--which is supposed to produce acorns even when they are young--as early as 3-5 years old...and they produce them consistently every year. They are supposed to be a wildlife favorite.
I've never been too interested in crabapple trees--I've always pictured the exotic species that are sometimes used in landscaping. After reading about this native species, I thought I'd like to grow them. Aside from the flowers and fruits, they should make good nesting sites for birds.
I found a fairly local source (a couple of hours away)...the prices are very reasonable for bare root seedlings. They are sold in units of 25 seedlings per unit...so, I will have quite a lot to plant come April!
Oh, and happy first day of spring. Today is the Vernal Equinox. It feels more like summer than spring though...with temperatures in the 70s this week.
Recreating a native habitat has been a dream of mine since I was about 18. It only took me 20 years, but I finally have two acres of land in the country with which to work (and play). My goal is to document the improvements I make to the property: restoring habitat & attracting birds and butterflies in addition to other wildlife.
2 comments:
That sounds like fun! I've been looking for Hemlocks too, the species is hard to find and I'm still looking.
Crabapples are awesome, they feed so many insects and birds! I've read you shouldn't plant them near junipers or cedars due to a disease called "rust", although I'm not having any problems with mine.
Good luck finding your hemlocks. I didn't think they would be too hard to find...maybe it is harder to find local stock.
Thank you for the warning about the cedars and rust...I've read that as well, but it is good to know that you are having no problem with it. I don't have any cedars here, and will not likely be adding them...although I do think they are attractive.
I'm hoping to really enjoy the crab apples--I'd love to see them out in nature and incorporate them here in the most natural way that I can.
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