Time to start gettin' ready for Phase II-
Last year was the grasses (warm and cool) and wildflowers (perennial and annual). This spring '08 is the trees and bushes. Another look at the plan map:
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Field 2 will receive bushes along each side of the driveway (shown on map as
lane) and the balance of the area will be randomly planted with Norway Spruce. This same zone was planted with warm grasses and wildflowers last spring.
The 3 smaller areas around the pond on the western half (cross-hatched with blue/orange, comprised of a total .7 ac) will receive bushes. These exact same zones were planted with cool season grasses and clover last spring.
The last zone is Field 1 where a shelterbelt (windbreak) of Norway Spruce and bushes will be planted across a 250ft opening to the field. The NRCS is looking for 3 rows of trees min with 1 row of bushes min.
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For most of you that have done this stuff, this small amount of acreage to be planted is miniscule. I agree. I don't believe that I am going to even bother to contact somebody to ask them to quote the job. I'll probably get hung up on. Besides, it just dawned on me that the clock is ticking for placing firm orders for stock this spring and I don't want to goof around and blow it. So...I'm thinking it's looking like a Bski-Dski leather glove job. Assuming that this is how it's gonna play out, what kind of tree/bush planting tips can you old pro's share with a city boy and his shovel? (or planting spud?)
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The second part of this search for answers is the types of bushes to select. We want to benefit wildlife, with a focus on birds. Field 1 and 2 will receive good amounts of sun thru the day. The 3 smaller zones around the pond are a bit more sheltered by trees, so the sun amount will be more limited (but surely not all-day shade). I am wide open on the bushes. They will be allowed to grow wild, with very little maintenance.
