"Jean B." wrote in message
FarmI wrote:
"Jean B." wrote in message
...
Soon I'll be moving, and while I will take a few of my smaller Japanese
maples etc. and put them in part of the front yard, I am thinking I want
most of my yard to be populated by critter-friendly plants--ones that
provide food, nesting spots/shelter for birds and beasts. Currently the
large back yard is rather barren, with pines at the back and toward the
side, so I have a decent amount of open space to chip away at.
Depending on where I plant, and the things I put in eventually providing
shade, most of this will be in sun or partial sun. I don't think that
area is arid or particularly moist. I am in the Boston area and like to
allow for all contingencies, so I generally plant things that are for
zone 4. Fairly carefree but not horribly invasive would be pluses.

I am starting a list of possible plants but wonder whether folks here
have some recommendations. Sites and books would also be most welcome.
Thanks!

Can't help with specific plants but here in Oz, the way to encourage
wildlife is to think in layers like ground hugging, understorey, middle
layer and tree canopy and some fallen material like logs where lizards
can shelter. 'Course that's always dangerous if you don't want snakes,
but it is good for lizards, small marsupials, birds and middle sized
animals. The middle layer and canpoy should enclude a mix of open
foliage for the bigger birds and close coverage where the little birds
can hide from the bigger birds who like them for breakfast. Do you have
a local birdwatching group that may have site information for those who
want to encourage birds? The same things that many birds like is also
what other fauna aften likes.
Nice to see you here, too! :-)

You too :-)) I noted your name but didn't know if you chose to acknowledge
our aquaintance out of context.

I have a friend who is an avid bird-watcher, so I can ask her for
guidance. I have become somewhat aware of the layering, but I should put
together a cohesive plan to achieve that.

Do a hunt on terms like permaculture, layering and wildlife in google on US
sites and that may give you some ideas. If that doesn't work I know I have
a seen a number of Oz ones which explain the concept as it applies to farms
(for biodiversity reasons) and, although the plants would be different, and
the concept applicable to broad acreage, there is no reason why the same
hting couldn't be applied to a yard - let me kno wif you'd like me to do a
hunt for you and provide cites.

Maybe you don't think I'd be crazy to start a brush pile!

Nope, not at all. Even I have a brush pile which given our snake problem, I
know I probably shouldn't.