May 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

Douglas Tallamy states that with so many problems threatening the birds, we can no longer rely on there being
enough habitat left in the wild that will support the diversity of wildlife that we have now and would like to see
continue into the future.
So it is up to us in suburbia, to take up the challenge.
We can do this by each gradually redesigning our outdoor living space to provide both food and shelter for
wildlife. This does not have to happen overnight.
The first step is to make the decision to actively seek out native plants when we are looking for a replacement,
or a new plant. Or if you have a plant such as the butterfly bush – which is not native – add the native butterfly
weed (Asclepias). You will now be supplying food for the larvae as well as the adult monarch butterfly. Don’t
let the name ‘weed’ fool you. The butterfly weed is a lovely plant with orange or pink flowers depending on
the species.
Adding just one native shrub and perennial a year is a great first step to help the birds around our homes. And
to help the birds survive better in their winter homes – buy shade grown coffee.
Books you might be interested in reading (along with
lists of native plants): “Bringing Nature Home, How
Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens”,
Douglas Tallamy. “Silence of the Songbirds”,
Bridget Stutchbury
HANDY TIP: WHITE WATER MARKS ON WOOD
To remove white rings left on furniture by water,
rub the spot with petroleum jelly, let it stand 24
hours, and rub into the wood. Wipe off excess
and polish as usual.
n Garden Creation
n Garden Renovation
n Garden Maintenance
n Landscape Design
n Fences, Decks &
Pergolas
Call: (416) 821-0587 www.dirtgirllandscaping.com
MAY 2010 | The Bulletin 35