There are still more than ten weeks until the danger of the last frost of spring has passed here at DomEc, but plans are in the works for the spring planting season. The main landscape design plans for the home have now been made, starting with the large plants. Last fall an order was placed with Chief River Nursery for a number of natives that will help occupy what is now lawn space.
A sun-scorched corner of the property will receive a Paper Birch. They plants are known for surviving dry, rocky sites and hopefully the shade it provides will reduce evaporation in the surrounding soil where several of our milkweed plants are located. The site may prove to be to sun-scorched for this northern species, but it is the best option I could find to substitute for the Gray Birch that I actually wanted to plant in the site. In addition, birches are great natives that support many insect and bird species and also have great aesthetics because of their textured or colored bark. If you choose one, be sure to purchase a native variety-- There are now many species and hybrids of Asian origin available in this taxon.
Unfortunately, a late summer heat wave killed the sapling American Chestnut that was planted last year. The upcoming order includes a replacement, which hopefully will survive the summer; this time under closer supervision. An American Plum will be added to a portion of the landscape in a yet-to-be-determined location, to be chosen for one of several possible sites. This plant may provide food for animals and humans alike.
Finally two domestic apples will be planted. While our push is always for natives, the greater purpose is sustainability. Home grown produce is a far more sustainable option than flying in fruits and vegetables from warmer climes hundreds or thousands of miles away, so appropriate domestic crops are the sole exception to our "natives only" rule. In this case, the apples also play host to many insects and birds despite their Asian origin, though probably not as many as native crabapple species.
Deer control is the grand challenge for all of these plantings and those already extant on the property. There is a temporary fence being planned to create several deer 'exclosures' around some of the beds. That project will warrant a post in its own right.
Warm weather is on its way!
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