Hi all, in my love for birdwatching my husband and I are looking to change our front yard to be something of a birds(and others) dreams. We’re wanting to create a lush garden that takes over nearly the entire front yard while also not looking obscenely overgrown and just like it’s one giant bush. I want that manicured, landscaping type of look without all the non native plants mucking it up strictly native plants with maybe two non native flower bushes up front by the door(peonies/dahlias) we want to include a couple locations for two bird baths and some bird feeders and houses as well.
I have a drawing I made of the idea I have in my head just not sure how to make it a reality and also feeling very overwhelmed with the sizing and placement of everything. I will attach that drawing in the comments.
The above photo is what AI had come up with for us. But I feel like I want a walk through garden that encompasses even more of the yard going more towards the left in a loop shape.
Maybe what I need is more of inspiration photos because I just can’t seem to find what I’m going for online.
Our yard slopes slightly to the street and to the right, we do have a landscaped bed against the house that AI removed. That is where I will plant anything that isn’t native to my area that’s purely for my selfish desires of wanting peonies and dahlias.
Any help would be so appreciated!!!!!
by dogoodmommy
5 Comments
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Stay browsing native landscapes on YouTube and maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for. Without consulting an expert it’ll be tough to not get the one big bush look you mentioned. Best of luck!
I think Linda Vaters current house garden is a good example of a fully cultivated front garden but she doesn’t plant natives. She has a somewhat similar front yard to you, though bigger. I would watch her videos to take examples of the way she arranges her plantings in terms of groupings, shapes, sizes and find native substitutes for them.
It’s hard because most photos tagged native plant gardens are often 1.) close ups of flowers so you can’t get an idea of the landscaping scheme, or 2.) colored pencil drawings for planting which aren’t exactly inspirational. If you search this subreddit using the photo flair sorted by “top” and “all time” you’ll find more helpful inspiration photos that show before, after, and in-between. I’d also recommend searching for native plant demonstration gardens in your area and visiting, nothing beats in person. If you want advice on overcoming the overwhelming part by just getting started with a vague idea let me know!
Bird feeding is extremely overrated. It tends to encourage pest species, non-natives, and common birds that don’t really need extra food, putting increased pressure on rarer bird species that often don’t visit feeders anyway. It’s also a major source of disease transmission.
Concentrate on providing a better habitat through native plants etc. (as you are planning) and birds will arrive naturally to feed on the insects, seeds etc. Plus, you’ll have evidence of how well your native planting is doing by the amount of birds attracted.