Bees, Birds & Other Beasts Blooming trees, shrubs and flowers
begin filling home improvement stores and garden centers in
early spring. And North Carolinians respond to the appeal by
purchasing and planting these showy plants. But how do you know
what to plant and when you should really plant it? How do you
choose the right tree or shrub? Which flowers are best for your
site? Instead of starting your landscaping project at your local
garden center, you might start in your backyard instead. North
Carolina's rapidly increasing population is causing a decreasing
amount of available wildlife habitat. Plants in your backyard
can easily be aesthetically pleasing and at the same time help
local wildlife. All wildlife require food, water and shelter;
the first step is to discover the specific needs of the wildlife
species that you would like to attract. Songbirds thrive in a
variety of plant layers (trees, shrubs and groundcover) and feed
on plants that provide fruit and seeds throughout the year.
Evergreens such as