Backyard Birder’s Paradise
Habitat restoration was top of mind for this project in a new housing development in the Wilton Sand Plains.
Project Goals:
Establish a naturalistic mixed perennial and shrub border at the woodland’s edge in an effort to provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Move from formal and considered in the front yard, abiding by HOA guidelines, to a curated naturalism in the backyard. Rely on massed shrubs to create thickets. Reduce lawn space, seed with clover and let lawn naturalize.
A shrubbery was designed and installed in spring 2025 along the property line.
1 year progress, Spring 2026
Key Shrubs:
Amelanchier canadensis, Aronia melanocarpa, Viburnum lentago, Sambucus canadensis, Vaccinium corymbosum, Fothergilla gardenii, Ilex verticillata
Agastache foeniculum, Anise Hyssop
Asclepias incaranta, Rose Milkweed
photography by Victoria Sedefian