Native Trees and Plants of Flower Hill Farm Retreat’s Gardens and Fields

Our gardens and fields abound in native plants and trees that attract native fauna. Many of the plants and trees feed both human and wild animal, along with numerous species of insects. Elderberries are hardly able to ripen for the greedy Catbirds, who usually nest nearby for easier picking. Other birds such as Cedar Waxwings enjoy the berries too, but they never seem to discover them fast enough. I need to plant more shrubs to allow for more food for both wildlife and myself. The blueberries are far more yielding and attract both mammal and bird. I can cover a few to have plenty for my own larder. I have stopped tapping our giant Sugar Maples by the house out of respect for their senior age of over 200 years. Though early spring, cracks and nicks in branches will drip sweet sap and I see birds and bees enjoying the sugary liquid long before any tree or plant flowers are offering nectar. Flowers and fruit feed hundreds of bees and butterflies. Apples are a favorite of our resident deer and porcupines. Asters an important nectar source for migrating Monarch Butterflies. Here are a few glimpses from our gardens and fields.