The first thing to do when planning your backyard habitat is assess the amount of space you have. Then figure out what plants already exist in your yard and what you would like to bring in from the Native Plant list. Lastly, decide what wildlife you would like to attract. Creating an outline of your yard on paper is very helpful. Don't worry you don't have to be an artist or an architect to do this, simply sketch in ideas that you would like to incorporate in your yard. This will help establish a basic blueprint for your backyard habitat.
The Sketch
First determine and sketch all permanent structures on your property like your house, patio, deck, walkways, underground obstructions and existing vegetation. Then, use copies or transparent overlay paper to make up a number of alternative designs.
Secondly, consider the needs that you and your family have in your yard. Provide adequate space for entertaining, playing and household pets. If privacy is a concern draw in trees and shrubs so that they block off a busy street or a neighbor's garage.
Finally, realize your yards energy saving capabilities. Winter windbreaks positioned in the northwestern corner of your yard will reduce your heating bill. Decrease summer cooling bills with tall shade trees on the southwestern exposure of your house. Incorporate "green" insulation around the base of your house with evergreens.
Refer to this example for some "bright" ideas on how to sketch your new backyard habitat. PDF link.
Implement Your Design
Whether you seek the help of a professional landscape architect or choose to do it yourself, realize that the development of your backyard habitat is usually a slow one. It takes a little time for native trees, plants and shrubs to establish themselves, especially if you are starting with seeds versus transplanting. But once your native landscape takes shape and you get your feeders, boxes and baths in place you can sit back and enjoy the serenity it brings to your life.
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