~SUSTAINABLE LIVING FOR CHALLENGING TIMES

[eaglesurvivor]

Eddie, the concept is fine in the article, however their suggestions for plants aren't that practical for most vegetable gardeners. Also, hummingbirds are very territorial is will drive off bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds are nice to have around, but they shouldn't be part of a strategy to pollinate fruit trees, vegetables, and the such like. Plants such a Canna are great for Zone 8 or above, but become a dubious labor drain in colder climates, if one is predisposed to mainly vegetable gardening.

The mason bees brings up an important point about creating an ecosystem. This speaks to why one keeps a minimum of trees around a garden spot and why one leaves a "safe" standing dead one or two. In the system, flickers and woodpecker are a big benefit to our garden spots.

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly weed), while potentially invasive, can be kept at a safe distance from a garden spot. Also, another invasive, but beautiful plant is the common Black-eyed Susans. Still clover and alfalfa and others should be the mainstays.