The plantings as viewed from the terrace and alongside the property line. On the stone bench there are two feeders, one, a little bird dish, filled with safflower seeds for the cardinals and the other a squirrel feeder which is filled with peanuts, presumably, for the squirrels. Here a blue jay is happily choosing one.

The same view as above, except that in this picture a cardinal is enjoying his seeds. To the far right are bird feeders and suet holders.

The view near the creek in which I have created a berm filled with ornamental grasses which feed the birds and provide nesting sites for the ducks and shelter for everyone from the winter winds. There is a raised bird bath, which one of my girls is enjoying, and a tub of water in the background in addition to several bowls of corn - both whole and cracked - which are always scattered around my yard.

A shaded area on the side of my home which I call my “Bird Sanctuary”. It is filled with hosta, yews, a dogwood tree, ilex verticilatta, viburnums, evergreen ilex, hydranga, red-twig dogwood and various perennials. Food and water are always available here.

A different view of the berm near the creek where I always keep a tub of fresh water. The ornamental grasses and wildflowers create tunnels for the ducks in which to nest, hide and rest.

A small courtyard adjacent to my "bird sanctuary" where I have planted grasses and climbing hydranga. There is always fresh water on the ground for those who don't like or can't reach a regular bird bath.

A brick walk by the creek with perennials and grasses and feed dishes. To the right is an area which is my “wetlands”. If the creek doesn’t rise up - the water table is very low in this spot - I flood it with my hose. The ducklings like to play in the mud puddle. They can more easily dig up worms here too.

The front of my home  also has nesting and resting spots for everyone. It has hedge rows of yews, junipers and euonymus plus little islands of shrubs and perennials. Everyone can sunbathe, rest in the shade, eat bugs or hide.

My “wildlife sanctuary” which is behind the garage. I have purposely left it overgrown since many of my wild-friends enjoy it that way. There is food and water available. I have also built a duck ramp so that the ducklings, the pekins and any injured duck who can’t fly can just walk right up. I’ve even put cleats on it to give better traction in the winter when it gets icy.

Another view of the various plantings in the back by the creek.

A view of the various plantings along the side property line. On the left are bird feeders and suet holders and on the right is my squirrel munch box (partially obscured by the large Molina grass). I keep it filled with sunflower and pumpkin seeds and peanuts for my squirrels and whoever else can figure out how to get in. It gives me endless hours of enjoyment.

The front of my home with hedge rows and island plantings.

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