Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 28 Schmetterling, a fisheries biologist, and Marler, a botanist, un- derstand that many homeowners balk at the thought of attracting insects. "But we don't consider insects a problem," Schmetterling says. "We like having caterpillars and moths and native bees in our yard. We consider them to be beneficial, not to mention that they provide food for birds." Butterflies, too. e popularity of birdscaping appears to be growing in Montana. Sandi Blake, co-owner of Blake's nursery in Big Timber, says the nursery has ramped up their supplies of native plants as custom- ers become more aware of them. "ey're huge! ey're attractive, appealing, and lower maintenance," she says. "If you supply birds, butterflies, and moths with their annual menu, they keep coming around." e nursery has had success producing custom mixes of native grass species and promoting "bio-hedges." e diverse mixes of mostly native trees and shrubs block wind, attract birds, add year-round color, and need little watering. Interested in birdscaping your property? You'll find sources online. Your local garden center may also offer advice or perhaps know of a landscape designer with expertise in native planting. Keep in mind that many nurseries deal almost entirely with plants from beyond your region and may lack knowledge about true na- tives. (Some nurseries label as "native" any plant indigenous to the United States.) HERE ARE SOME STEPS TO GET YOU STARTED BIRDSCAPING: MAP THE YARD Before you start planting, sketch a rough map of your yard, including sidewalks, driveways, and existing trees. To determine appropriate plants for different areas, think about sun exposure, annual moisture, topography, drainage, and the views to preserve or screen out. You do not want to put a thirsty, shade- loving red-osier dogwood on an open, south-facing slope, after all. LEARN ABOUT LOCAL NATIVE PLANTS e vegetation that will grow best in your yard was likely there before your house was built. Walk through the nearest open space to get a sense of what species thrive in your area. Visit nearby wildlands to become familiar with local plant com- munities. Talk to neighbors who garden and landscape with native species. One great source is the Montana Native Plant Society website (mtnativeplants.org), which has recommendations for each area of the state. Birds enjoy a wide range of plant sizes, shapes, fruits, and seeds, so the more diversity the better. Consider a dozen or so species your first planting year, then expand later. Schmetterling and Marler have planted more than 100 species native to the Missoula area. "ere's always something blooming, from buttercups in March to rabbit- brush still flowering in October and November," Schmetterling says. 1 2 We like having caterpillars and moths and native bees in our yard, too. Silver buffaloberry is a heartily recommended native plant for birds

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