Trees & Shrubs
When we purchased the property there was a large white pine wind break planted around half the property as well as all around the house. There is a 50' large Oak Tree in the field and the back tree line has a few Black Walnut, little leaf Linden, and Maple trees. By purchasing seedlings from the Thames Valley Conservation Authority each spring we have planted numerous trees and began planting a 2 acre wood lot. Most of the trees & shrubs we have planted are native species to the Carolinian Zone.
2007 Plant - 250 seedlings
White Birch, White cedar, Red Cedar, Butternut, Black Walnut, Red Oak, Black cherry, Tulip
2008 Plant - 150 seedlings
Red bud, Chestnut, shagbark hickory, white oak, locust, Silver maple, sugar maple, white pine, white spruce, red pine, tamarack.
In 2009 we decided to zone off and plant 125 Seedlings of shrubs only. We hope this will attract wild birds and provide some habitat for wildlife. Species Planted:
Red Osier Dogwood, Ninebark, Grey Dogwood
In 2009 we also planted several fruit trees like Peach, Apricot, Plum, Cherry, Apple & Pear. We also planted a few ornamental trees near the house like a Japanese Maple, Red Bud, Magnolia, Blue Spruce, and a Honey-burst Locust.
2010 - 150 seedlings
Sugar maple, black walnut, red oak, pin oak, white birch.
Presently we have been maintain the current trees planted by mulching, trimming, and weed whacking. We plan on adding substantially more trees to this area as time goes on.
Each year we also started a tradition to buy a little, live pine tree each Christmas and after were done with it for the season, it gets planted on the homestead.
2007 Plant - 250 seedlings
White Birch, White cedar, Red Cedar, Butternut, Black Walnut, Red Oak, Black cherry, Tulip
2008 Plant - 150 seedlings
Red bud, Chestnut, shagbark hickory, white oak, locust, Silver maple, sugar maple, white pine, white spruce, red pine, tamarack.
In 2009 we decided to zone off and plant 125 Seedlings of shrubs only. We hope this will attract wild birds and provide some habitat for wildlife. Species Planted:
Red Osier Dogwood, Ninebark, Grey Dogwood
In 2009 we also planted several fruit trees like Peach, Apricot, Plum, Cherry, Apple & Pear. We also planted a few ornamental trees near the house like a Japanese Maple, Red Bud, Magnolia, Blue Spruce, and a Honey-burst Locust.
2010 - 150 seedlings
Sugar maple, black walnut, red oak, pin oak, white birch.
Presently we have been maintain the current trees planted by mulching, trimming, and weed whacking. We plan on adding substantially more trees to this area as time goes on.
Each year we also started a tradition to buy a little, live pine tree each Christmas and after were done with it for the season, it gets planted on the homestead.
Grasses
In 2011 we have planted a Tall Grass Prairie. This will consist of switch grass, sand dropseed and some other native plants that would be associated with this type of habitat. We planted a cover crop of oats to help the grasses get established. The tall grass should create a natural area for wildlife.
We also have a 3 acre hayfield, consisting of grasses and red clover. This is cut and bailed by a local farmer during the summer months and used for sheep. We do a little cleanup and get a small trailer full which we use for nest boxes, bedding, and food for the livestock. In the next couple of years or so we would like to start getting our own hay equipment to start doing it ourselves.
We also have a large yard, paths around gardens and fenced areas, all requiring cutting to look nice. We use the tractor and mowers for this task. When the grass is growing 8 hrs+ a week is taken up cutting with the tractor, lawn tractor, and weed whacker. We try to get as much cut for hay as possible. We also tow a small wagon behind the tractor chopper to collect a portion of the cuttings, as we use it for mulch.
We also have a 3 acre hayfield, consisting of grasses and red clover. This is cut and bailed by a local farmer during the summer months and used for sheep. We do a little cleanup and get a small trailer full which we use for nest boxes, bedding, and food for the livestock. In the next couple of years or so we would like to start getting our own hay equipment to start doing it ourselves.
We also have a large yard, paths around gardens and fenced areas, all requiring cutting to look nice. We use the tractor and mowers for this task. When the grass is growing 8 hrs+ a week is taken up cutting with the tractor, lawn tractor, and weed whacker. We try to get as much cut for hay as possible. We also tow a small wagon behind the tractor chopper to collect a portion of the cuttings, as we use it for mulch.
Wildlife
Throughout our time at the homestead we have seen lots of wildlife roaming around the property. Many of the more common animals that we see almost daily include rabbits, bats, blue jays, cardinals, and a host of other birds. Although not as common we have spotted these animals as well on the property - deer, coyotes, flock of wild turkeys, turkey vultures, red tailed hawk, owl, snakes, raccoons and opossums. There is also a wide variety of insects that visit and live on the property, though usually viewed as a nuisance, we just allow the bugs to do their thing, only taking action if harming something of value.