Jeff Kingery and Becky Alsup Kingery

How a Small Garden Became Habitat

Jeff Kingery and Becky Alsup Kingery began their garden with a modest goal: to block the view of a septic cap in their yard. In the first year they had already discovered Doug Tallamy’s book Bringing Nature Home, and were intrigued by the idea of using native plants to support insects and birds As the flowers began blooming in that first small garden, they were delighted to see clouds of insects gathering around the plants. Jeff and Becky are dedicated birders, and when they realized how many insects their garden attracted, they became even more convinced of the value of native plantings.

The following summer Becky expanded the garden with additional native plants. The results were immediate: hummingbirds began visiting regularly, along with many species of bees and other pollinating insects. In the next phase they incorporated volunteer plants that appeared naturally elsewhere in their yard, supplementing them with native plants purchased at regional plant sales and from a local nursery.

Over time the garden evolved beyond its original purpose. In the fifth year they enlarged their small patio to accommodate two chairs and a table for afternoon cocktails. They also added a water feature with a small stream. Besides creating a peaceful sound, the water quickly proved to be a magnet for birds.

Although the garden is beautiful throughout the summer, Becky says the fall and winter months are especially revealing. At first she was sad to see the flowers fade, but she soon discovered that birds rely on the seed heads and dried stalks through the colder months. Watching birds feed among the standing plants made it clear that the garden provides habitat year-round. Additional features have gradually been added: a trellis supporting American bittersweet, an extra bench, a small footbridge across the stream, and a birdbath.

Becky describes their decision to garden with native plants as one of the most interesting and rewarding things they have done in their yard. One memorable afternoon they watched five juvenile Baltimore Orioles visiting the garden to sip nectar from the blossoms. Moments like that continually remind them how much life even a small garden can support.

For those beginning their own native planting projects, Jeff and Becky offer a simple piece of advice: pay attention to scientific names when purchasing plants. Using species native to your region ensures that the plants will support the insects and wildlife that evolved alongside them.