2014 June:  Iris versicolor or blue flag iris

Blue Flag Bird Refuge is a small, private bird sanctuary near Ellicott City, Maryland.

The purpose of the refuge is to demonstrate an attractive and sustainable method of landscaping  to encourage planting of native and non-invasive species that provide food and cover for local birds.  Part of this project will involve the restoration of the small stream that runs through the refuge.  In this blog, I will share information, as I learn it, about local flora and fauna as well as sharing trials and successes with this landscaping project.

I am Christine, and I own the refuge.  I bought the land at 522 Oella Avenue in March 2012.  I spent the next two months acquiring the permits necessary to tear down most of the existing structures and the summer of 2012 overseeing the deconstruction of the buildings.  I recycled what I could and saved the wood for the construction of fences, arbors, or planters.  I began the laborious work of planting in the fall of 2012.  This will be a long project, but fortunately gains are cumulative and I am already looking forward to spring so I can see the results of the work done in 2012.

I face a several challenges.  Since I am an environmentalist, I want to make sure that my work reduces my carbon footprint, can be maintained without waste of precious resources, and provides food and cover for birds.  I have an artistic bent, and I want the refuge to be attractive enough that others, as well as me, I enjoy it.  I need to use plants that can survive hungry deer.  I have to do it all on a tight budget.  Lastly, I need to learn how to use Blogspot so I can share what I learn and others may benefit from my experience.