LibGuides: Turning the Page for Pollinators: Bed 2

Journey: Bed 2

Vision: Reclaim this overlooked asset to benefit pollinators and wildlife while recreating the privacy afforded by the previous hedge. Choose one low maintenance plant for the hedge; no need to make this into a formal bed with tidy edges to maintain. Pick a vigorous, suckering, tough shrub that grows 6-8 feet tall and at least 4-8 feet wide. The ideal candidate can withstand road salt and occasional hits from over-zealous mowing and does not need pruning every year.

Plant Wish List: Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica); OR Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana)

About Bed 2
Situated at the edge of the property, along a busy road, this is one of the most visible parts of Southeastern's property, and also possibly the least noticed. No one knows historically why the hedge was planted because it does not continue the length of the property. However, the privacy it affords is a priority. There are no plans to extend the hedge beyond its original boundaries.
This bed is a prime example of how this project can reclaim the assets inherent in Southeastern's landscape by replacing a swath of existing privet with a drift of a pollinator-friendly shrub.
Left: Bed 2 in October 2024

Practical Notes: This bed gets early morning sun year-round. In the summer, it is shaded until mid-morning, and then gets mid-day and afternoon sun until 5pm. It can be watered relatively easily by dragging a hose. The leaves from the large shade tree are small and should not be a smothering problem.

Activity Log: Bed 2

Planned:

Site Preparation: Remove 240 sq ft of privet. There is no landscape fabric in this area!
Original plan: Let grass grow over the old hedge area and maintain via mowing.

Actual:

Site Preparation (March 2025): Removed 240 sq ft of Japanese privet.
Update to plan (March-April 2025): After the privet was removed, the building and property felt exposed, such that it became a priority to re-establish a hedge. To fulfill this requirement, which was not in the project budget, if any grant funds remain, we will buy budget-friendly (i.e., small) plants and install a hedge.

Bed 2, October, 2024. Another view (facing south) of the privet hedge that will be removed.

Bed 2, March 14, 2025. Top right of frame. Privet hedge removed. Foreground - all of the junipers removed!

About Bed 2

Dimensions: 40’L x 35’W
Sq ft: 1,400
Exposure: East
Light: Sun, Part Shade
Soil pH: TBD
Soil Texture: TBD
Access: walk-up; drive-in (Elting Rd)
Other: water spigot access

Baseline Plant Survey: Bed 2

Keep
Hosta: 5 (These hide a cover for the well pump.)
Turfgrass, thyme, self heal: 40’L x 30’W

Remove
Japanese privet (hedge): 40’L x 6’W