Love Your Alley (and Yard!): This Year, it’s for the Birds
We all know that Bexley is a great place for people and as an arboretum it can be a great place for our birds, too. But we have some work to do!
In addition to joy and beauty, birds provide several ecosystem services. They're important pollinators and seed dispersers for many plants. Birds serve as an early warning system if there’s an environmental issue. Additionally, they eat insects that would decimate gardens; reduce rodent populations; and eat millions of mosquitoes each year. Unfortunately, many bird species, even common species, are declining at alarming rates and need our help. Join us this May for Green Bexley’s Love Your Alley as we learn all the ways to support our birds in Bexley.
Love Your Alley is about transforming our underutilized alleys into extended living space to support our ecosystem and for beautification with native plants and murals. By planting native plants, we are cultivating our land to create a Homegrown National Park in 43209 to support our ecosystem. Native plants pack a powerful sustainability punch: they support our birds and pollinators, assist in flood prevention, fight climate change, and protect the aesthetic that defines the Midwest. Go Buck(eye Trees)! With the majority of land in the US developed our ecosystems are threatened. Homeowners are in an incredible position to restore biodiversity and protect ecosystems and it’s as simple as using our properties to plant native!
During the month of May, Love Your Alley will provide classes, instruction, plants, artists, and organize plant installation teams. You can work individually or collaborate with neighbors to make our alleys and yards greener and more beautiful.
Program Information & Resources
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If you don't have an alley, there are still ways you can be involved in this program
Install native plants in your yard
Install a bench in front of your property—in a place for community use
Install a fairy garden
Join a plant installation team
Join a litter clean up crew
Adopt an alley: work with friends on their alley!
Convert part of or all of your lawn to a pollinator lawn
Help plan and organize
Grow native seedlings and distribute to neighbors
Help get the word out when chatting and through social media
Donate money to the Love Your Alley initiative to gets lots of plants and artwork in our alleys!
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The LYA 5! These are the top 5 plants that will thrive in most alley gardens regardless of soil type and amount of sun:
• Penstemon Digitalis (Foxglove beardtongue)
• Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
• Pycnanthemum Virginianum (Mountain mint)
• Asclepias Incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
• Monarda Fistulosa (Bee Balm)
Recommended Shrubs for the Alley:
• Ilex glabra (Inkberry) (need male and female for berries)
• Hypericum prolificum (Shrubby St. Johns Wort)
• Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea) (use fencing to protect from rabbits to get established!)
• Aronia melanocarpa (Chokeberry)
New Garden Care and Maintenance throughout the Year
• Installing your new plants soon will help them to survive and thrive.
• If you can’t plant them right away, please be sure to water each day and keep shaded
• It is generally true that native plants need less care than non-native plants. However, it is important to keep an eye on them until they are established (mid-fall). One suggestion (if a hose doesn’t reach) is to carry a bucket of water to the alley every other day for the first month, and then twice a week through July and August, especially during dry spells. Give each plant about a pint of water per watering, watering not just the plant itself but also the soil around it.
• A light rain may not be sufficient to hydrate the soil around plants. A good rule of thumb is that a 1/2" of rain is a pretty good rain that will enable you to skip a day and that a 1" rain might enable you to skip half a week. Soil moisture will evaporate more quickly on sunny days.
• If you have been watering consistently and your plants look dehydrated, check the soil moisture with your fingers before watering. Many people actually overwater plants by mistake, and symptoms of overwatering and under-watering often look the same!
• it’s a good idea to add mulch or leaves around plants (not too high or too close) to help keep unwanted weeds from growing and to help soil and plants retain moisture.
• some plants seedlings get munched by rabbits, squirrels and deer. If you notice this, you can sprinkle Repels All weekly around seedlings and after rain until plants are larger.
• If you see insects such as caterpillars on your plants, note that many of them are beneficial. In fact, there are many native species of insects that rely on specific plants for food -- and that's a big part of the reason Love Your Alley plants native plants. You can try to identify the insects by using an app like Seek or Picture This.
• Some alley gardens would benefit from having a border of bricks, blocks, rocks or boards to help retain soil and soil moisture, since a hard rain will often wash soil and organic matter onto the alley surface. Also, a slightly concave or receptive alley garden will allow more rain to infiltrate close to where it falls.
• Beneficial native insects often use plant stems for part of their life cycle. Therefore we encourage you to consider leaving spent stems in place through the winter and into mid-May. Note that you can cut the stems and leave them nearby in a bundle if that feels better to you aesthetically. Many plants will bloom longer if they are deadheaded, but this is not essential. Consider leaving some of the seed-heads on site, but you may wish to harvest some seed from the plants to use in other areas of your property or share with neighbors.
• If you have a yard service, please be sure to instruct them not to pull out or mow new plants.
Early and Late Blooms
Our pollinators need early spring blooms and late fall blooms! Click here to view the most needed and helpful native plants for the central Ohio region.
Recommended Websites:
Join the movement and start a new HABITAT™ by planting native plants and removing most invasive plants. It is the largest cooperative conservation project ever conceived or attempted.
Plant a Pocket Pollinator Garden
Get $50 Towards Native Plants!
Where to buy seeds and plants?
When buying plants it’s important to buy true natives. There are many cultivars. Non-native plants are like plastic, and don't benefit our pollinators. It’s also important to verify that the plants you are buying haven’t been sprayed with insecticides.
Good source for seedlings/plants:
Native Landscaping & Consulting
Monarch Meadows Native Plant Nursery
Good sources for seeds:
Oakland Nursery
Prairie Frontier
Prairie Moon Nursery
Books:
The Nature of Oaks by Dr. Doug Tallamy
Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Doug Tallamy
Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy
Native Plants of the Midwest: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 500 Species for the Garden by Alan Branhagen
How to Eradicate Invasive Plants by Teri Dunn Chace
The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants by Charlotte Adelma
Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm
Lawns Into Meadows by Owen Wormser
The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eirman
Planting Native to Attract Birds to Your Yard by Sharon Sorenson
Plants that mosquitos dislike:
• Citronella
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Sweet basil
• Marigolds
• Lemonbalm
• Mint
• Sage
• Garlic
• Catnip
• Russian sage
Dragonflies eat mosquitos! Plants that attract dragonflies:
• Black-eyed Susan’s
• Swamp Milkweed
• White Yarrow
• Joe Pye Weed
• Meadow Sage
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We are looking for 2 types of voIunteers:
We are looking for a volunteer who is on board with habitat restoration to setup and maintain LYA as a 501c3
If you enjoy being outside and working in the garden or yard, you can also participate in Love Your Alley by volunteering. Whether you need community service hours for school, or you're looking for a fun outdoor activity, you can register to volunteer by submitting our Volunteer Form (link). Someone will contact you after your information has been submitted.
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Community herb garden
Pollinator garden
Artwork on garage
Artwork on fence
Artwork in gardens
Murals
Grapevines
Flag streamers
Little free library
Little Art Museum
Water features for bees and butterflies (mosquito free)
Hang alley sign with your alley name
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A big thank you to, Ben Pinciotti, our Cassingham Elementary Art Teacher for pulling together all these ideas for Love Your Alley!
Click here to view Mr. Pinciotti's website with inspiration for your alley projects!
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Mural Guidelines
We have embarked on a study of best practices for owners of urban murals and wanted to share our findings and recommendations. This is our third year connecting mural artists with residents. We will continue to survey the condition of the Love Your Alley murals and let you know when we learn anything new that will help you maintain your new beautification project. We want to support you having the best experience of beautifying your property and so we suggest the following:
To Homeowners:
Mural location matters: If the surface receives full sun, it is not the right place for the mural. Also, a mural on a wooden fence sitting in soil that retains moisture will deteriorate faster. (A fence sitting in soil will also deteriorate faster. We recommend moving soil away from the fence to protect your fence and the mural.) Before beginning the project, a mural specialist will look at the surface and determine if it’s a good location based on these factors.
We recommend you survey your mural at the end of the summer and at the end of the winter to see how it has weathered the season. Speak to your muralist to find out whether they are interested in returning to make any repairs to your mural should they be needed. If not we’ll let you know what kind of paint is best for touch ups.
We recommend murals be gently cleaned with water and diluted dish detergent once a year.
We recommend Master Clear Supreme (Water based clear coat with UV protection, interior/exterior, acrylic /aliphatic polyurethane, can be used over any previously painted surface. Protects exterior surfaces from oxidation, salt air, chlorine, mildew etc. Dries quickly)
To Muralists:
The surface should be cleaned, dry and free of dust before work begins.
We’ve found that exterior paint is the best paint for outdoor murals. LYA provides paint for our muralists.
We’ve found that applying paint thinly (as opposed to thick applications) lasts longer.
LYA will supply Master Clear Supreme sealant to be applied to all murals.
Paint adheres best between 60-80 degrees. Avoid painting when it is too hot or too cold.
Please provide your name and contact information. If you are student artists who are working with an advisor, please provide your advisor’s name and contact information.
We ask that you sign and date your work with month and year of completion.
If you are a student artist, please include your grade level and school.
We assume you use the materials provided for your painting. If not, please check with us before you begin and list what materials you used.
If there is a title for your piece please let us know. When appropriate, the title can also be included in your mural.
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Donations are currently on hold as LYA looks for a partnership with a 501c3 to accept your generous donations!
We are looking for a volunteer who is on board with habitat restoration to setup and maintain LYA as a 501c3
Donations contribute to native plant purchases for 43209 and Love Your Alley classes and events. Thank you for considering making a donation to this initiative!
Programs, Classes, and Speakers
Love Your Alley events and speakers are scheduled throughout the month of May to help participants learn about birds, native plants, garden design and much more!
Matthew Shumar, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative
5/2 Every Yard Counts: personal contributions to bird conservation with Matthew Shumar, BPL, 7:00
Despite global conservation efforts and successes, many bird species have continued to decline over the past century. These declines received significant attention recently with the published paper in Science, detailing the loss of 3 billion birds in North America, as well as Audubon’s report on the impacts from climate change. Many of the species detailed in these reports are Neotropical migrants and cover vast amounts of land annually. Join us to learn about how you can make your yards and homes bird-friendly and support populations of migratory birds.
Matthew Shumar is based in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University where he is Program Coordinator of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, a collaboration of non-profit groups, businesses, state and federal government agencies advancing avian conservation in Ohio and the region. Prior to working with OBCI, he was the Project Coordinator and co-editor for The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio. Matthew’s research interests include landscape ecology, and in particular, anthropogenic effects on Neotropical migrant songbirds. He is also interested in engaging the public into community science efforts and exploring new opportunities for collaborative efforts between academia, agency professionals, and amateur ecologists. Matthew also runs a private research station with a year-round bird banding program in southeastern Ohio with his wife, Molly, and is currently serving as Vice President of the Association of Field Ornithologists, an international professional society dedicated to the study of birds and their habitats.
5/5 Bexley Community Backyards Workshop, Bexley City Hall, 12:00-1:30
The Community Backyards workshop is a free class taught by local conservation experts about how you can protect water quality and the environment with "backyard conservation" practices including rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. Plus, City of Bexley residents can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required.
Josh Zingg with Scioto Gardens
5/8 Know Your Niche: Right Plant, Right Place in the Residential Garden with Josh Zingg from Scioto Gardens
Bexley Public Library, 7:00
This talk will explore the residential landscape in the context of ecological niche, which means the particular set of circumstances in which certain plants and plant communities can thrive. By understanding which niches in the natural world the conditions of your individual site most resemble, you can choose the plants that will flourish in your landscape. Beyond the basics of sun, water, and soil, he will discuss the different ways plants interact, above and below ground, through the seasons, and throughout their individual life-cycles to form healthy communities. He will provide example combinations that work in the most common niches of the residential landscape as well as suggestions for further reading. Join us for part 2 of this talk with Josh Zingg’s Hands on Gardening Skills class on Saturday, 5/18.
Josh Zingg is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Certified Permaculture Designer who has worked all over the Columbus metropolitan area. He has been associated with Scioto Gardens informally for years and came on board officially at the start of 2021. He offers consultation and personally leads all field work for Scioto Gardens Site Services
5/11 Love Your Alley festival 12:00-3:00 Clifton Shelter, Pool Parking lot
As part of Love Your Alley month, bird and nature lovers of all ages are invited to the festival on Saturday, May 11th from 12:00–3:00 in the pool parking lot. Swing by for free native plants from Natives in Harmony. Local artists will sell their artwork and the Garden District will offer crafts featuring the Birds of Ohio. Learn about birds from the Audubon and native plants and insects from Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative, Columbus Garden School and OSU. Native Landscapers including Catch the Water, Columbus Landworks and Ohio Native Concepts will be on hand to answer your questions. The Bridgers String Band will play Oldtime style music and there will also be delicious food from Portia’s Cafe Food Truck and J-Pops.
James Muller
5/15 Birdscaping: Gardening for our Feathered Friends with James Muller, Bexley Public Library, 7:00
In this talk, we will delve into the fascinating world of creating bird-friendly habitats right in your own backyard by leveraging the incredible benefits of native plants. We’ll explore the symbiotic relationship between native flora and avian wildlife, providing a blueprint for transforming your outdoor space into a haven for diverse bird species.
Attendees will gain insights into the specific characteristics of native plants that make them irresistible to birds. From nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds to berry-bearing shrubs that entice songbirds, we will uncover the diverse ways in which native flora serves as a natural magnet for avian visitors. By embracing the principles of ecological gardening, attendees will discover how small changes in landscaping practices can have a significant and positive ripple effect on the broader ecosystem. Together we can collectively contribute to the conservation of bird species, foster biodiversity, and create a more harmonious coexistence between humans and the feathered inhabitants of our natural world.
James Muller is a lifelong Ohioan deeply immersed in the world of birding. For over 20 years, James has been devoted to the pursuit of avian knowledge cultivating a keen understanding of Ohio's diverse bird species. This exploration has resulted in an extensive list of over 675 identified species, showcasing his dedication to the avifauna of the Buckeye State. Beyond personal birding endeavors, James serves as a trusted tour leader for both Columbus Audubon and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. Through these roles, James guides fellow birders on enriching excursions, sharing insights into bird behavior, habitats, and the intricacies of Ohio's avian ecosystems. Committed to the principles of conservation and education, James actively contributes to the promotion of bird appreciation and protection. By conducting engaging tours, delivering informative talks, and facilitating workshops, James strives to inspire a deeper connection between individuals and Ohio's rich birdlife.
Josh Zingg with Scioto Gardens
5/18 Hands on Gardening Skills Class with Josh Zingg from Scioto Gardens, an alley in Bexley TBD from 10:00-12:00 (Sunday, 5/19 torrential rain date)
Join us for this gardening skills class to learn skills with an expert gardener. Learn how to clean up your overgrown or under-tended alley space during a hands-on demonstration this spring. This will include techniques, tools, safety, and plenty of Q&A.
Josh Zingg is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Certified Permaculture Designer who has worked all over the Columbus metropolitan area. He has been associated with Scioto Gardens informally for years and came on board officially at the start of 2021. He offers consultation and personally leads all field work for Scioto Gardens Site Services
5/19 Art in the Alley Walk 5:00
We welcome you to the Art in the Alley Walk on Sunday, May 19th at 5:00. Come see what your neighbors have been working on to support biodiversity and beautify our city. Local artists and some residents have painted murals in their alleys, which you are encouraged to visit! An interactive map offers a location of murals, though it will not be exact. All murals will be located in alleyways!
Recordings from Past Classes
Doug Tallamy: Nature’s Best Hope, 5/1/2023, Bexley Public Library
Dr. Doug Tallamy is the inspiration for Love Your Alley. He created Homegrown National Park: a grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity throughout the country. We invite you to listen to this recording of his inspiring, dynamic talk to learn simple steps that each of us can take to reverse declining biodiversity. Dr Tallamy will explain why we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope.
Garden Design for Small Spaces: Clever Tricks for Alleys, Nooks and Pocket-sized Places with Chris Anderson from Catch the Water, 5/8/2023, Bexley Public Library
Small space garden design is a combination of observation and inspiration. We’ll gain new insights on both with the help of Permaculture designer Chris Anderson. We’ll discuss water flow, slope, shade and sun, time and energy constraints, and how all of these relate to plant choices and stewardship of neighborhood nooks and community crannies. We’ll discuss great plants and creative solutions for community intersections like alleys. Please measure any space you want to steward, and bring a picture or two!
Cultivating Landscapes for Fireflies with Dr. Kayla Perry at the Bexley Public Library, 5/15/2023
Insect populations are in decline worldwide. The causes of insect declines are multifaceted and nuanced, making it difficult to pinpoint a single driver and solution. Beetles (Order Coleoptera) are an abundant and diverse order of insects that contribute to a variety of ecosystem services that support people and nature. Several charismatic groups of beetles are reported to be in decline, including fireflies (Family Lampyridae). This presentation will discuss the ecology and importance of beneficial beetles with a focus on fireflies and highlight strategies to support their populations in landscapes.
Program Sponsors
Thank you to our 2024 Love Your Alley sponsors! To learn more about their services and events, click on the images below:
