It’s amazing what nature can hide. While working to clear the birm of dirt and downed trees created when the driveway was formed, we found a row of big, beautiful walnut trees hiding in overgrown vegetation and vines. With all of the brush and vines surrounding them, it was hard to tell that they were purposefully planted. We think they are, anyway. They parallel one side of the driveway in three pairs, six total. I’ve yet to confirm if the last two are walnut trees, though. I’ll confirm when the leaves come back this spring.

Vines, privets, and pines are what we are primarily removing here. The pines are young and offer very little value to the property, considering we have an abundance of old growth pines and an unfortunately present population of pine destroying beetles. The Chinese privets are invasive to the entire US and are even considered a severe threat to some states (Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee). And, of course, the vines have to go because they will eventually bring down trees.

We plan on using the space to encourage small wildlife. I’m envisioning this space with waist high grasses and wildflowers blowing in the breeze as the shadow from the walnut trees passes over. I hope our changes will encourage more rabbits, birds, and other small animals. Any suggestions as to what we should plant here?