Preventing The Spread of Bird Flu Using Nursery stock
Prevention of the spread of Bird Flu is the responsibility of
everyone. It is known that bird feeders are a source of
transmission of avian flu viruses and related diseases. Many
communities have zoning laws which are meant to prevent people
from feeding pigeons and seagulls. Bird droppings, when massed
in open areas close to pedestrian walkways and windows provide
ideal pathways for pathogens to spread not only from bird to
bird, but from bird to humans. We therefore suggest that if you
want to feed birds and provide for there needs you consider
planting shrubs and trees that provide birds with sources of
food that more mimics the natural environment. Plants such as
viburnums are an excellent choice. They not only provide seeds
that are available in the late winter, but also shelter.
In Hong Kong, the government has already started to prevent the
spread of bird flu by telling citizens that wild pigeon
droppings may help spread harmful germs, and that avoiding
feeding them is the best way to minimize their congregation.
Therefore any wild bird feeders in common areas at public rental
housing estates and markets will be served a fine without any
prior warnings.
Viburnums are the most attractive, versatile, adaptable shrubs
for any landscape. They can be used as hedges or screens and in
mixed perennial/shrub borders. They can also stand alone as
specimen plants. They usually take the form of shrubs, but some
species can become small ornamental trees. They range in size
from the Dwarf American Cranberrybush at 2 feet tall by 2 feet
wide, to the Siebold at over 15 feet tall.
Viburnums are plants with year round interest. All Viburnums
have profuse white to pink flowers in the spring. They have
large, attractive and often textured leaves. Some viburnums have
wonderfully fragrant flowers that are produced in snowball-
shaped clusters in April. Their flower clusters can consist of
pink buds, which develop into white flowers. Some fruits are red
and turn black with age. Leaves are glossy, dark green and turn
a burgundy color in the fall. Midsummer berries are an important
food source for birds.Viburnums provide birds with feed and
shelter in a natural manner. Birds will not feed in an area that
masses birds and bird droppings. This is a more sanitary way to
feed birds than with a bird feeder. Additionally you never
forget to refill the viburnums as each year there will be a new
crop of berries. Viburnums have colorful red to purple leaves.
Some viburnums can become medium-size trees, especially if they
are pruned. Viburnums excel as specimen plants or as anchors in
mixed borders. You won't find a more versatile group of shrubs
for hedges or for massing in groups, since viburnums hold their
own in every season. Some viburnums, such as Prague viburnum
'Pragense', are evergreen. Others, such as leatherleaf viburnum,
are semi-evergreen in colder climates, losing their leaves when
temperatures dip below 10 degrees.
The best feature of Viburnums is their adaptability. While they
would prefer full sun and moderately watered, well-drained rich
soils, they will grow very well in part shade in alkaline, clay
soils. Diseases and pests rarely attack them. My kids have run
over them with brush hogs and they survived. Their fibrous root
system makes them transplant easily.
If you are searching for a good-looking hardy shrub consider one
of the many members of the Viburnum family.
Viburnums have long been popular garden plants, celebrated for
their white, often fragrant spring flowers and their fall color.
But it's the Asian viburnums that have so far ruled the roost.
Perhaps the most widely appreciated viburnums are the Burkwood
viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii), and the Korean spice viburnum
(V. carlesii), both of which fill the air with an enchanting
clovelike aroma in mid-spring. Also popular is the doublefile
viburnum (V. plicatum f. tomentosum), valued for its layered
habit, fall foliage, and clusters of red fruits. Viburnum
acerifolium (Maple-leafed viburnum) Although I wouldn't garden
without any of these, I have a special fondness for several of
our very gardenworthy native viburnums. They may not provide the
enticing flower fragrance of their Asian cousins, but I love
them nonetheless--not only for their marvelous fall foliage
color (championed by Darke) but also for their copious fruit
displays, which attract birds to my garden in the fall and
winter months. In addition, several are useful to today's
waterwise gardeners or for tough urban conditions. They require
only corrective pruning, and none commonly suffer from pests or
diseases.
Viburnums are considered moist woodland plants. In nature they
are found along steam banks from Long Island to Florida. When
you come to our 5275 West Swamp Rd. location ask us to show some
in their native habitat that we found along our stream bank.
These plants perform well under normal landscape conditions. I
especially like the floral display in the spring and these
viburnums that bear fruit in the fall. Winterthur has great red
leaves and abundant fruit in the fall. This cultivar needs a
cross pollinator such as viburnum nudum.
Native Americans used Viburnum dentatum (arrowwood viburnum) for
arrow shafts. There stems are long and strait. This plant will
grow in places many plants struggle. So if you have had trouble
with plants in a harsh location try this cultivar. Viburnums We
raise over 12 types of Viburnums on our farms from seedlings to
5' shrubs. If you have poor soils due to compacting from
construction, try viburnums. Being rugged and hardy, they
perform where other plants fail. American Cranberry Bush
KoreanSpice Blackhaw ArrowwoodViburnum Chicago Luster Dawn
Summer Snowflake Shasta Winterthur Blue Muffin Burkwood Erie Tea
Judd Korean Spice Praque Siebold You can see more of Bill's
writing and tips at his web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com