Help planning my pollinator friendly native garden.

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My back yard is relatively flat, and the only thing dividing my yard from the neighbors behind me is a chain link fence. In an effort to:
  1. Hide the ugly fence
  2. Attract and therefore feed and nurture bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
  3. Keep to plants and trees that are native to Eastern Missouri (Zone 6B)
  4. Have something pretty to look at when I'm working from home
I would like to plant a variety of flowering plants that will give me blooms from Spring to Fall. I would like to plant at least one tree that is not too big. I was thinking plum, but I'm worried about the right conditions to bear fruit. There is a peach tree (I'm not sure what variety) on one side of the yard that bears very little fruit (two berries this year), so I wonder if it would be better to plant another peach to help with cross pollination. As for the rest I just want a variety of purples, pinks, yellows, and red with a variety of blooming seasons so I have color from April to October.

I intend to do everything from starter plants, as I have never been successful planting anything from seeds (not the greenest thumb have I) Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.
 
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5 Chemin Challet, Limoges, Limousin
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Your backyard project sounds beautiful and ambitious! Here are some ideas to help you achieve your goals:

To hide the fence, consider planting native flowering vines like trumpet creeper or native honeysuckle. They’ll cover the fence and attract pollinators. For flowering plants, Eastern Missouri is ideal for coneflowers (purple), black-eyed Susans (yellow), and bee balm (red). These plants are native, thrive in Zone 6B, and provide blooms from spring to fall.

Regarding the tree, a serviceberry could be a great option. It’s native, small, and offers beautiful white blossoms in spring and berries that attract birds. For your peach tree, planting another peach tree nearby can indeed improve cross-pollination and potentially increase fruit yield.

For a continuous bloom, consider adding flowers like asters and goldenrods for late summer and fall color. Since you prefer starter plants, you might want to visit a local nursery to get healthy, well-established plants.

Remember to keep your soil healthy by adding compost and mulching to retain moisture. Enjoy your gardening journey!
 
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Oh, I almost forgot to mention something really important! Mulching can be a game changer for your garden.
Mulching is a fantastic way to improve soil health, conserve moisture, and reduce weed growth. By spreading a layer of organic material, such as grass clippings, leaves, or compost, over your soil, you create a protective barrier that keeps your garden thriving.
Here's how to mulch your lawn effectively:
  1. Choose the Right Mulch: Organic mulches like grass clippings, shredded leaves, or compost are ideal. They decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients.
  2. Prepare Your Lawn: Before applying mulch, mow your lawn and remove any weeds or debris. This ensures that the mulch layer sits evenly.
  3. Apply the Mulch: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch evenly over your soil. Be careful not to pile it up against plant stems or tree trunks, as this can cause rot.
  4. Maintain the Mulch Layer: Check the mulch periodically and add more as needed, especially after heavy rains or wind. This keeps the mulch effective and your soil protected.
For more detailed guides and expert tips on lawn care and gardening, you really need to read a post on Benefits of Mulching. You'll find everything you need to keep your garden looking its best.
 

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