Want to plant native trees & shrubs

phelapa · Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 1

Hi,
I'm a newcomer to this site. I want to plant native Irish trees & shrubs (especially decorative ones) in my garden. Site is in West, Co Louth, South facing but exposed to the wind. Want to attract wildlife, birds, bees etc. Gorse in the area. Does this mean acidic or alkaline soil? Should soil acidity influence choice of trees/shrubs? How do I check soil PH? All sugestions gratefully received.
Thanks,
P

Sive · Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 8:15 am Post subject:

Hi there, you can buy soil testing kits in any good garden centre, to see what soil your garden has.
As for native trees and hedging......there have been some good threads on this subject regularly on this site, so you should be able to find lots of information if you do a search. Hope this helps.

vincentdunne · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:29 pm Post subject:

Hi phelapa,
The best way to check for native plants which do well in your area is to check out what is already there.
There is a fairly long list of what can be grown, Here's a few you can look out for.
Viburnum opulus (ornamental and berries)
Crataegus monogyna, (Hawthorn)
Rosa canina (dogrose)
Prunus avium (wild cherry)