Landscaping for ducks?

[maralynn28]

Hi all,

My school has a courtyard that has been home to ducks for a number of years. Every spring, students are delighted as nests are build and ducklings waddle across the yard. Then the hawks come and the smiles turn to frowns.

I've received permission from the principal to do a gardening project in the yard (some flowers, herbs for now) but during the planning, the students had asked if we can plant something that will provide hiding spots for the ducklings.

Ideas what would work well to accomplish this?

I know of many plants that will grow through the season and work for the future, but hoping for something that might also work for this season.

Thanks in advance!

 

[pattyhen]

Maybe some ornamental grasses. My ducks like to lay under my burning bushes and lilac bushes. Hope this helps.

 

[bhaugh]

What state are you in

 

[Amiga]

One could consider some simple structures - like lattice arbors that vines could grow on. Shrubs like red-stemmed dogwood, or pruned willow, or meadowsweet, or shrubby St. John's wort would work in this part of the world (southern New England). There are probably some shrubs that grow in warmer areas like yours, like Camelias.

 

[jennifleur]

I'm not familar with your climate, but any over head cover would be ideal. Vines are often fast growing and easy to start from seed. Less expensive. You can get vines that produce gourds, great for craft projects like bird houses. Dutch mans pipe are a carnivourous pitcher type annual vine, might appeal to kids... Pole beans are super easy and would produce an edible harvest along with peas, cucumbers, melon, cherry tomato and even squash grown over a simple frame. Morning glory, black eyed susan vine, cup and saucer, non-edible sweet pea and cardinal flower have showy flowers and are sold in seed packets. Sweet potato vine can be grown from cut up sweet potatoes. Tall clumps of grass, bushes and maybe even fruit trees... Current bush, sand cherry and thornless cane berries!