What can I plant around the pen?

[Michelle A.]

I am in the planning stage for my garden and want to know what would be good to plant around the pen. I would like this to be something that comes back each year. The soil is sandy and it is under a tree. Any ideas?

 

[Folly's place]

Viburnums, blueberries if it's acidic, mints (prefer full sun), clemantis on the fence, more viburnums. Ninebark, dogwoods, kousa dogwood, wintergreen.
Nothing really toxic, like Japanese yew, rhodies, foxglove, etc.
Chickens love to eat hostas, so don't bother to plant them.
Native non-toxic plants if possible. Chickens will redo your planting beds, dust bathe and tear up mulch, and generally make a mess. I'm lazy and let the weeds grow... Mary

 

[April s]

I recommend asparagus as it fits your brief perfectly.
April

 

[TexasSam]

Viburnums, blueberries if it's acidic, mints (prefer full sun), clemantis on the fence, more viburnums. Ninebark, dogwoods, kousa dogwood, wintergreen.
Nothing really toxic, like Japanese yew, rhodies, foxglove, etc.
Chickens love to eat hostas, so don't bother to plant them.
Native non-toxic plants if possible. Chickens will redo your planting beds, dust bathe and tear up mulch, and generally make a mess. I'm lazy and let the weeds grow... Mary

They eat mint like crazy they don't seem to like honey suckle

 

[Folly's place]

Mine leave catmint alone. Also American cranberry bush (another viburnum).