[Jeapesy]

I have just bought my first house and now have the official move in date of the 2nd November. My first task is to sort out the garden, currently it is a very bare 'show' garden with little vegitation.

My initial plan of action is to plant a few trees and shrubs to attract birds and provide cover for them. Then i also plan to introduce a wildlife pond. But seeing as i'm completely new to gardening as living with my parents for my whole life i've never got involved in it so i have a few novice questions.

Firstly when is the best time to plant trees? I've heard about now is as good as any? Secondly which trees and plants are best to attract birds?

With the wildlife pond when would be the best time of year to start it? The winter? I've already got a shortlist of plants having read through numerous wildlife pond threads on here, i will also try to incorporate a bog of some sort. The plants i was thinking of are as follows

Water Starwort
Elodea Canadensis
Water Crowfoot
Yellow Flag Iris
Ragged Robin in the bog
Frogbit
Water Solidier

Does this seem acceptable?

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Paul