Hi, 

We're happy to help! 

1) Depending on the seeds, they should be ok as long as the mulch isn't too thick. Depending on the size of the wildflower seed area, maybe you could use some chicken wire fencing and stakes to block it off from your dog? The mulch should help to keep the seeds moist so they can germinate, but some seeds need more sunlight and a more shallow planting depth. The only thing you could do know is rake the mulch aside and reseed, but it is probably fine to leave it and see what happens. It may help to get some plugs or small plants of some wild flowers to take root a little faster and sprinkle some seed in between if the seed doesn't seem to take this time around. 

2) We can give you some ideas for a front yard turf reduction. It may help to see some photos of it. Do you have deer that visit that area? It sounds like you do from the fencing in the other question. Does it skew wet or dry? Are there any large trees? 

• Lawn Removal Methods
• Lawn Alternatives
• Groundcover list
• Dry Shade
  Zizia aptera
  Hydrangea quercifolia
  Carex appalachica
  Viburnum acerifolium
  Polygonatum biflorum
  Dennstaedtia punctiloba
  Geranium maculatum
  Pycnanthemum incanum
  Carex pensylvanica
  Carex laxiculmis & C. flaccosperma
  Carex platyphylla
  Scutellaria ovata + Carex eburnea
  Dryopteris marginalis + Heuchera villosa
  Polystichum acrostichoides +Asarum canadense
• Wet Shade
  Matteuccia struthiopteris
  Lobelia cardinalis
  Packera aurea
  Phlox divaricata
  Polemonium reptans
  Sedum ternatum
  Salix serice
  

3) Most fruit need 8 or more hours of sun light so if it is less than that, you could try blueberries, currants, or gooseberries. If it gets about 8 hours you could try a fig. They would be easier than tree fruit. You will have to protect the fruit from birds and squirrels. You can use fence material or mesh netting or a combination of both. If the holes in the fencing are large enough the birds and squirrels will be able to get in, however if the mesh is too small, then pollinators won't be able to help pollinate for fruit. 

4) Sometimes it take birds to find the source of food so maybe they haven't found your feeder yet. If you wanted to try to attract them more, you could seek out plants that they prefer. You can check out the Xerces Society Recommended Plant List.  You can check with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to see if any of the wildlife specialist know about hummingbirds are having a slow spring. An email can be sent to <personal data hidden>  or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. 

Emily