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Posted: Dec/23/2008 3:25 PM PST
I would like to add some shrubs suitable for my bird feeding area. There is a dogwood tree and a holly and a couple large oak trees. There is a good variety of birds in that part of the yard. Red bellied woodpeckers, goldfinches, cardinals, nuthatches, bluejays and so on. What can you suggest to plant here that would benefit the wildlife? Note: the area is part shade and the soil is clay. thanks for your help |
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Posted: Dec/27/2008 3:35 PM PST
Hello Sunny5501! I recently got a subscription to Bird and Blooms magazine. This is a fantatastic resource for flowers and plants to put in for the wildlife. It's such a colorful and helpful magazine. Try their website www.birdsandblooms.com |
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Posted: Jan/01/2009 7:37 PM PST
My father gave me a subscription to Birds and Bloom for Christmas! I love that mag. |
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Posted: Jan/02/2009 3:02 AM PST
I have been a long-time subscriber. Don't forget, if you can't wait so long for the regular issue, they now have Birds and Blooms Extra. If you have both, you get a copy once a month! |
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Posted: Mar/27/2009 8:15 PM PST
Viburnums (shrubs) - especially the native ones are a good source of berries. Serviceberry is a small tree that has berries that the birds adore. But birds don't eat just berries and seeds. When they are raising chicks, they catch insects to feed them - insects are an ideal source of protein for babies. So be careful not to use pesticides and kill off so many insects. Except for japanese beetles and a few others (very few), most are either very helpful or not really very destructive. Also using native plants helps attract native insects (only in manageable amounts, I don't mean to imply that hordes of them will descend on your yard). Those non-native plants are "pest free" for a reason - our native insects haven't evolved to eat them! Be sure and provide a source of water (if there isn't one nearby) and some evergreen or dense plants for cover. |
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Posted: Mar/30/2009 9:11 AM PST
First you must know what birds are in your area and which one to attract. Not all birds are fruit eating, some are strictly insect feeders. Yes, Viburnums and Seviceberry are wonderful suggestions as is going native. Many native trees and shrubs produce fruits and seeds that attract brds and wildlife. you must also plant them to attract the greatest amount of wildlife. The best way to do this is follow nature's plans. Keep insecticedes away, offer thick growths, put fresh water near, but not amogst the plant life. Flower seeds attract birds and the insects attract birds. Forget you pruning shears as nature likes it wild. Oh so much to learn and to do, even in small gardens. Ron www.gardening-for-wildlife.com |
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Posted: Jul/17/2009 12:37 PM PST
Does anybody know what a good ground cover would be under birdfeeders? I have a hard time keeping the seeds from sprouting and getting pretty gross. I'm looking for something that will keep weeds/sprouts down but that groundfeeding birds can still get the fallen seeds. It's a mostly shady/partly sunny area. If anyone has a suggestion for me I would really appreciate it! 
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Posted: Jul/18/2009 3:55 AM PST
Perhaps creeping jenny would work. If it gets thick enough, it could probably keep the seeds from sprouting. |
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