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BIRD GARDENING
Basics of Bird Gardening
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In addition to food, water, shelter, and nesting sites, birds need good habitat. There are many things you can do on your own property to create an Eden for birds.
Do A Census Of Your Plants. What kind of trees, shrubs, and flowers are already growing on your property? Find out what you own—you may already have valuable wildlife plants. If you find such plants and they are growing in less than ideal conditions, transplant them to a more favorable area. With some sun, water, and nutrients, they will thrive and become more productive specimens. By knowing what you have you are better able to determine what you need to add to create good habitat for birds.
Create Diversity. Strive for diversity and make sure you have flowers, shrubs, vines, and trees that are attractive to birds.Try to create multiple layers of vegetation at about four different heights: tall trees, small trees and shrubs, flowers, and ground covers or lawn. Arrange your plantings with the taller items in back and smaller plants in front.
Look Natural. Create a natural effect when planting by grouping an odd number (three, five, seven) of the same kind of plant in a naturalistic way, rather than a straight line. Make a woodland edge an undulating border rather than just straight. Draw inspiration by noticing how plants grow in the wild.
Year-Round Bounty. When planting a garden for birds think about providing food for birds year-round. Choose species that mature their fruits at different times during the year, so there will always be new food available for the birds.
Think Locally. Choose plants that thrive in your area of the country. Try to include lots of species that are native to your locale. Contact local horticultural societies, gardening societies, and county extension services to learn which plants are good for your region.
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