There is something about watching the birds fly to and fro that brings peace to our minds. And, of course, their melodies fill the air with a chorus of delightful birdsong. There can be disadvantages however, to keeping up with the bird feeders. Problems can arise with attracting rodents and squirrels. If we don’t properly clean our feeders we could actually be making the birds sick. I will always feed the birds regardless of these nuisances. But there are other ways to feed the birds that are more natural and more in keeping with the environment around us. In many ways, feeding the birds can be like feeding your soul!
How about letting your garden feed the birds?
There are many plants that can be incorporated into your landscape that can attract and feed birds as well as pollinators and butterflies. It is hard to choose just a sampling to recommend but I’ve narrowed down a list here of some of my favorites.
Trees – Amelanchier (serviceberry), Cercis Canadensis (redbud), Cornus Florida (dogwood)
Evergreen shrubs to provide protection – Buxus (boxwood), Arborvitae, Ilex glabra
Shrubs to provide food – Ilex Verticillata (winterberry), Ilex meserveae (holly), Aronia (chokecherry), Vaccinnium (blueberry), Viburnum, Sambucus Canadensis (elderberry)
Perennials –Echinacea (cone flower), Rudbeckia (black eyed susan), Monarda (beebalm), Sedum (stonecrop), Eupatorium (joe pye weed), Liatris (blazing star)
Annuals – Sunflowers, Cosmos, Zinnias
Grasses – Pennisetum (fountain grass), Panicum (switch grass)
When planning your gardens this season try some of these plants if you want to attract birds. Feeding the birds can be fun and rewarding! Let your garden feed the birds and the birds feed your soul!
-Melissa Blundon- CANP, ALOCP
Madison Earth Care | Phone: 203-421-4358
