Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me, although I only have a small urban garden I have still managed to fit a fair amount of bird and insect friendly flowers and plants in.
Since reading an article about the decline in popular species of birds such as sparrows, blackbirds and thrushes I decided to do my bit to help my local bird population by purchasing two seed feeders, a nut feeder, a bird table and a small bird bath I was ready and waiting for my new feathered visitors, which up to that point was few and far between.
After a couple of weeks of patiently waiting and watching I was beginning to loose hope, only the odd sparrow turned up every other day, though still I waited. After the fourth week success, it seemed that word had spread and dozens of sparrows flocked to my garden, amongst them birds that I had never seen in my garden such as Blue Tits, Great Tits and Green Finches.
I have found Blackbirds are a lot more common now, along with two grey squirrels which constantly argue over the feeders!
The success inspired my enthusiasm and I browsed on the internet to find some plants and shrubs that I could use in my garden which would be beneficial to wildlife with a little help I started to redesign my garden.
As I only have a small space trees and large shrubs were out of the question, though there seemed plenty of information to help choose the right plant for the right position, which believe me being a complete amateur gardener I needed all the help I could get!
I chose a Conester which is great for attracting butterflies and bees in the summer and supply red berries for the birds in autumn and early winter, Globe thistles which attract Blue Tits and finches when the turn to seed, several sorts of Cranesbill, Tickseed, Rudbeckia and Golden Marguerite which are also good for attracting a variety of insects, Clematis and honeysuckle which provide shelter and nesting sites once matured.
Over the last couple of years I have really begun to enjoy gardening, being able to watch all my efforts come to life and benefit the birds in a small way, which if more and more people put wildlife friendly plants, a birdfeeder or two and perhaps a pond if room permits then this would help to make up for some of their decline and help rebuild their numbers.
Even if you have no garden you could hang a bird feeder on the balcony or attach a feeder to a window, you can always make room for at least one!
Make a difference to your local feathered friends: you can get a lot pleasure watching all types of birds without even leaving your home.
Cheryl White is the author and Owner of http://www.money-4-work.com and http://www.work-n-earn.com Business opportunity websites,
There are several different ways to manage algae in your... Read More
This may seem contradictory, but you want to leave a... Read More
A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is... Read More
Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguinea) is both nose and eye candy... Read More
In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More
Palm family is unique in the aspect that most of... Read More
Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody... Read More
Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though,... Read More
Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow... Read More
If you think that a large pond is simply a... Read More
Part Two in a SeriesOnce you have your landscape design... Read More
Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More
Botanists are individuals who conduct extensive study on plant biology... Read More
Every year you plan that THIS will be the year... Read More
Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More
The selection of roses you can grow in your home... Read More
Hi Friends;This is the second year in a row I... Read More
When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I... Read More
There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More
One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery... Read More
Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without... Read More
Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More
Following are a few paragraphs about the on going battle... Read More
The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan.... Read More
Slapping yourself silly trying to keep mosquitoes from biting you?... Read More
These are just a few gardening tips for you to... Read More
Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the... Read More
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More
Many people have asked us over the years "Should I... Read More
The number one, most asked question that I receive about... Read More
Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by... Read More
Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden creating... Read More
During my youth kids were required to pass through a... Read More
A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point... Read More
Do you love to cook outdoors but end up having... Read More
Did you know that those lush, colorful blooms called chrysanthemums... Read More
Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients for algae,... Read More
Greenhouses are a great addition to anyone's garden. They come... Read More
So you've purchased a Porch Swing (or are about to)... Read More
Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be... Read More
A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over... Read More
No matter how pleasant a garden is, it is not... Read More
Wide circle driveways don't happen much anymore, but when they... Read More
Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody... Read More
Miniature roses are exactly what they sound like. They have... Read More
My first apartment was a second-story condo in an urban... Read More
Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a... Read More
If you are a gardener you probably already do a... Read More
The Adirondack chair is unlike any other chair every made.... Read More
Teak has many qualities that make the indoor and outdoor... Read More
So. The water garden bug has bitten. You've dug and... Read More
These days, it's easy to get lost in the wealth... Read More
The history of artificial or fake grass is to say... Read More
A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond... Read More
"I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of... Read More
Love flowers, but don't have the space -- or the... Read More
Very soon stocks of new season's roses will... Read More
One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery... Read More
For best health, it is important to keep your environment... Read More
For many parts of the country, it's getting to be... Read More
The easiest way to build a shed in the backyard... Read More
One of the most rewarding and entertaining things about having... Read More
Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow... Read More
In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More
Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More
The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |