Garden for Birds #4

I would like to know...

WHO STOLE SUMMER???

What did you do with it?

And where are you hiding it?

It seems as though just last week we were celebrating the beginning of summer.

Looking forward to our yards and gardens.

Planning vacations.

Now, parents are celebrating "BACK TO SCHOOL!"

That could mean more time in our yards and enjoying the fruits of our labor, however.

Enjoying our backyard guests.

We've seen visitors come and go.

And all the feathered families we helped raise.

Now it's time to think of visitors heading south.

Keep your feeders cleaned and filled.

Very important is a source of fresh water.

Quite often a stranger will stop for a drink and you may be fortunate enough to see your guests.

You may want to keep a camera handy.

It's getting time to think about fall projects in our yards.

It's time to let annuals go to seed and let some perennials go as well.

Say... do you have any grasses in your yard?

I'm not referring to the grass you mow, or the stuff "Cheech and Chong" made so popular either.

I'm talking about ornamental grasses.

Ornamental grasses for your birds.

No,I haven't flipped my lid.

Grasses are becoming more popular in landscaping, yet have you thought of the possibilities for wildlife?

For birds?

Grasses come in many varieties from only a couple inches tall to 15 feet and taller.

They come with names like "Little Bunny" and "Giganteus"

"Flamingo" and " Little Zebra"

How about "Karley Rose" or "Karl Forrester"

Names are as unique as the grasses are.

Grasses can work as a ground cover, erosion control, a wind brake and look good while doing it.

Ornamental grass can make up a border, a barrier or become a focal point in your yard.

Grasses can also help feed and shelter birds.

This time of year, most grasses are flowering or have showy plumes.

Many of these plumes produce seeds for birds to munch on.

Foliage left up for the winter months provide wind brakes and protection from harsh winter winds

Birds may also make a mad dash to flee a predator.

Not to mention that the dry foliage and plumes can give depth and motion to an otherwise drab landscape.

In spring, birds will be using bits and pieces for their nests.

Cut back your grasses 2 to 4 inches from the ground before new growth starts.

Most grasses are hardy to zone 5 and many are hardy to zone 4

There are a few hardy to zone 3.

Once established, ornamental grass needs little care.

Grasses come in about every shade of green there is.

You can find shades of blue.

Grasses with shades of yellow

There are grasses with shades of red.

Grasses with horizontal stripes and some with vertical stripes.

Some varieties are drought tolerant.

Others may prefer moist conditions.

Most prefer sunny locations, while a few prefer shade.

The fact is, there will be a grass for your location.

You can even get annual grasses.

There are so many varieties to choose from I can't go through them all.

Check with your local garden center or nursery.

Have them recommend what is good for your yard.

Or, do some homework and see what you may prefer instead.

I have 6 varieties of grasses and I'm sure the collection will continue to grow as I find and make room for them.

You are sure to be hooked on grasses when you see a bird hanging onto a stalk and dancing in the wind.

An added bonus, grasses are deer resistant.

Check out the yards around you.

Hit the local garden centers and nurseries.

I'm sure you can find a grass for your yard.

Remember, fall is the best time to plant.

Well friend, it is time to get this letter sent out so I best get going.

Do have a blessed week and continue to smile.

Until next time.

Your friend,

Ron

Ron Patterson has been caring for wild birds since he was 10 years old. He has discovered many things along the way.

An avid gardener as well, Ron is a Michigan Certified Nurseryman.

With his expertise in birds and gardens, he wrote a weekly newsletter called "Backyard Birding Tips"

---

The Basics Of Pruning

The technique of pruning varies with the type of rose... Read More

Using Bulbs in Your Landscaping

Naturalized bulbs look beautiful in a wooded setting. You can... Read More

All About Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid tea roses and the original tea rose are the... Read More

Paving Stones

Imagine a beautiful pattern of paving stones as the central... Read More

Selling Your House? Trim Your Shrubs!

Shrubbery and other greenery that has an unkempt appearance can... Read More

Winter Gardening Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit... Read More

Do You Know About A Bamboo Orchid

Bamboo Orchid PlantWhen you think of bamboo you really think... Read More

Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture ? What You Don?t Know

What is the first thought that comes through your mind... Read More

A Bit About Bare Root Roses...

Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More

You Say Tomato I Say Mosquito

Gathering tomatoes or other fruits of the garden might not... Read More

5 Secrets to Growing Beautiful Roses

A rose is a rose is a rose - and... Read More

Patio Design ? Expanding Your Home Outdoors

A patio can be... Read More

Beauty After life - Plants For Drying - Grasses

Dried plants and dried flowers are midway for people who... Read More

Fall Flowering Bulbs

Deciduous trees dazzle us with the brilliance of the golds,... Read More

How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes

The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the... Read More

Basil: The King of Herbs

One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly... Read More

Tips For Successful Backyard Grape Growing

Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a... Read More

Planting Roses In Your Garden

Roses are an old standby for any garden and one... Read More

A Storage Bench Provides Much Needed Outdoor Space

If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Recreate the Splendor of Nature in Your Own Backyard

A few years ago I made the decision to create... Read More

September Gardening Tips

Well it is now September, and the mornings are great... Read More

Camellias

Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Landscape Painting

Landscape paintings are a beautiful way to spruce up the... Read More

Want to Build a Pond?

A pond, logically, the first question you should ask is... Read More

How to Grow Strawberries

In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More

Commercial and Residential Flagpoles

The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan.... Read More

Flower Meanings & History of Flowers

The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people... Read More

The Meanings Behind the Colors of Roses

Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by... Read More

What is the Right Plant and Where Do I Put It?

Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More

How To Find Cheap Flower Delivery In Your Area

As humans, we are always on the lookout for a... Read More

Liner Ponds versus Folding Preformed Ponds

IntroductionSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More

Feeding the Hummingbirds

Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can... Read More

Choosing Garden Furniture

No matter how pleasant a garden is, it is not... Read More