Creating a wildlife garden is simple. Planting a few specific shrubs or trees can make all the difference when trying to attract birds to your garden.
In order to attract birds or other wildlife, gardens must provide food, water, shelter and nesting areas. Provide for different wildlife species by making available a variety of trees and shrubs which produce seeds and berries such as oak, Washington hawthorn, shagbark hickory and serviceberry.
Providing food during each season is important. Begin in spring by having different berry producing shrubs available, such as blueberry and raspberry. Perennials, such as hollyhock, offer seeds in summer. In the fall, trees such as crabapple offer fruit. Birds which spend the winter in your area will attracted by hollies and other fruit bearing shrubs.
Different species require different environments in which to eat and live. Robins prefer to eat at ground level where they forage for insects and worms while others prefer to be off the ground at the height of a perennial garden. Some birds prefer the height of shrubs or in the canopy of tall trees. Plants also supply wildlife with shelter. Evergreens provide nesting areas and protection from the cold and create shade in the heat of the summer.
If there aren’t any natural water sources in your garden, be sure to place a birdbath or water dish in the area. Keep the water fresh by filling it daily. In the winter when the water freezes knock out the ice and replace with fresh water or invest in a heated birdbath. Water gardens are great since many wildlife species are attracted to the sound of running water.
Keep birdfeeders stocked as birds (and at my place, squirrels) often come to depend on them, especially during winter months. Fill them with a mix of seeds, berries, breads and nuts. Using a birdhouse for your seed provides shelter as well as a place for food.
Creating a garden which attracts birds has positive effect on the environment as you’re providing a new habitat for birds and other wildlife. You’re also providing years of enjoyment for both yourself and visitors to your garden.
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