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The Ultimate Guide to Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds

Albert Reed

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Birdscaping in the Midwest: A Guide to Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds

by Mariette Nowak

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	50582 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	688 pages

Gardening with native plants is an incredibly rewarding way to attract birds to your backyard. Native plants provide a vital source of food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, while also contributing to a healthy ecosystem. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to create a garden that is both beautiful and inviting to feathered friends.

Choosing Native Plants

The first step in creating a bird-friendly garden is choosing the right native plants. When selecting plants, consider the following factors:

Food sources: Native plants provide a variety of food sources for birds, including fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds. Choose plants that produce food during different seasons to provide a year-round supply for birds.
Shelter: Birds need shelter from predators and the elements. Choose plants that offer dense foliage, thorny branches, or evergreen foliage for protection.
Nesting sites: Many birds build nests in shrubs, trees, or vines. Provide potential nesting sites by planting a variety of native plants with different growth habits.
Water sources: Birds need access to water for drinking and bathing. Consider adding a birdbath or creating a small pond in your garden.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden

Once you have selected the right native plants, it is time to create a bird-friendly garden. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Plant in layers: Create a layered garden with a variety of plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds. Use groundcovers, shrubs, trees, and vines to create a multi-level garden that meets the needs of different bird species.
Provide a water source: Keep a birdbath or create a small pond in your garden to provide a water source for birds. Make sure the water is clean and fresh, and place it in an open area where birds can easily access it.
Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. Instead, use natural methods to control pests, such as beneficial insects, companion planting, and organic pest control methods.
Be patient: It takes time for birds to discover and use your garden. Be patient and keep providing them with food, shelter, and water, and they will eventually make your garden their home.

Case Studies: Successful Bird-Friendly Gardens

Here are a few examples of successful bird-friendly gardens that have been created using native plants:

The Audubon Society's Bird-Friendly Gardening Program: This program provides resources and certification for gardens that meet certain criteria for bird-friendliness. Visit the Audubon Society website to learn more about this program and find certified gardens in your area.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: This center promotes the use of native plants for landscaping and wildlife habitat restoration. Visit the center's website to find information on native plants, gardening tips, and conservation projects.
The National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Habitat Program: This program provides resources and certification for gardens that provide habitat for wildlife, including birds. Visit the National Wildlife Federation website to learn more about this program and find certified gardens in your area.

Gardening with native plants is a great way to attract birds to your backyard and create a beautiful, bird-friendly space. By following the tips in this guide, you can create a garden that is both welcoming to birds and beneficial to the environment.