Attracting Birds to
Your Garden

One of the benefits of a garden is the wildlife it attracts. And, most birds are voracious eaters that are glad to keep the insect population down. Did you know that one bird can eat 500 to 1,000 insects in an afternoon? So anything you can do to attract birds will make your garden healthier and you’ll be entertained, too!

To attract birds to your garden, you’ll simply need to meet a few of their needs:

Food

Consider placing a variety of bird feeders and food in your garden. Platform feeders attract ground birds, hanging feeders are for perching birds while suet holders entice insect-eating birds. Suet is especially important during the winter as this helps birds maintain their body temperature by adding fat to their diet. Hang plastic mesh bags of suet or pinecones dipped in suet (or peanut butter) from the limbs of trees. White millet and black oil sunflower seeds will attract the most common seed-eating birds. Add other species-specific seed like niger seed (to attract goldfinches, pine siskins and purple finches) or peanuts (to attract chickadees and tufted titmice). Various gourmet mixes are available like Lyric Supreme, Delight, Chickadee, Woodpecker and Finch Mixes.

Shelter & Nesting Sites

Birds feel more secure if they have shelter to protect themselves from the weather and other predators. Plant native trees and shrubs. You may also want to add nesting boxes or bird houses and other materials for birds to raise their young. This should be done in early spring. Clean houses or boxes after each nesting season.

Water

One of the most important things to include in your garden is water. This is especially true during the winter months. Use a bird bath heater to keep water from freezing. Ideal water sources are 3 inches deep and 3 feet off the ground. Moving water is a magnet for most birds and will attract them from great distances for a drink or bath. A mister, dripper or circulating pump can be added to a bird bath or other water feature during most of the year.

Habitat Variety

Because birds live in many different habitats, the greater variety of plant material you can offer in your backyard will determine how many birds are attracted to your garden. Consider native plants, plants with berries, fruits, sap and nectar for year-round food sources as well as nesting materials.
We carry a complete line of bird feeders, houses, seed mixes and suets as well as garden accents, accessories and plants you will need to start attracting birds to your backyard. Stop by today!

Bird Feeding 101:
Low Maintenance Suet Feeding

Suet is a high-energy formulation of animal fat and other ingredients to attract insect-eating birds. Suet is a quick source of heat and energy for birds and has been used as a good substitute for the insects that birds usually feed upon, but are not plentiful in cold weather. Suet can be offered all year long but is especially important in winter.

Providing suet in a wire basket or mesh bag is an easy, low-maintenance bird feeder. You refill only once every week or so, you never need to scrub the feeder, and you can leave it in your yard year round. Presenting suet in your backyard will also attract a greater variety of birds for your enjoyment. Some of the backyard birds that enjoy suet include: Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Bluebirds, Mockingbirds, Warblers, Kinglets, Titmice, Nuthatches, Jays, Robins, Starlings and Wrens. Be sure to suspend your suet feeder close to the trunk of the tree approximately 5 to 6 feet from the ground.

Tooling Around
in the Garden
Selecting and Caring for Garden Tools

Let’s face it - purchasing a new garden tool is usually not the first thing on your mind when you visit your friendly neighborhood garden center. Most of us tend to gravitate toward the latest and greatest herbaceous eye-candy without considering whether we have all that is necessary to prepare and care for it. So, let’s get practical for a moment. Selecting quality garden tools to attend to your garden and its acquisitions is akin to choosing a good friend. You want one that meets your needs, is available when needed, is easy on you, is long lasting, and is not too expensive or too hard to maintain.

With so many tools on the market, choosing one that meets your needs can be a daunting task. First consider what type of work you will be doing, and what tools are required to accomplish your goal. Choosing the right tool for the job will make the work easier and more efficient. If you’re not sure, ask. Our employees are happy to assist your selection. We offer a large collection of garden tools so that we can provide what you need when you need it. Before you buy it, try it! Basic tools in new designs are available to the consumer every year. Those that are ergonomically designed, to align with the natural mechanics of our bodies, are meant to lessen the stress on muscles and joints as we garden. So pick up the tool. See how it feels in your hands. Make sure that the weight and size are well suited to your strength and frame. Does it feel comfortable as you simulate the way it will be used?

When you find a tool that meets your needs and is comfortable, you will want to have it around for a long time. Plan to purchase the highest quality tools that your budget will allow. If you purchase tools simply because they are the least expensive, chances are they will not last, and you will eventually spend more money to replace them.

Proper care and storage will add to the longevity of your garden tools. Hose off tools to remove soil and chemicals after every use. Allow tools to dry thoroughly before storing. For hardened soil, use a wire brush. Occasionally cleaning metal surfaces with oil will help to keep tools lubricated and prevent rust. Keep all moving parts well oiled with WD40. Oil wooden handles at least twice a year with linseed oil, to help prevent drying and splintering. For ease of use, keep tools with cutting surfaces sharp by filing them as often as needed. Check frequently and tighten any loose screws and bolts. Store all garden tools in a dry place with tool surfaces off the ground.