Planning for the spring

[AlexC]

Hey all, I'm planning to start up a Bird Garden this upcoming spring, however, I'm completely clueless when it comes to plants (or for that matter, any wildlife besides birds). Attached are 3 pictures (left shot, right shot, center shot) of the area I plan to work on. I was wondering if anyone had design suggestions, any big "what-to-do"s or any big "what-not-to-do"s. To help out with some of my IDs on plants, check out my post in the Trees, Flowers, etc. Forum:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=50603

[AlexC]

I smooshed the two pics together to show the whole area - maybe that'll help people visualize.

[deborah4]

Hi overworkish :hi:

I can't give you any specific advice as Ive planted for UK garden birds. However, if its any help, I started by using the bird guides as to what birds I would be likely to attract vis a vis my locality and then planted what they like to eat. I started with fruit trees as they take the longest to grow (ie apple and cherry). Next I planted berry producing shrubs (such as holly), I kept and cultivated any existing wild plants such as stinging nettles, wild gladioli and blue bells. I then created a smelly area with roses, lavender, rosemary and other herbs - insects and birds love these, so do I!

I started from scratch - ie. the 'garden' was all patio and bramble initially - over the past 2 years I have had at least 10 'new species' visiting.

That said, Im spending a fortune on sunflower seed, wild seed, peanuts and suet mix!!! (the garden looks nice though!)

Good luck B (:

[hayfieldgolfer]

Hi overworkish

I can only endorse what Deborah has said.

I am builiding a native hedge in my garden to feed and give shelter to our local birds, I checked various bird and garden sites (RSPB etc) to see what plants would be suitable, local nurserys may also be able to help. We have books dedicated to feeding and looking after garden birds, find the American equivalents I have two which are invalueable .

With America being so large you should check what shrubs and trees are native to your area, and which of those plants will be beneficial to your local bird life (food and shelter). In the absence of any local members being able to give advice you will have to do the research your self.

[willowa]

I go with what Deborah and Hay have said.
It may help if you can find out what the birds eat. What do you put out for them. Ie necter plants if you are lucky enough to get Humming birds. I think you can get Pyracantha and Hawthorn I may be wrong. Have you tried a search on google for wildlife gardens. I dont realy know anything about gardening in the states. But I would strongly advise you to enrich the soil. Get well rotted horse poo. Or soil improver. The plants will easablish quicker and will grow bigger. Can you put some water in there that would attract more birds. That is all I can think of for the moment. Good luck