Lots of people want birds to visit their garden, and it turns out you only need a simple fruit to ensure they stop by, and you can actually provide it in the form of a plant. An expert has recently shared advice to ensure birds always want to come back to your garden for more, and it may be a lot simpler than you think to pull off.
Expert at Mr Fothergill’s, David Fryer, has offered some essential advice. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, the brand has been inspiring gardeners since way back in 1978, and David has shared all sorts of tips to help people make the most of their gardens in recent years.
He’s not the only person who’s issued advice on attracting birds either. Just a few weeks ago, Monty Don also said three simple foods may be able to help.
David said: “Bird feeders are a great supplement when natural food is scarce, but the best way to feed the birds is to grow food for them. Plants that hold onto their seeds or produce berries, such as hawthorn, holly and viburnum, provide both nourishment and shelter while avoiding the risks of disease sometimes associated with crowded feeding stations.
“If you do use feeders, keep them clean, refresh food regularly and space them out to avoid competition.”
When it comes to aiding wildlife in winter, David added: “Choose plants that support wildlife through multiple seasons. Native hedging plants such as hawthorn provide berries in winter and nesting cover in spring.
“Shrubs like holly and viburnum are reliable berry producers, too. For blooms across the seasons, mix spring bulbs like crocus and snowdrops with summer-flowering herbs and autumn favourites such as ivy and sedum, ensuring year-round sustenance for pollinators.”
What berries to birds like?
Little you may know, birds like to eat a wide selection of berries, including favourites such as holly, elderberry, hawthorn, ivy and viburnum. Berries like these offer crucial energy and nutrients, especially in winter.
Though they also enjoy more common fruits like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, birds also love the options grown in gardens. If you grow just one of these berry-packed plants outside, you’ll attract them in no time.
As David points out, growing plants with these berries is a much better option to keep them fed and ensure they’re safe at the same time. It’s a great gardening tip to aid birds.
Why should you feed birds during winter?
You may not realise it, but it’s actually really important to feed birds during the winter months. This is because, as the weather grows colder, their natural food sources become scarce and the days are shorter for foraging.
They require high-energy, high-fat food to stay warm during cold nights. It can really help them to survive during the harsh weather.
Eating well ensures they maintain body heat and strength, so what you put in your garden can really make a difference. By making some changes to your outdoor space, you can aid in supporting both resident and migratory birds.
If you’re yet to grow any of the plants mentioned, there are some other items you can leave outside to aid birds. Focus on leaving options like suet, mealworms, sunflower hearts and good quality seed mixes.
A heated bird bath can also aid birds in staying hydrated when water sources freeze. There are a few things you can do to make a difference.
Comments are closed.