We may associate robins with Christmas, but you can actually see and hear this popular red-breasted bird in your garden year-round.
As the colder weather begins to bite, their primary food sources – worms, insects and invertebrates – retreat underground. But come spring, they’ll be all the more abundant if you sow camassia this month or next.
Perfect for planting in borders, long grasses or near ponds, this beautiful, bright blue bloom is brilliant for attracting pollinators and aphids, a rich part of a robin’s diet – creating a much-needed ecosystem for the mini-beasts, so much wildlife thrives.
Bank of camassia flower for birds Mark Bolton
The RHS suggest planting camassia in moist (but not waterlogged) soil in full sun or light shade.
Left undisturbed, they will increase in numbers over the years – creating a veritable feast for flocks of birds as well as bees and butterflies.
In very cold gardens, apply a thick mulch in autumn to protect from winter frost. Avoid waterlogged soil and deep shade, and, if growing in containers, replant after two years max.
sandra standbridge
Look for other ways to feed the birds? Stock your bird feeder (placed in a quiet, sheltered spot safe from predators like cats) with crushed peanuts, sunflower seeds and mealworms – a few of the robin’s favourite things.
Providing robins – and any other garden bird – with a reliable food source now increases their chance of thriving and surviving once winter sets in.
And planting bird-friendly bulbs like camassia means once spring comes, and the garden begins to wake from its seasonal slumber, you’ll have a host of blue-spired flowers to admire (and pick – they’re great cut flowers, too).
Don’t forget you can also help garden birds this month by making this one simple addition to your outdoor space.
The Nuttery Helix Squirrel Proof Seed Feeder in Celadon Green
gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk
£34.99 at gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk
The Nuttery Squirrel Proof Roundhaus Seed Feeder
gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk
£29.99 at gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk
Chapelwood Squirrel Resistant Peanut Bird Feeder
robertdyas.co.uk
£5.99 at robertdyas.co.uk
Garden Mile Green Caged Bird Feeder Hanging
amazon.co.uk
£13.99 at amazon.co.uk
Large Heavy Duty Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
amazon.co.uk
£24.99 at amazon.co.uk
Chapelwood Seed Feeder
robertdyas.co.uk
£15.99 at robertdyas.co.uk
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