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Grow the Best - Bird attracting plants
Birds are attracted to gardens where there is some shelter and a regular supply of food. By planting bird attracting plants and making sure there’s plenty of clean water available you can also encourage them not only to feed from your feeding station but to also nest in your garden.
Grow some berries
Shrubs with berries always attract birds. Nandina Domestica is the one plant that in my own garden is frequently visited by the pair Bulbuls that live nearby for fresh berries. Also known as Sacred Bamboo they are incredibly versatile growing in sun and shade as well as making a striking container plant.
Read more on this versatile shrub here.
Duranta is often grown as topiary or clipped. If left to flower they get a flush of flowers followed by berries and often at the same time which is where they get their common name from, Forget me not’s. The blue Duranta Sapphire Showers is particularly attractive. Grow them in full sun and if left it will grow to around three metres high but as they respond well to shaping they can easily be used as a screening shrub or against a wall as a fast growing hedge.
Grasses
Grasses are so popular and with good reason. Growing in sun and shade they act as ground covers and as perennials they last a few years. Birds use grasses to line their nests and even to build them with in some cases. Grasses attract seed feeders to the garden mostly especially in autumn when they seed.
Some grasses such as the Lily Turf or Mondo will get small berries on them which also attract the birds. Most grasses benefit from being cut back at the end of winter to remove the old mat. After a feeding of BioGanic they soon return lush and full.
Natural nectar
Aloes are striking in winter but they are not the only nectar producing plants. Two of the indigenous ones we often recommend for a source of natural nectar are the Wild Dagga - Leonotis and the Cape Honeysuckle -Tecomeria.
Sunbirds are attracted to orange and red mostly but will also go for yellow. The Cape Honeysuckle flowers from autumn into winter and work best where they are against a wall for some protection from frost. The Wild Dagga grow tall, almost 2 metres. They get beautiful umbrellas of orange flowers late summer into autumn.
By planting the water wise three of Aloes, Wild Dagga and Cape Honeysuckle one can attract nectar feeding birds to your garden from the end of summer right through to early spring.
Gardening for birds is very rewarding and there is always something different to try. For a bit of fun plant patches of mixed bird seed in a full sun spot and you'll be fascinated to see the response from local birds.
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As a seasoned horticulturist with years of practical experience and a deep passion for cultivating vibrant, bird-friendly gardens, I can attest to the importance of creating environments that attract and sustain avian life. My expertise extends from understanding the specific needs of various bird species to selecting the right plants that not only entice them but also contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the garden.
In the realm of bird-friendly gardening, evidence-based practices play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that goes beyond mere aesthetics. The article you've shared delves into several key concepts for creating a bird-friendly garden, and I'll provide detailed insights into each one.
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Bird Attracting Plants:
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Nandina Domestica (Sacred Bamboo): This versatile shrub is a fantastic choice, attracting birds, especially Bulbuls, with its fresh berries. It thrives in both sun and shade, making it adaptable to various garden settings. Its capability to grow in containers adds to its appeal.
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Duranta (Forget Me Not's): Duranta, often grown as topiary or clipped, offers a delightful combination of flowers and berries. The Sapphire Showers variety, with its blue blooms, is particularly attractive. Duranta is suitable for full sun, and its responsiveness to shaping makes it versatile for different landscape uses.
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Grasses:
- Grasses serve multiple purposes in a garden. They act as ground covers, perennials, and nesting materials for birds. Grasses attract seed feeders, especially during autumn when they produce seeds. Examples like Lily Turf or Mondo not only attract birds but may also have small berries that contribute to their appeal.
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Natural Nectar:
- Aloes, Wild Dagga, and Cape Honeysuckle: These plants serve as sources of natural nectar, attracting sunbirds with their vibrant colors. Sunbirds are particularly drawn to orange, red, and yellow hues. Planting a combination of Aloes, Wild Dagga, and Cape Honeysuckle ensures a continuous supply of nectar from late summer to early spring, providing sustenance for nectar-feeding birds.
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Water Wise Gardening:
- The article emphasizes the importance of water-wise gardening, showcasing Aloes as striking winter plants. By incorporating water-wise plants like Aloes into the garden, one can conserve resources while still providing an attractive habitat for birds.
In conclusion, creating a bird-friendly garden involves a thoughtful selection of plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting materials. The detailed insights shared in the article align with my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in nurturing gardens that not only appeal to human aesthetics but also support and sustain local bird populations. Gardening for birds is indeed a rewarding endeavor, and the concepts presented in this article serve as valuable guidelines for enthusiasts seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces.
