Happy (almost) Earth Day!
Earth day is worldwide celebration of environmental protection efforts, so it’s no surprise we’re big fans here at BirdhouseSupply.com.
Plant something to celebrate
Planting trees for Earth Day is one of the most common ways to celebrate. From college campuses to the retirement villages of South Florida, new roots will be placed in the ground tomorrow, April 22, in over 190 countries around the world.
Planting a tree is a great way to help attract birds, but moderately sized trees can be expensive and seeds take years to grow. If you’re a little impatient, to see an almost immediate response to your Earth Day work, why not plant a bird-friendly plant near your bird feeder instead?
Attracting wild birds with plants
Planting new flowers and shrubs is easy to do. Whether you have plenty of space to add flowers in the ground, or just decide to put out a pot or two, butterflies and birds will come quickly if you choose the right ones. To find the best plants for your region, if you live in The U.S, visit The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Here are a few popular varieties to get you started.
- Honeysuckle – Honeysuckle attracts bluebirds and hummingbirds like a magnet. It is an easy to grow plant in most areas, with the exception of extremely warm climates. Plant honeysuckle at the base of a large bird feeder, where it will receive plenty of shade and you’ll see birds at every level!
- Staghorn Sumac – This flowering shrub will last through difficult winters and produces a brilliant scarlet foliage that pleases the eye and attracts many different kinds of wild birds. Robins, bluebirds, thrushes, cardinals, chickadees and more! Plant along a fenceline and enjoy most of the year.
- Wild Grape Vines – These enchanting vines are simple to grow and they provide food, nesting sites and birdhouse materials for over 50 different species of backyard birds. These plants grow in dense and green formations which are perfect for hedgerows and along high walls.
Bird feeders, birdhouses and planting
When planting your Earth Day plants, keep in mind that tall shrubs or bushes should be kept at least 10 feet away from bird feeders and most birdhouses to ensure birds are safe from predators.
Although large shrubs should be kept away, small flowering plants at the base of a bird feeder are a beautiful way to dress up pole-mounted feeders. Just make sure you’ll still be able to clean lost seed and droppings away when plants are in place.
What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day? Maybe a new bird feeder would be the perfect treat to help you enjoy the beauty of nature this year.
