Birdfeeding

[ysabetwordsmith]

Today is cloudy and cool.

I fed the birds. I've seen a flock of sparrows, two mourning doves, a starling, and a fox squirrel.

The first daffodils are open. My bluebells are sprouting in the forest garden. :D

Comments

Re: Yes ...

[impala_chick]

I was going to plant Phlox this year and sunflowers. I was going to wait until April because that's what Farmer's almanac suggests for those.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Those sound like excellent choices.

Phlox is a great flower for sun to shade.

Sunflower is one where you really need to think about why you want to grow it. Seeds? Some varieties have big seeds and others much smaller. Color or cut flowers? Many vivid modern varieties are available and most of them produce little or no pollen. Privacy screen? Many tall varieties are available, but watch out for dwarf ones. Roots or xeriscaping? Sunchokes come in tall or dwarf varieties, produce edible tubers, and give zero fucks about drought. If you want them to set seeds for birds, then you need to plant a variety of genetic types, so choose multiple cultivars or try to find a landrace. Attract insects and birds? Look for heirloom, open-pollinated, or landrace varieties that produce plenty of pollen and thus set seeds well.

Last year I planted several packets of assorted sunflowers, and got a measly two plants, albeit gorgeous Autumn Beauty ones. This year I'm trying some different ones, including a pug-ugly Zuni landrace with huge heads. I'm curious whether the landrace will sprout better.

Re: Yes ...

[impala_chick]

Oo much to think about. I got a packet of sunflower seeds for free when I purchased something else, so I'll have to look at the label. Last year I didn't plant any flowers and I was sad about that - I want to attract insects and birds.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Oo much to think about. I got a packet of sunflower seeds for free when I purchased something else, so I'll have to look at the label.<<

Then you have nothing to lose by planting them. Think about what you want and consider picking up another cultivar or two if the type you got isn't exactly what you want. Like I said, many modern cultivars are bred for color and cut flowers, with little to offer wildlife. But there are others.


>> Last year I didn't plant any flowers and I was sad about that <<

Bummer.

>> I want to attract insects and birds.<<

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/books/article/top-10-plants-to-attract-songbirds

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/gardening/g40631616/flowers-that-attract-hummingbirds/

https://www.groworganic.com/blogs/articles/the-best-flowers-and-plants-to-attract-beneficial-insects-to-your-garden

https://www.ruralsprout.com/bee-butterfly-plants/


For maximum variety with minimum fuss, you can buy mixed packets for specific conditions (e.g. sun, shade, clay soil, sandy soil), target audience (e.g. butterflies, songbirds), or locale (wildflowers by region). Native plants are the most attractive to wildlife and least maintenance once established.

https://www.americanmeadows.com/wildflower-seeds/wildflower-mix

https://www.wildseedfarms.com/collections/regional-wildflower-mixes/

https://www.naturesseed.com/wildflower-seed/


Interestingly, some of my most popular plants aren't wildflowers, although those are favorites too. I always see tons of insects when my garlic chives and sedum bloom, and the marigolds kept blooming well into fall thus attracted late-flying butterflies. In spring the bees start on crocus -- I saw bumblebees the other day.

Re: Yes ...

[impala_chick]

Good idea about the mixed packets. I almost bought some of those last year for the backyard but I didn't want the chickens to get into them. The chickens are in a coop this year instead of taking over the whole yard, so I'll buy more flowers. My lavender bush and rose bush in the front yard had a lot of bees buzzing around it last year, so I'm excited for those to make a comeback.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Good idea about the mixed packets. I almost bought some of those last year for the backyard but I didn't want the chickens to get into them. The chickens are in a coop this year instead of taking over the whole yard, so I'll buy more flowers. <<

Sensible.

Most yard trimmings can be tossed in as chicken forage, if you're out weeding or whatever. Also if you hand-pick pest insects, the chickens will happily dispose of them for you.

>> My lavender bush and rose bush in the front yard had a lot of bees buzzing around it last year, so I'm excited for those to make a comeback.<<

Many herbs and most plants in the rose family are highly attractive to insects. The mint family is a favorite with bees, but you might want to keep that in a pot so it doesn't spread.