ORGANIC GARDENING IS FOR THE BIRDS

Birds are one of organic gardeners best friends and closest allies.  They not only offer us free labor for insect control, but also provide a great source of stress relieving therapy throughout the seasons.  Who can resist the symphony of songbirds, the tenacious work ethic of a hummingbird or beauty of a gold finch as it darts through the garden in search of food or nesting materials?  A vegetable garden or landscape is only half complete without birds, both aesthetically and biologically.  Attracting birds to ones gardens can be as simple as installing a bird feeder.  On the other hand, if one wants to appeal to a greater diversity and quantity of birds, several techniques can be implemented to craft the ultimate backyard bird paradise.

Birds cherish the succulent fruit of native shrubs and trees, and protein rich seed from perennials and grasses. Beyond food, birds utilize such plants for the coverage they provide for nesting and protection from predators, as well as for nesting materials.  The greater diversity of trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses one grows attracts a greater variety of birds. This wealth of plant diversity will also help to extend the season in which seed and fruit ripens, ultimately prolonging the period of energy rich food for the birds.  To protect birds and our native plant communities, we should encourage growing plants indigenous to our area.  Birds will disperse the fruit of whichever plants we present to them, native or non-native.  Plants such as the notorious and invasive honeysuckle were introduced by humans from Asia and have been widely dispersed by both birds and woodland animals.  Such plants are quickly taking over natural areas and crowding out diverse native plant groups that are more valuable for wildlife.  If you recognize invasive plants in your yard, remove them, or have us help you replace them with native Ohio species.  Some native trees that our birds love are: Serviceberry, American Fringe Tree, Smooth and Staghorn Sumac, Flowering Dogwood and Devil’s Walking Stick.  There are a host of native shrubs that will draw in the birds, but a few of our favorites are: Elderberry, Spicebush, Winterberry Holly, Arrowwood Viburnum as well as Gray and Red osier dogwoods.  From 3” groundcovers to 14’ Ohio prairie giants, there is a niche in every garden for perennials.  Perennials can add four seasons of interest to our gardens, but hold even more intrigue to the birds. Throughout the seasons, birds can be viewed scanning perennials for insects, nesting materials, high protein birdseed, coverage from predators, and in some cases, such as with the native cup plant, a place to perch for a cool sip of rainwater.  Marvin’s Organic Gardens grows a large diversity of bird attracting perennials for your gardens. Some of our favorites are Purple, White, Yellow and Pale Coneflowers, Giant Coreopsis, Garden Phlox, Golden Rods, Gayfeathers, Joe-Pye, Anise Hyssop and Perennial Sunflower.  Last but not least, no bird garden is complete without the addition of native ornamental grasses.  Grasses help to animate ones gardens as the wind blows through or as birds perch a top delicate stems to access the seed heads. Also, grasses add contrast to gardens with primarily trees and shrubs, and help to support leggy perennials.  Birds take advantage of grasses for coverage, nesting materials and food.  Our top five native grasses for bird gardens are Blue Switch Grass, Prairie Dropseed, Big Blue Stem, Little Blue Stem and Indian Grass.  No matter what type of soil or sun exposure you have, there is a large group of bird-loving Ohio native plants perfect for your gardens.  If you plant it, they will come.

Beyond plantings, water is a must for any well-rounded bird sanctuary.  Bird’s need water to hydrate and clean themselves.  Shallow pools of less than 3” work best.  Birds are attracted to constant water movement or a steady drip, which can be accomplished by adding a single drip irrigation line to the birdbath, or by creating a pondless bubbling spring in the ground.  The pondless bubbling spring can be made by digging a hole deep and wide enough to tightly fit a five gallon bucket in.  Once the bucket has been installed in the hole, turn a small terracotta flowerpot upside down, and place in the bottom center of the bucket.  Set a small water pump a top the flowerpot and affix a long enough piece of rigid tubing to the pump outlet so that only 4” can be seen above the top of the bucket.  Lay a 3’ x 3’ piece of hardware cloth or steel grate perfectly centered over the bucket, making sure that the rigid pipe is sticking through the grate above the soil level.  Simply cover the grate with ornamental gravel, fill the bucket with water and plug in the pump.  This small bubbling spring will bring in birds from all around, and will add tranquil water movement and sound to your gardens.  Marvin’s Organic Gardens installs many such pondless waterfalls and fountains because they are easy for homeowners to maintain and reduce the risk of children and animals drowning. The best way to draw birds to your water feature is to place it in close proximity to bird feeders. The most important maintenance with any birdbath is to wash it regularly with soap and change the water often to reduce disease potential. 

The fastest way to a bird’s heart is through its stomach.  In addition to planting food for the birds, one can supplement with a variety of seed, suet and fruit.  The greater diversity of these foods one presents will help to attract more varieties and quantities of birds.  Fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, cherries, blueberries and pear are all palatable to birds.  Seeds like sunflower, millet, safflower, grass, flaxseed, cracked corn and rapeseed are all excellent high energy sources to bring in flying friends to your yard.  Whatever feed one chooses, a small handful of coarse sand and finely crushed eggshell set in separate piles near the feed are excellent supplements to the bird diet.  The coarse sand helps to aid in digestion, while the eggshell is a good source of calcium for birds.  The eggshell also helps to strengthen the eggs they lay, as well as the bones within their developing chicks.  Another high protein bird feed is dog food.  If hot water is poured over the dog food long enough to soften until sponge consistency, the birds will happily eat it.  If you were to use only one bird feeder, the tray feeder works best for all abovementioned feed.  This simple 3” deep tray design rests a top a 5’ metal or wood post.  More bird species are attracted to this type of feeder than any other.  Keeping fresh feed in the feeder is the best way to reduce disease and promote a healthier, happier bird population. 

Organic gardening is primarily about working with and mimicking nature to create more sustainable, environment friendly yard and gardens.  Attracting birds to one’s gardens is an integral part of organic gardening.  One application of a synthetic pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or chemical fertilizer could injure birds and their offspring, and have long-lasting adverse affects on soil and water.  Some birds can eat up to 80% of their body weight per day in insects that might otherwise eat your valuable landscape plants and vegetable gardens.  Birds tend to congregate where they are invited with food, water and adequate coverage and return where they feel welcome.  If you are ready to reduce your pest control workload while enjoying the tranquil songs of nature, bring on the birds.  Go organic, it’s only natural.