How to Use Native Plants For A Bird Friendly Yard

Would you like to have more birds come into your yard and garden, maybe even take up residence? The best way to do this is to provide food, water and shelter for them.....and the best food for birds comes from the tree's, shrubs and wildflowers that are native to your area. The benefits of using native plants are numerous, getting the birds to come is just one of them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your yard and garden
• Native plants, trees and shrubs.

1. 
   NECTAR FOR A HUMMINGBIRD

   The relationship between birds and the plants they need for food is one of evolution. Every area has different natives as well as different birds and an area's plants provide just the right food and nutrients for the specie' s of birds in that area. Native plants also are much richer in protein, their seeds and nectar are a much better source of food than any commercial food available.

2. 
   THE VINE MAPLE, NATIVE TO OREGON

   All areas in the world have wonderful species of native plants and trees, and the great thing about growing them in your yard is that they have adapted to the climate and soil of that area. Once established, you really don't have to fuss with them at all as they are perfectly used to not having anyone water or fertilize them. The birds in your area prefer to seek shelter in natives as the dense nature provides not only shelter but safety from predators.

3. 
   THE SNOWBERRY, NATIVE TO OREGON AND A SOURCE OF WINTER FOOD

   There is documented evidence that proves that a yard that is planted with natives has greater numbers of birds than those yards without. One must also consider the insects that birds like to eat; insects seem to prefer native plants and can provide food for the birds.

4. 
   THIS NATIVE SITE IS MARKED

   If you are interested in removing non-native plants from your yard, you can find lists of the natives from your area by visiting your states department of natural resources. If you want to plant natives in your yard, please do not dig them from the wild. This is not only illegal but by removing natives from the wild you risk putting a species in danger of extinction. It is usually not hard to find a reputable nursery in your city that sells native plants.

Tips & Warnings

• To visit a terrific site that has valuable information on natives, go to The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowercenter. Landscaping your yard and garden with natives is not only eco friendly, but if you replace your lawn with natives you will no longer spend hours and lots of money maintaining a non-native environment.
• It is of the utmost importance to not use any pesticides or chemicals of any kind if you attract wildlife into your yard or garden. Chemicals kill millions of birds every year from ingesting plant nectar and insects sprayed with chemicals. Gardening organically is a much safer and healthier way to grow plants.

Resources

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowercenter
• Make Your Yard A Certified Wildlife Habitat
• Know if You Yard and Garden Plants are Poisonous
• Attract Dragonflies to Your Yard and Garden
• Consider A Grassless Landscape

[LilacGirl]

on 8/14/2009 Informative and helpful article. I will be plasnting native plants in my new place, and hope to attract many birds. Your article was very interesting and well-written.