Tropical Flowers

The tropics produce some of the prettiest flowers in the world, and most often we only enjoy them in cut arrangements from the florist at special times. However, some gardeners, taken with the beauty of tropical flowers and looking for a new challenge will try to create tropical growing conditions in their homes in order to raise a few of their own. Here are the basic steps to take.

First, create the right environment, which may be warmer and more humid than your home typically is. Tropical flowers vary in their requirements, but most need temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F during the day, and no cooler than 60F at night. The humidity level they thrive in between 70% and 80% relative humidity. This may be achieved by placing a humidifier in an enclosed place with the flowers, at least during part of the day. Keeping the flowers well-watered may substitute, as long as the roots do not show signs of being too wet – for example producing rot or mold.

Secondly, select a pot that will retain moisture. Terra cotta tends to breath, and moisture evaporates out of them. Plastic or glazed clay is preferable.

Thirdly, select the tropical plant you want to grow. Cultivating them from seeds can certainly be done, and may prove more rewarding to you. Choosing a plant that is already started is a good idea for those who are new to gardening, or who do not want to wait for their plant to grow and blossom. If you decide to start from seeds, look online for companies that sell rare and exotic plant seeds and you’ll find a selection that is actually quite large. Popular plants which can be grown from seed include Heliconias, Orchids, Nepenthes or Pitcher plants, Palms, Ginger Lilies, Brugmansia, Butterfly Pea, Cup and Saucer Vine, Hawaiian Wood Rose, Chinese Love Vine, Chocolate Vine, Ipomoea, and Trumpet Vine. Since you are going to the trouble to create a proper environment, you may want to try several tropical or exotic plants to increase your odds of getting something beautiful to happen.

When you’ve got your seed or potted plants in hand, prepare well-drained, organically fertilized soil for your own pot. Plant the seed or gently transplant the potted plant into its new home. Add water and get it into your warm, humid environment.

The next step is to provide adequate amounts of the right kind of light. Since the tropics tend to feature plenty of sun, but overhead canopies of high leaves in many places, your tropical or exotic plants should have bright, filtered light. Your best bet is to purchase the right type of light from the online retailer where you bought the seeds or plants. Do not put up a grow light and filter it using a blanket or cloth. That will produce a fire hazard of the first degree.

Finally, work to maintain the proper environment and soil conditions, and be patient. The chances are your potted plant will thrive with proper TLC, or your seeds will sprout and begin pushing their way up into your home and perhaps from there, into your heart!

Bird Feeder Types

Birding requires birds to watch, and feeders bring in the birds! It’s just that simple! There are quite a few Bird Feeder types available today that will make your bird watching more successful and enjoyable. Here’s an overview, so you’ll know which types will work best for your setting.

1. Hopper Feeders: These large feeders supply the largest amount of feed to your feathered visitors. Usually shaped like a bird house, they contain a large capacity storage area that slants down toward feeding trays on two to four sides. They are great for winter, when many birds in the neighborhood look to you for a little help in their feeding. Hopper feeders hold more feed, so must be filled less frequently. This type of feeder usually features nice perches on every side so that larger birds like Cardinals, Jays, and Grosbeaks can feed with ease. They may also be fitted with squirrel-proof accessories so those bushy-tailed pests don’t drain your feed supply before the birds can get their fill.

2. Satellite Feeders: These newer feeders are designed to discourage large birds like Blue Jays from hogging all the seed while Chickadees, Finches, Phoebes, and other smaller birds wait a turn that might not come until the feeder is empty. Satellite feeders wobble and spin when lots of weight, in bird terms anyway, is placed on them. This makes it tough for larger bird to hang on, on squirrels like them even less. Smaller perching and clinging birds like Towhees, Juncos, Nuthatches, Sparrows, Siskins, and those we’ve mentioned, love them.

3. Tube Feeders: These are the most affordable feeders on the market. Bird watchers should invest in 3 or 4 and spread them around their viewing area. They feature easy filling and 3-5 feeding holes, usually with a small perch outside each one. Blue Jays and Cardinals will give them a try, but they are more aptly sized for smaller birds like Chickadees, Sparrows, Phoebes, and Nuthatches. A variation of the tube feeder is the Finch Feeder which helps prevent smaller seeds that Finches love from clogging the feeder and preventing your House Finches or Gold Finches from getting to the thistle or Nyjer seed they love.

4. Window Feeders: These cool little units feature suction cups on one side that attach to the window, and a feeding tray on the other, for your favorite winged friends to enjoy Sunflower seeds, milo, millet, sorghum, cracked corn, or other treats. They are wonderful for viewing birds from indoors.

5. Platform Feeders: Do you want to attract birds that are normally ground feeders? If you have Mourning Doves, Juncos, Cardinals, or other ground feeders that wait for smaller birds to spill seed from your tube feeders, then Platform Feeders will let them jump right into the feeding frenzy. Basically, they provide a flat surface that you cover with seed. The birds can land, scratch around to find what they want, and peck and eat with pleasure.

6. Suet Feeders: These resemble a thin little cage, just the right size for the suet cakes that bird seed manufacturers supply. Unclasp the opening, pop in the suet cake, close it up, and you are done. Suet feeders typically hang, but they can be attached to posts or trees, too. Expect to see a diverse group of birds, from Sparrows to Buntings to Woodpeckers enjoying this high-fat, good protein treat.

7. Hummingbird Feeders: Hummingbirds offer unique viewing pleasure, and also present unique challenges in getting them to come around. A hummingbird feeder is the right place to begin. It is a glass or plastic receptacle which holds liquid feed, made from high-fructose syrup or powder. The liquid flows into flower-shaped openings where the Hummingbirds sip it up. They are typically made from bright colors, or brightly painted, with red being the primary color. Red attracts Hummingbirds from a distance, and the scent of the liquid feed draws them in when they get close.

The chances are your favorite songbirds, perching birds, tree clinging birds, and more, can be attracted to your viewing area with the right type of feeder. Add a supply of water and some trees for shelter, and your prospects will increase even more.

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Birds Baths

Water for drinking and bathing is one of the essential elements that every bird needs, so if you enjoy attracting birds to your back yard, having at least one bird bath for their use is important. In this guide we will look at Bird Bath types so you’ll have a place to start as you look for the one that fits your garden or landscape.

There are many styles of bird baths from which to choose. Above ground bird baths continue to be the most popular, and so there are a range of designs. Finding the right one won’t be easy since there are so many really awesome designs – but that’s a fun problem to have.

Concrete pedestal bird baths remain popular because they are affordable and durable. Make sure you place a concrete bath carefully because they are quite heavy and hard to move!

Wrought iron pedestal bird baths are affordable and offer a traditional look. They can be fashioned to be rather simple or quite ornate, whatever you prefer. Several good coats of rust proof paint is essential to keeping an iron bird bath looking good. If rust spots do appear, sand and repaint the spots fairly quickly to avoid larger problem areas.

Other metals, like copper or aluminum, are also making advances in the bird bath market. Copper is gorgeous when shined, and offers an antique look when patina and tarnish is allowed to form. Aluminum has the advantage of being rust-free and lightweight, and is also very durable.

Glass or Ceramic bowl bird baths are newer styles and can be very attractive. Colored, heavy glass sparkles in the sunshine and naturally attracts birds with the gleam. Ceramic bowls on stands feature beautiful colors and design. They are works of art, a perfect melding of form following function.

When choosing an above ground bird bath, many of the stands feature beautifully crafted art work – a pair of herons back to back forming the pedestal or a tree trunk design with woodpeckers all around. There are pedestal bird baths for any budget, from plain and simple to quite ornate. While your bird friends might not notice the artisan’s work, you and your guests certainly will.

Specialty pedestal bird baths include fountains, usually with one or two tiers, that require a pump and can be a splendid addition to the garden or landscape. Also, bird baths featuring electric or solar warmers are wonderful for cold climates. Keeping the bird bath operational even while temperatures dip below freezing will give you the chance to attract large numbers of birds during winter.

In addition to above ground bird baths, there are a substantial number of in-ground models and hanging models from which to choose. While in-ground bird baths present a more natural presentation, like an inviting, cool puddle after a rain, it also makes it easier for predators to attack. Keep in-ground bird baths well away from trees and shrubs where cats can lurk, awaiting the right moment. Hanging models require a post or an obliging tree limb. If hung from a tree, they may require more frequent attention since leaves, sap, twigs, seeds, and other debris will find its way into the bird bath more frequently. But their pedestal-free look, perhaps swaying in the breeze, is an attractive option for many bird enthusiasts.

Whatever style you choose, your bird bath will become an asset in attracting birds to your yard. They will show their appreciation by delighting you with their water-loving antics and happy chatter as they take turns getting a refreshing dip or drink.

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Breeds of Birds you can Attract To Your Backyard

If you are a bird enthusiast and want to see more of them in your back yard, there is almost no specie you cannot attract. If the breed is known to inhabit your area there will be a way to coax them into your yard to feed, nest, find water, or seek shelter. To be most effective in attracting the breed you want, it is best to focus on all four of these requirements so that the birds will come more frequently and even choose to nest or stay long-term. For example, if you have your heart set on attracting a gaggle of chatty House Sparrows, start by placing small bird houses around the yard in late winter, so that when you get them to your yard they’ll consider staying for nesting season. It will also encourage them to stay if you supply some nesting material like loose straw, yarn, hair, or pet fur. Secondly, provide mixed bird seed and a couple of feeders to fill with it. Also scatter a good quantity of seed on the ground, since all varieties of Sparrows feed there, too. The third tip is to have an in-ground or above ground bird bath where these friendly birds can get a drink or go in for a splash. Finally, if your yard does not have many trees, consider planting a variety of hardwoods and evergreens for them to seek shelter in, or perhaps nest in if the bird houses fill up first. To summarize, your goal is to create the right habitat in your back yard for the birds you want to attract.

Research the bird breeds you want to attract and tailor these 4 steps to that species. See our other guides that discuss Attracting Birds, Cardinals, Bird Baths, and Bird Houses which provide lots of good information you can use. When you customize your offerings to your favorite feathered friends expect to be able to attract and keep them for the season, or for all year if they are not migratory birds. In some cases, as with Cardinals and others species that stay local or return to the same nesting area year after year, you might be rewarded with life-long friends!

Among the hundreds of bird breeds you can attract you your yard are these:

CHICKADEES AND TITMICE: Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Carolina Chickadee, Siberian Chickadee, Plain Titmouse, and Tufted Titmouse.

NUTHATCHES: Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Pygmy Nuthatch.

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and the Pileated Woodpecker.

FLYCATCHERS, Etc: Ash-throated Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow.

OWLS: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Hawk Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, and the Boreal Owl.

THRUSHES: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, and the Western Bluebird.

WRENS: House Wren, Carolina Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Winter Wren, and Brown Creeper.

MISCELLANEOUS: Various Jays, Thrashers, Orioles, Cardinals, Warblers, various Grosbeaks, Siskins, Doves and Pigeons, various Finches, Blackbirds, Starlings, Parulas, and Hummingbirds.

Backyard Book Reviews

If you want to expand your understanding of your backyard world, and how you can make it a wonderful habitat for the winged creatures you love, we’ve got some books that will help you. From designing gardens that are welcoming to a variety of birds, to installing the right feeders and bird baths, these volumes offer a wealth of knowledge and practical information you can use to attract and enjoy all the birds found in your area.

1. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways to Create a Haven for Your Favorite Birds (Rodale/Roth): If birds area going to make a regular visit to your backyard, they will have to find ample supplies of food, water, shelter and possible nesting sites. This comprehensive book covers all of these topics, and more, in great detail. In-depth information and step-by-step instructions make it easy to transform any backyard into a birding sanctuary.

2. Backyard Birds — Peterson Field Guides® for Young Naturalists: This is an outstanding book for bird lovers of any age, with special emphasis given to helping younger bird enthusiasts learn about birds, their likes and dislikes, and how they are best served in our backyard habitats. Very little prior knowledge is required to make good use of this very instructive book. It will help all budding bird watchers deepen their comprehension and enjoyment in discovering the birds in their areas.

3. The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide: Secrets to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Birds of Your Region: This is another book by Sally Roth, bird expert extraordinaire. She’ll walk you through the topics outlined in the title, with conversational descriptions that are easy to follow for the new bird lover and the veteran birding enthusiast alike. The wonderful, full-color pictures alone are worth the price of this stunning book! Give this book a read, keep it handy as a reference guide, and your pleasure in the hobby will be magnified abundantly.

4. The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale/Roth): Publisher and author team up again to offer the most comprehensive book on the market for novice and intermediate bird watchers. You’ll love the color photos, handy outlines of each species, and practical tips for watching them in nature. This is a great reference resource to keep by your window or to add to your backpack alongside your birding binoculars.

5. Backyard Bird Secrets for Every Season: Attract a Variety of Nesting, Feeding, and Singing Birds Year-Round (Sally Roth): The first lady of bird watching takes her readers through the basics here, teaching them the nuances of turning their backyards into a habitat their winged friends will gravitate to and decide to become a long-term part of. You’ll learn what to do in each season to have the best opportunity of attracting your favorites to the feeder, the nesting houses, or the bird bath. Learn about migration and ways to attract species that are just passing through, too.

Pick up one or two of these books today, and your love for all-things-birds will grow with the turn of each page. You’ll be educated, fascinated, and motivated to get out and discover for yourself why more than 1 in 5 people describe themselves as bird watching enthusiasts!

Best Flowers & Flowering Plants for the Middle Atlantic Region

The Middle Atlantic Region includes New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, sometimes Virginia and West Virginia, and, of course, New Jersey, the state that calls itself “The Garden State.” So what are the best flowers and flowering plants for the Garden State and its neighbors? Let’s consider the climate first.

The Middle Atlantic, or simply Mid-Atlantic, region features a wide variety of growing zones, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The northern reaches of the region include Northern New York state, where some of the terrain is designated zone 3! That’s one of the coldest zones represented in the U.S. The southern parts of the region, and those moderated by the ocean, are designated 6 or 7. All the areas of the Middle Atlantic region get very adequate rainfall – more rain than many of you would like! But it does make for some beautiful flower gardens! Let’s take a look at this unique region and we’ll help you decide which are the best flowers and flowering plants for your area.

If you live in the northern parts of this region, including upper New York and colder parts of Pennsylvania, then focus on plants that grow best in zones 3 and 4. We like to build a garden’s foundation with perennials, since they come back year after year, becoming old friends you rely can upon and always look forward to seeing. These do very well: Aster, Astilbe, Baby’s breath, Balloon flower, Basket of Gold, Bee Balm, Bleeding Heart, Blue Star, Cardinal Flower, Chamomile, Columbine, Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Day Lilies, Hellebore, Hosta, some Iris, Lupine, Meadowsweet, Phlox, Poppy, Primrose, Sage, Violet, Windflower, and Sunflower.
Much of the region, including lower New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia feature zones 5 and 6. Warm, humid days, and plenty of rain, are the norm. If this is your neck of the woods, start your garden choices with these flowers. They’ll love the weather: Alumroot, Aster, Astilbe, Barrenwort, Basket of Gold, Beardtongue, Bee Balm, Bell Flower, Bergenia, Black-Eyed Susan, Blanket Flower, Bleeding Heart, Boltonia, Bugbane, Bugleweed, Campion, Carnation, Chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Columbine, Coreopsis, Daylily, Flowering Onion, Gas Plant, Goatsbeard, Golden-ray Hosta, Hyssop, Iris, Lamb’s Ear, Lavender, Lily, Lupine, Meadow Rue, Phlox, Pincushion, Primrose, Sage, and Salvia, Sunflower, Violet and Yarrow.

Zone 7 growing characteristics can be found in parts of the Mid-Atlantic Region, where hot, sticky summer days, late afternoon thunder showers, and sultry nights are the norm. This is a perfect environment for growing fantastic flowers. All those mentioned above will work well here. In addition, you’ll get excellent results from these flowers and flowering plants: Angel’s Trumpet, Barrenwort, Bugloss, Calamint, Canna, Dianthus, Globeflower, Lady’s Mantle, Leopard’s Bane, Liriope, Pearly Everlasting, Sandwort, Valerian, Sea Lavender, and Solomon’s Seal.
A nice variety of flowering plants and shrubs also thrive in the Middle Atlantic Region. These make for lovely rows, or look great interspersed with evergreen shrubs like Arborvitae. The flowering plants and shrubs that do well here include Forsythia, Cinquefoil Bush, Chokeberry, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lilac, Rose, Summersweet, Viburnum, Winterberry, and Witch Hazel.
Take time to get to know the suggestions here, selecting the ones that please your eye. Add them to your garden, flower beds, and general landscape. In the Mid-Atlantic region you’ll be able to enjoy blooms 10 or 11 months out of the year in many places. These selections will keep your yard colorful the entire growing season when you choose early, middle and late flowering plants from this list.

Regional Flowers

vIf you have been gardening for any length of time you realize that the country in which you live will feature at least a few growing zones. These zones are designated by the lowest typical winter temperature, since it is cold that most threatens perennial flowers, shrubs, vines, and bulbs. For example, the United States contains 8 zones in all, out of the 11 found in North America. These extend from zone 3 in the extreme northern regions to zone 10 in deep southern regions. This is called the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Europe has a zone hardiness map as well. It goes without saying that each zone or region will offer a climate conducive to the growing health of some perennials and not to others. It is easy to find out which zone your specific state is located in. This link shows the U.S. map with further links to each state: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.

In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the regions of the country and what zones they include. When you shop for flowers online you may be able to shop by zone, which is a great help. If you buy flowers locally, only plants that grow in your hardiness zone will be available.

Remember that most flowers that will grow in zones with lower numbers will also grow in zones with higher numbers. In other words, flowers rated for zone 3 will also grow well in zones 4-8 roughly, while those rated for zones 4 or 5 will also thrive in zones up to 9 or 10. It is only where extreme heat or arid conditions are present that lower numbered zone flowers may not prosper.

In colder regions also realize that an especially cold spring may jeopardize plants that are spring bloomers, so an emphasis on late spring or summer bloomers might produce better results. Autumn frosts come earlier, too, so don’t expect your autumn blooms to last as deep into the year as in other regions.

New England: This northern region contains zones 3 and 4, so hardy flowers and shrubs will be in the mix for your landscape. Southern New England captures a bit of zone 5 weather, so gardeners there have a few more choices. Good regional flower choices include Day Lilies of many varieties, Clematis, Salvia, Tulips, some Roses, Chrysanthemum, Sedum, Daffodils, Geraniums, Monarda, Asters, Crocuses, and Heuchera.

The East: This is one of the most diverse regions in terms of hardiness zones, with zones 3 to 7 all being represented. Good regional flower choices include Geraniums, Tulips, Day Lilies, Echinacea, Cyclamen, Hellebores, Crocuses, Daffodils, Columbine, and Yarrow.

The Mid-Atlantic States: Another diverse region, the Mid-Atlantic states feature growing zones from 4 to 7. Good regional flower choices include Tulips, Columbine, Wild Ginger, Coneflower, Rhododendron, Bleeding Heart, Salvia, Baby’s Breath, Astilbe, Bee Balm, Angel Trumpet, and Roses.

The South: This warm region is the place where flowers rated for zones 8-10 will thrive. Remember, some flowers with lower zone ratings will do well here, but others may not be able to stand the worst of the heat. Good regional flower choices include Rhododendron, Columbine, Fox Glove, Roses, Peony, Balloon Flower, Bee Balm, Baby’s Breath, Campion, Bleeding Heart, Cranesbill, and Coral Bells.

The Great Lakes and Great Plains: This region generally contains zones 3-5, but parts of Michigan’s coasts, where a Great Lake moderates temperatures, are designated zone 6. Good regional flower choices include Geranium, Poppy, Columbine, Phlox, Tulips, Cardinal flower, Bleeding Heart, Gladiolus, Day Lily, Morning Glory, Daffodils, Sedum, Chrysanthemum, Roses, and Crocuses.

The Rocky Mountain Region: Being in the north, with high elevation in many places, it’s no wonder zones 3-5 predominate here, though zones 6 and 7 creep into the southern reaches of the region. This is also an arid region, so take that into account when selecting plants. Good regional flower choices include Astilbe, Rhododendron, Hydrangea, Tulips, Roses, Lavender, Begonia, Pansies, Peony, Salvia, Dusty Miller, Hosta, Gladiolus, and Iris.

The Pacific Northwest: Plenty of rain with cool or moderate temperatures from autumn through spring, with warm summers, make a region where zones 5-8 are all represented. Flowers that like, or can at least tolerate, plenty of rain will thrive west of the mountains. Good regional flower choices include Roses, Bleeding Heart, Salvia, Sunflower, Hellebores, Baby’s Breath, Astilbe, Bee Balm, Angel Trumpet, Violet, Verbena, and Iris.

The Southwest: Hot, arid conditions are the norm here, even at higher altitudes, so the zone rating is only part of the issue for gardeners. Zones as cool as 6 are found at higher elevations, but 7-10 are most common. When selecting plants here it is important to take their need for moisture into account. Good regional flower choices include Cactus, Bee Balm, Daisies, Iris, Orchids, Elephant’s Ear, Coral Bells, Sunflower, Violet, Sea Holly, Thrift, Poppy, Pincushion, and Lilies.

California: This state features a long ocean coastline which keeps things warm, but not terribly hot most of the year. Zones 8-10 are all represented here, with arid conditions influencing your planting decisions in some of the desert areas. Good regional flower choices include Cactus, Coral Bells, Bee Balm, Daisies, Iris, Orchids, Elephant’s Ear, Sea Holly, Sunflower, Violet, Desert Rose, Hydrangea, Orchids, Pansies, Begonia, Bleeding Heart, and Geraniums.

Seasonal Flowers

When you are designing your garden you will want to select flowers that bloom in each season in your climate zone, whether that includes 3 seasons or 4. Wise planters will stagger seasonal flowers throughout their beds and garden so that no section is without blooms during the year, unless by design. Here is a list of seasonal flowers, based on when they flower, to get you started on developing a garden that will never lack in vibrant color.

Let’s start with winter, since if you do get winter blooms in your region they will probably come just before spring, rather than early. So, you’re winter blossoms will be the first to look for after the New Year, and there is nothing that says warm weather is on the way like the first hardy flowers of the year. Here’s a good starter list for each season of the year.

For Winter: Daffodils, Cyclamen, Snow Drops, Crocuses, Heath, Hellebores, Christmas Rose, Iberis,

Spring blooms can come fast and furious once they begin, or they may make their appearance gradually throughout the season, depending on the temperatures. Either way, if you live in a region that doesn’t allow for winter blooms, a joyful sight they will be. A visitor to your house one week might see a garden with one or two things in flower, and come again the next week and be dazzled by a dozen gorgeous bloomers. There are dozens of wonderful choices for Spring flowers. Always make sure you select plants suitable to your zone.

For Spring: Basket of Gold, Clematis – many varieties, Crocus, Daffodils, Bleeding Heart, Primrose, and Sweet Violet.

Summer flowering perennials will enrich the warm months with cool blues, hot pinks, rich reds, spicy oranges, lemony yellows, and all shades of the spectrum. Properly designed, your garden will continue to grow in color intensity until it reaches a crescendo in late summer. Remember to plant summer bloomers in every sector of the garden, and combine then with colors they will blend well with or vividly contrast with. Be careful not to mix colors in a small area that will clash. Some gardeners like to create a section featuring pastel blossoms, another with primary color blooms and their derivatives. Try different things since you can always move flowers around when they are done blooming. Take notes on which ones worked well together in terms of color, but also height and width, and which ones might best be used in another part of the garden neighborhood.

For summer: Daylilies, Clematis, Rose, Purple Coneflower, Monarda, Garden Phlox, Geraniums, Verbena, Tradescantia, Veronica, Salvia. Try cutting back some of the earliest summer bloomers when they are finished, like Yarrow, and you might get a second round of blooms from them. Flowering summer vines include Cardinal Vine, Morning Glory, Black-eyed Susan, Hyacinth Bean, and Moonflower, which blooms at night for a special treat. Don’t forget bulbs like Gladiolus, Dahlias, Cannas, and Tuberose.

Autumn bloomers extend our enjoyment of the garden to the first hard frost, and sometimes beyond. When summer blooms are in full glory, these autumn friends are out of mind. But when the hot weather blooms begin to fade, the Sedum and others start showing color, and our gardens are not finished yet!

For Autumn: Michaelmas Daisy, Sedum, Coneflower, Perennial Sunflower, Chrysanthemum, Blue Mist Shrub, Aster, Baby’s Breath, Anemone, Freesia, Panama Rose, Foxtail Orchid, Juniper, Lavender, Narcissus, and Goldenrod.

Annuals have their place in most gardens. They can be purchased until mid to late summer, and are good for filling in bare spots where flowers didn’t last as long as we expected. Other gardeners like to select a few annuals to grow from seed each year, to lend variety to their beds amidst their perennial favorites. These are usually started in pots and transplanted to the garden when ready.

Tips on Placing a Birdhouse for Cardinals in your Garden

The male cardinal in his bright red plumage, and his more subtly attired, though just as pretty mate, offer an elegant, cheery addition to any back yard. They will delight you with their songs and their characteristics, such as the male offering seeds to his mate, and her eagerly accepting, or their swooping flight from bush to bush. Cardinals are among the most popular song birds in their territory, the Eastern U.S., and for good reason. Here are some tips for attracting a pair of Cardinals to your back yard, hopefully to nest and stay long-term.

The first tip is to provide the kinds of food they prefer. Select a medium-sized birdhouse and place it near the garden. Fill the birdhouse with the types of seeds that Cardinals enjoy most, namely Sunflower and Safflower seeds. One note on Safflower – they are one of the few birds who eat it, so filling a feeder with just Safflower may keep them around by reducing a crowd of other species at their special feeder. They will also consume nuts, dried fruit and berries, and seed mixed with peanut butter. Any house or feeder used for Cardinals should have a perch that makes it easier for them to access the contents. They are a larger bird and often prefer to feed on the ground, so scattering food for them there will be appreciated, too.

Having plenty of their favorites on hand will bring them around. They will also enjoy getting a drink at a birdbath, so locating one in your garden is a way to attract Cardinals in for a visit. To get them to stay is a bit tougher. While they will enjoy feeding from the birdhouse you set out for them, they prefer to nest in bushes and thickets, crafting cup-shaped nests which they often locate in the crooks of small or medium branches where cover is thick and concealing. Small evergreens, bushy shrubs, or thickets of honeysuckle are places Cardinals will often build their nests. Planting a variety of these near the food supply you leave for them will certainly make your yard an inviting choice for a permanent address. Also consider planting mulberry, grape, hackberry, blackberry, sumac, or serviceberry in the landscape, since Cardinals enjoy the tasty fruits these plants bear. An alternative to a standard birdhouse that may attract them is a platform-type that replicates a stable area among braces. Locate it near the base of a shrub or evergreen, and 2-5 feet off the ground.

If you are fortunate enough to attract a pair of Cardinals with the accommodations you have provided, it is likely that they will stay nearby for years, since they do not migrate and rarely roam very far. When their young come, you’ll see them leading the little ones to the feeders to teach them how to feed after they’ve left the nest. And their complex, lovely songs will become welcomed and cherished.

Other than the Safflower, what attracts Cardinals will also attract Blue Jays, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, and other very fine birds. So, while you may hope for a pair of Cardinals, you will certainly get something to enrich your bird watching and increase the feathered activity in and around your garden.

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Perky Pet 50301 Wren Home Cedar Birdhouse

Esschert Design Wren Bird House – Antique Wash with Copper Roof

Stovall 2HU Ultimate Bluebird House

Audubon Cedar Bluebird House

Esschert Design Thatched Roof Wren Bird House

Attracting Birds to your Backyard with less than $100

If you love birds, you’ll want your back yard to be a safe, inviting place for these creatures, and one they have every reason to visit and even nest in. There are three needs every bird has: Food, water and shelter. Providing these things can be expensive, but we’ve got a plan for attracting birds to your back yard for less than $100. In fact, you might have enough left over to pay someone to silence the neighbor’s cat…but we certainly can’t advocate that. Or at least we probably shouldn’t!

Food is the most fun, so let’s leave that until the end. Making sure birds have water is easy and can be relatively inexpensive. Consider a bird bath, for example. Rather than pay for a new one, you may find you can come up with one from what you already have. A saucer-type sled, for example, is perfect. Excavate a small area in the lawn that will accept the concave shape of the saucer and install it. Fill it with water, and you are done! Empty and clean the saucer periodically. You’ll likely think of other ready-made bird baths as you look through your garage or basement. Don’t use anything deep, since you don’t want birds or small critters like mice to get in over their heads. If you choose to elevate the saucer bath, perhaps an old grill stand will serve the purpose. These items might needs a little paint to make them look presentable, but that will cost much less than new items.

For shelter, there are many options. Birds love trees, of course, where they can nest or rest off of the ground. Local arbor societies offer small trees, seedlings, or saplings very inexpensively. Yes, they’ll take a few years to grow to adequate size for nesting, but with some long-term perspective now, you’ll create a backyard that will be the envy of your birding buddies before you know it.

For bird houses, make them yourself out of scrap wood if you are handy. Easy to follow directions are available online, and the birds won’t care that it isn’t brand new! If you choose to buy a bird house, perfectly satisfactory models can be found for under $10, so two or three won’t break your budget.

When it comes to food, let’s talk about feeders. There’s no good reason to buy them if you are on a tight budget. Gallon milk jugs can be used quite easily. Clean them out thoroughly first. Then cut a small opening in one side for birds to access. Keep the cap on it to prevent rain from soaking the seeds. Tie some twine to the handle, and hang it wherever you’d normally place a feeder. Several of these in the yard will work really well as feeders. If you find the white unattractive you might be able to paint them brown or green to look better outdoors. Buy paint formulated to stick to plastic. Another option is to buy a few gallons of water in perfectly clear plastic jugs, which won’t will blend in well in the yard.

Finally, we suggest you grow your own bird food in a birdseed garden, since a season’s worth of buying it will break the budget pretty quickly. See our guide entitled “How to Attract Birds to your Garden” for details, but bird favorites like sunflowers, millet, milo, safflower, sorghum, and thistle may easily be grown. The simplest way might be to buy an inexpensive bag of bird seed, prepare a plot of it, open it up and scatter it in about the density you’d scatter grass seed. Rake it in, cover it with an inch or two of top soil and water it, then let it grow.

If you can purchase berry bushes or grape vines inexpensively, let the fruit on them dry, and the birds will feast on it! Do some research and find out what birds prefer which types of seeds, and grow what will attract your favorites. What you grow this year will serve as next year’s feed. If you want to remove the sunflower and seeds to place in feeders near the house for better viewing, that’s an option. Harvest enough to supply seed for next year’s garden, anyway. You can also leave it on the plant and let the birds harvest it for themselves! Grow flowers that produce an abundance of seeds. Don’t deadhead them, but let the seeds dry on the stem. The birds will find them and enjoy nibbling on their offerings. Good flowers for this purpose include Coneflower, Blazing Star, Black-Eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Indian Grass, Globe Thistle, and Evening Primrose. These are just a few. Check your growing zone to look for others.

Food, water, and shelter can be provided for your favorite birds, and on a budget, too! You’ll save money and experience wonderful satisfaction whenever you watch this creatures .

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