Do you love watching birds in your garden or outdoor space? Are you looking for ways to attract more birds to your area? You’re in the right place! At Genesis Gardens we are committed to helping people create gardens which are a haven for all kinds of wildlife, including birds.
In this post, we will share the best ways to make your garden or outdoor space more attractive to birds.
We’ve got plenty of great ideas which are easy and inexpensive to implement and guaranteed to attract those feathered friends. Even small gardens can provide birds with everything they need.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s get started!
Plant Native Flowers and Shrubs
One of the best and simplest ways to attract birds to your garden is by planting native plants, trees and shrubs. Native plants and shrubs will provide birds with the food and shelter they need to thrive. Native plants are also low maintenance, which is an added bonus!
Try to plant a variety of flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times of the year to ensure that there is always a food source available for birds. Local nurseries will advise on the best native plants but we have some suggestions for starters.
Try Holly, Ivy, Cotoneaster and Hawthorne to provide an excellent food source over the autumn and winter months. You could also consider Rowan and Crab Apple and Teasel – all of which are attractive in and of themselves. For the summer months, honeysuckle is a wonderful addition to any garden and attracts insects which feed birds. Sunflowers leave behind plenty of seeds which birds love, too.
Provide Water
Birds need water for drinking and bathing, so providing a water source in your garden is essential. You can use a bird bath or even a shallow dish filled with water. Just be sure to change the water fairly regularly. If your water source is on the larger side, you can also add some rocks or sticks to the water to give birds a place to perch while they drink or bathe.
Another option is to create a small pond or water feature in your garden. This will not only provide birds with water but also attract other wildlife like frogs and dragonflies. Just be sure to add some plants to the pond to help filter the water and provide shelter for fish and other aquatic creatures. At Genesis Gardens we recommend environmentally-friendly natural clay ponds, which can be of a range of sizes.
If you live in an area with a lot of cats, try to place the bird bath or water source out of reach to help keep birds safe while they drink or bathe!
Hang Bird Feeders
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best! Good old bird feeders are a great way to attract birds to your garden. There are plenty of different types of bird feeders available, including tube feeders, suet feeders, and platform feeders. As each type of feeder attracts different types of birds, consider getting a variety of feeders to attract a diverse group of birds.
Be sure to choose bird feeds which are easy to clean and refill. A fun craft project is to make your bird feeders using plastic bottles, yoghurt pots, etc – check out this guide from the RSPB.
Finally, make sure you fill your bird feeders regularly and keep them clean to prevent the spread of disease.
Provide Nesting Materials
Birds need materials like twigs, grass, and feathers to build their nests. Although they will source these themselves, you can give nature a helping hand and provide nesting materials in your garden by hanging a suet cage filled with natural fibres like wool and cotton. You can also leave small piles of twigs and grass in a quiet corner of your garden for birds to use.
As we’ve mentioned above, a good option is to plant native trees and shrubs that provide nesting sites for birds. For example, evergreen trees provide year-round shelter and nesting sites for many bird species.
Add Birdhouses or Nesting Boxes
Birdhouses are another great way to attract birds to your garden. You can purchase birdhouses from the RSPB or build your own using materials like wood or plastic pipe. When selecting a birdhouse, do make sure you choose one that is the appropriate size for the birds you want to attract.
Locate birdhouses in an area of your garden that is sheltered from the wind – it’s no good sticking it in the middle of your lawn! You can also add some nesting materials like grass and feathers to the birdhouse to make it more attractive to birds.
Provide Perches
Birds need perches to rest and survey their surroundings. You can provide perches in your garden by adding bird-friendly trees and shrubs like Dogwood and Downy Birch. You can also add some small branches or logs to your garden for birds to perch on.
Another option is to situate your bird feeders and birdhouses near perches. This will give birds a place to rest while they wait for their turn at the feeder or birdhouse.
Keep Your Garden Pest-Free
Pests like mosquitoes and ticks can be a nuisance and can even transmit diseases. To keep your garden pest-free, try to eliminate standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You can also use natural pest control methods like planting herbs like basil and lavender, which repel mosquitoes.
Another option is to use bird-friendly pest control methods like hanging a bat house in your garden. Bats are natural predators of mosquitoes and other pests.
Avoid Chemicals
We always recommend avoiding chemicals like pesticides and herbicides in your garden. These chemicals get into the food chain and can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. Instead, try to use natural pest control methods like companion planting and hand weeding.
If you do need to use chemicals, try and choose organic or natural products that are less harmful to birds and other wildlife. Make sure you read the label carefully and follow the instructions.
Get started today!
Attracting more birds to your garden is easy with these eight simple tips. From planting native flowers and shrubs to providing water and nesting materials, you can create a bird-friendly garden that is both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife. So, get started today and enjoy the sights and sounds of birds in your garden!
If you need help with any aspect of your garden in North Wales, including creating a hedgehog-friendly garden, our team of dedicated experts are on hand, just give us a call.