How to Attract Birds to Your Winter Garden

 

Temperatures drop and many plants go dormant in winter, but that doesn't mean your garden has to be quiet and lifeless. If you intentionally create a haven for birds, it can by a time of surprising vibrancy.

Here's what to do:

• Plant with purpose. Select plants with blooms or berries in the winter to privide much-needed food for birds. In the southeastern United States, some plants that grow well are junipers, holly, Blackhaw Viburnum, Wild Indigo, Beauty Berry, Golden Rod, and Partidge Pea.  
• Provide shelter. Leave some brush piles or stacked logs in a corner of the garden. Avoid cutting back dried perennials and ornamental grasses , add bird houses, try to have a quarter of your trees and shrubs be evergreen (like junipers and holly).
• Provide water:  Heated birdbaths (change water daily), shallow dishes with stones, slow-dripping containers all provide water. Remember to keep them elevated so cats and other predators can't get the birds.    

By incorporating these things into your winter garden, you'll create a welcoming haven for birds. 

Today's IWSG question is:  As a writer, what was the coolest gift I've ever received?  When my daughter visited Paris, she took a trip to see Monet's gardens. While there, she visited a gift shop and got me a blank writing book with one of Monet's paintings on the cover. This put together two things I really enjoy—writing and gardening. 

What about you? Have you ever received a cool writing gift?

Speaking of writing:  I'm excited to announce I have a new picture book out. Just in time for America's 250th birthday in 2026! 

    Here's the Amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Birthday-US-Sherry-Ellis/dp/196210124X/

And the last thing:  My book, Bubba and Squirt's Adventure's Around the World, published by Dancing Lemur Press, is in All Author's Cover of the Month Contest. If you like it, please consider voting for it.

Here's the link:  https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/20230/  Thank you!

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday season!