Winter is here – attract birds to your garden

Just as the cold catches us unaware, so too does it catch the garden birds.

This past autumn was particularly mild and the sudden cold will find birds keeping close to buildings and in smaller gardens where the temperatures are not quite as extreme.

There is something quite uplifting about having birds in the garden and they always bring positive energy with them.

There are many things you can do to attract birds to your garden and although one never owns a garden bird, they do become familiar with your garden.

A feeding station for the garden birds is the easiest way to keep birds returning.

Birds are attracted to gardens where there is some shelter and a regular supply of food.

By planting bird-attracting plants, you can encourage them not only to feed from your feeding station, but to also nest in your garden.

Through winter, nature seems to make up for the cold by giving us some of the most special flowers to cheer us up.

Aloes are great in winter because this is when they flower in striking tones of yellow through orange to red.

Garden fun time.

Keep the youngsters busy in the garden by feeding the birds or make a birdfeeder.

Teaching children about nature and letting them help with planning the birding strategy with the family can be a great project.

Getting to know the garden birds and what they eat, can start a lifelong interest in birding and nature.

For the little children, try the pine cone feeder with pudding, as it is easy for the little ones to assemble.

As the winter sets in, couch gardening can be just as much fun. After all, it’s the dreaming and planning a new look that’s as much fun as actually doing it.

r Information provided by Eckards Garden Pavilion.