Ladybugs are among the most welcome visitors to any garden, devouring aphids and other destructive pests before they have a chance to damage your plants. If, like me, you want to steer clear of chemical sprays and let nature do the hard work for you, I know of one beautiful, simple-to-grow flower that can help.

Zinnias aren't just prized for their colorful, long-lasting blooms. Their pollen-rich flowers, combined with their ability to attract aphids and other insects, make them a magnet for ladybugs in summer. They are also super-resilient, and where many other annuals in my cutting patch have failed in this heatwave, the zinnias are still going strong.

Here, I explain why planting zinnias is one of the simplest ways to encourage these natural pest controllers into your yard. (And another great thing? You can still direct sow some now to flower through fall. Try these zinnia seeds from Botanical Interests.)

Why Ladybugs Love Zinnias

Ladybugs are hungry predators, and aphids are one of their favorite food sources. While zinnias themselves aren't especially prone to aphid infestations, they can attract small numbers of these sap-sucking insects, particularly on fresh, tender growth.

More importantly, zinnias are often grown alongside vegetables, roses, and other flowering plants that aphids love. Once aphids are present, ladybugs quickly move in to feed; a single adult is capable of eating dozens of aphids a day making them a brilliant method of natural pest control in the yard.

Although ladybugs are best known for eating aphids, adult beetles also feed on pollen and nectar, particularly when insect prey is limited. Zinnias (and you can still find live zinnia plants from Amazon) produce pollen-rich blooms over many months, offering a reliable food source throughout summer and fall.

Single and semi-double zinnia varieties are especially valuable because their open flowers make pollen and nectar easy for insects to access.

You can find single variety zinnia seeds from Botanical Interests.

The Best Ways To Grow Zinnias to Attract Ladybugs

A patch of zinnias, whether grown in pots or in a bed, quickly becomes a hub of beneficial insect activity. Alongside ladybugs, the brightly colored blooms attract hoverflies, lacewings, native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Unlike many annuals that bloom in short bursts, zinnias keep producing new flowers from early summer until the first frost if they're regularly deadheaded. The best tool for the job are these Fiskars snips, available from Amazon. I have used them for years and would highly recommend.

A long flowering season also increases the chances that ladybugs will establish themselves nearby and continue patrolling your plants for aphids.

It's worth knowing that zinnias work best as part of a wider planting scheme designed to support beneficial insects. Growing them alongside nectar-rich herbs such as dill, fennel, cilantro, and yarrow creates an even more attractive habitat, while nearby aphid-prone plants provide a steady food supply for hungry ladybugs.

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Combining beneficial plants with a pesticide-free approach encourages ladybugs to breed, lay eggs, and complete their life cycle in your garden, providing long-term, natural pest control rather than just attracting occasional visitors. And you can rest assured that no toxic chemicals will have entered your local ecosystem.

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Grand ponds and elaborate fountains are no longer the only way to introduce water to a garden. Instead, gardeners are embracing microponds – compact, wildlife-friendly water features that deliver all the beauty and tranquillity of a traditional pond in a fraction of the space. Easy to create and endlessly charming, they can transform anything from a tiny patio to a quiet corner of a flower bed into a peaceful sanctuary, while providing a valuable source of water for birds, bees and other wildlife.

Miniature water gardens attract wildlife such as dragonflies and bees, and in some cases can even accommodate a shoal of tiny fish. See them as a scaled down version of garden pond ideas if you want something smaller and more manageable to fit your space.

Climate should always be one of the first things to consider if you're planning on jumping on the microponds trend. In very hot areas, a small water feature may be impractical as rapid evaporation means it will need to be refilled frequently, which could be an issue if water restrictions are in place during summer.

Microponds: Why Are They Trending?

As the owner of a small urban (and currently pond-free) garden I'm fascinated by the idea of adding a micropond. Lately I've seen so many inspirational tiny pond ideas that offer an easy way to create a thriving mini ecosystem while adding a vibrant feature that can be enjoyed year-round. Another of the big plus points is that they used much less water than a traditional pond.

I saw the design above at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where I noticed it was generating lots of interest. It was part of a design that transformed a small courtyard into a tranquil retreat. A reclaimed container was repurposed into a charming micropond, filled by water from a copper pipe, enriching the garden with a soothing, meditative atmosphere.

An idea like this micropond translates neatly into a garden where space is at a premium. It would work beautifully in my own garden, added to the patio, where it would create a real focal point too. So I decided to find out more about how easy it is to set up a micropond in my own garden.

How To Make A DIY Micropond

To make a DIY water feature similar to the one above you will need a few things that are widely available and inexpensive to purchase:

• Large watertight container at least 24 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. This can be either a purpose-made bowl like this one from Wayfair, a small black plastic half barrel like this one from Home Depot, or a pot planter like this ripple effect design from Wayfair , with the drainage hole sealed with silicone.
• Specialist pond plants with a compact growth habit suitable for a micropond including an oxygenator like hornwort from Ponds of America (but it can be a prolific grower so keep your eye on it).
• An optional small floating solar-powered water fountain like this one from Wayfair to oxygenate the water and prevent it from stagnating.

1. Decide Where You Want Your Micropond

It's important to get the right position for a miniature water garden, so this is the first thing to consider. If your preferred spot for the micropond is in full sun you might want to think again as this can encourage the build-up of pond algae.

The ideal position is one that gets good light but is in shade during the hottest part of the day. You can also use tall, bushy marginal water garden plants like Dutch rush to create a screen to prevent the sun hitting the micropond too fiercely. The trick is to submerge a brick in the pond, and balance the marginal plant in its pot on top.

As with any water feature it's not a good idea to position your micropond beneath a overhanging tree as you won't want leaf debris building up in it. A patio that doesn't get too hot is an ideal spot, especially if you plan to sit and watch the pond skaters. Alternatively consider putting the micropond in a flowerbed to keep the pollinators happy.

2. Choose Your Container

You can make a micropond out of anything that will hold water but the best materials are stone, metal, fibreglass and ceramic. Plastic is another good choice but after a while it can become brittle, especially if exposed to the sun. So it's not a good choice for a micropond longer-term.

Usually a free-standing round feature in a shallow bowl or planter, miniature water gardens can also be rectangular or square, as well as sunk into the ground. Occasionally they're created using repurposed items like galvanised water tanks or cattle troughs, or the bottom half of a sawn barrel then lined with a waterproof membrane like this pond liner from Amazon.

Modern formal bowl-style microponds tend to look better in small urban gardens, positioned close to the house, while informal designs embedded in the ground are more in keeping with natural landscapes.

Get your micropond into position as you're not going to be able to move it once it's full of water. Add a layer of clean gravel in the bottom. It's not a good idea to add soil or compost as you're more likely to get algae in the water.

Then fill with rain water as tap water contains too many chemicals. If you don't have a water butt fill your pond with tap water then let it sit for a week or so to let any chemicals evaporate.

3. Add A Selection Of Plants

As when choosing plants for pots or flowerbeds always check any plants you have in mind are the right size for your micropond. It's not a good idea to introduce any varieties that will dominate the pond, especially as it's best to leave at least part of the water's surface area clear.

Think about how much sun or shade your desired pond plants need, as well as the depth they should be planted at. Some like to be placed in a pot at the bottom of the pond. Put these in special aquatic baskets with mesh sides. Other plants like to float on the surface of the water.

The most important plants in microponds are the oxygenators. Buy them tied into little bunches and simply add them to the water where they will multiply. They keep the water in good condition and this means you are much less likely to get algae.

It’s best to buy compact varieties of water plants from a specialist supplier such as Pond Plants of America. Check each plant's label to ensure the suitability for your garden pond or water feature. Look for slow-growing varieties that won't overwhelm the space such as small pygmy water lilies, water forget-me-not, and marsh marigold.

4. Make Your Micropond Wildlife Friendly

Garden wildlife ponds are a great idea if you're looking for ways to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly. The best way to adapt micropond ideas is to make sure wildlife has a way of safely getting in and out easily.

Try submerged landscaping rocks or bricks so creatures can make their way in and out of the pond easily. Alternatively add a wildlife ramp that can simply be a piece of wood, a large stone or brick to facilitate easy access in and out.

Think about adding some small fish to your micropond as they will feast on mosquito larvae and keep them at bay. Try some tiny Japanese rice fish, which grow to about 1.5 inches in length and thrive in small bowls outdoors. As they like to be in a shoal you will need at least 6 of them to keep them happy.

Wildlife will come to your pond of its own accord. Don’t introduce frogs, fish, or even water from another pond as this can spread disease.

5. Add A Fountain To Keep Water Moving

Adding a solar-powered water fountain is another option, and is an appealing addition, especially as they help to oxygenate the water. If you buy one with integral lighting it will turn your micropond into a night-time feature too.

Ensure you buy the right one though. One potential problem with solar-powered fountains is that your micropond will need to be in the sun and this isn't necessarily the best place for it as pond algae can blossom in these conditions.

However, there are many solar-powered water fountain options to choose from. While some panels must be kept in or close to the water feature, other units include panels that can be moved around the garden to make the most of available sunlight.

An easier option might be to add a water spout, or top up with a trickle from the hose regularly to keep the water clear and oxygenated.

Shop Mini Water Features

You could add a bird bath to your garden too, for another mini water feature. Find out where to place a bird bath for a feature that accessorises perfectly with your micropond.

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Ant populations are skyrocketing in the summer heatwaves we're experiencing, and beyond being a nuisance, they pose a risk to hummingbirds. More specifically, when they help themselves to hummingbird nectar, it makes the feeder unsanitary for the birds and can even discourage their presence.

But I've just stumbled across an ingenious solution for your hummingbird feeder: these Amazon ant moats. They sit above the feeder, filled with water. When ants try to access the feeder, they either can't get past the moat or drown trying. The result? A clean, uncontaminated hummingbird feeder.

It's such a simple idea, and one that can save you from cleaning your hummingbird feeder multiple times a day. And it'll make the feeder more attractive to hummingbirds. With a 4.7-star rating, shoppers say, 'They work great! So easy to use and the feeders are ant-free!' Plus, they cost under $9, so it's a super affordable solution for summer.

The Problem with Ants in Feeders

There are a few different reasons why you should keep ants out of your hummingbird feeders in summer.

Ants are naturally attracted to hummingbird nectar (like this from Walmart) because it's a sugary food source. Even small drops on your bird feeding pole are enough to encourage them – especially during hot summer spells when ant populations grow rapidly.

If they do get into the nectar, they can contaminate it with dirt and bacteria, making it spoil more quickly. Ants may even clog feeding ports on hummingbird feeders, making it tricky for the birds to use.

Overall, this makes your feeder less accessible and safe for hummingbirds, and it requires more maintenance to keep it clean.

That's where ant moats come in.

Why Shoppers Love The Moats

The Amazon ants moats for hummingbird feeders have a super simple design: they're a cup that you fill with water. There's a hook on both sides, so you can place it above your feeder and hang it up.

According to the reviews, they excel at getting rid of ants.

'Love these, work as described. Keep ants away from [my] feeder and attracts the birds,' one five-star reviewer writes.

Just like the majority of hummingbird feeders (like this red glass one from Walmart), these ant moats are red in color because it helps to attract hummingbirds.

'It was fun to watch the ants go into a state of confusion after I added these to the top of my feeders. After 10 minutes, they left and have not been back,' another person describes.

An unexpected bonus of these ant moats is that it provides a water spot for small birds and pollinators.

'The birds love to drink from them,' one person writes.

It's hard to find a downside to these Amazon ant moats for hummingbird feeders. They're simple in design, effective, and come ready to attach to your feeder for immediate use.

Really, as shoppers express, it's an easy solution to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeder. It makes your feeder easier to maintain and safer for the birds to use, so you can sit back and enjoy watching them.

Shop Our Hummingbird Edit

There are lots of hummingbird feeder mistakes to avoid this summer. This includes not cleaning it, leaving it to spoil in direct sun, and adding red dye to the hummingbird nectar. These hummingbird feeder cleaning brushes from Amazon can help keep yours safe for the birds to use.

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I always thought adding a bird bath was one of those simple garden upgrades that would instantly bring more wildlife into my yard. I filled it with fresh water, kept it clean, and waited for the birds to discover it, but for a while, it remained surprisingly quiet.

The turning point came when I moved it to a sheltered spot at the edge of my lawn, close to a border of shrubs but still with an open view across the garden. It was a small adjustment, but it completely changed how often birds visited.

I use the top-rated Mademax Solar Bird Bath Fountain paired with this Metal Bird Bath from Amazon, and together they've turned my bird bath into one of the busiest wildlife spots in my yard. Within days, my bird bath became a regular stopping point for robins, finches, sparrows, and chickadees looking for a drink or a quick splash.

I had unknowingly placed it in the kind of location birds naturally prefer: somewhere they can feel protected while still keeping watch over their surroundings. If you're wondering where to place a bird bath in your yard, this is the one positioning tip I'd prioritize.

The Spot That Made My Bird Bath More Appealing

The exact location matters more than I expected. I placed my bird bath around 10 feet away from a shrub border, giving birds somewhere nearby to perch and retreat if they sensed danger, but with enough open space around it that predators cannot easily hide.

I also chose a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade. This keeps the water cooler during the hottest part of the day, reduces evaporation, and helps prevent algae from quickly taking over.

Before moving it, my bird bath was tucked into a quieter corner surrounded by planting. While it looked pretty, I realized it wasn't necessarily practical for visiting birds. The new position feels much more like a natural watering hole – visible, accessible, and safe.

‘The best bird bath ideas are not necessarily the most decorative ones, but the ones placed where birds feel confident using them,’ says Drew Swainston, Gardener and Garden Editor at Homes & Gardens. ‘Birds need a clear view of the garden so they can check for predators, but they also need nearby cover where they can quickly retreat. A position beside shrubs or trees, with an open approach, creates the perfect balance.’

Why Birds Love a Clear View

One of the biggest differences I noticed after moving my bird bath was how much longer birds stayed. Instead of quickly landing and leaving, they began bathing, splashing, and returning throughout the day.

The open lawn around the basin gives them time to assess the space before they land, while the nearby shrubs provide reassurance. This combination of visibility and shelter seems to have made the bird bath far more inviting.

‘A bird bath should be thought of as part of the wider garden ecosystem rather than a standalone feature,’ adds Drew. ‘The most successful wildlife gardens combine water, shelter, and planting so birds have everything they need in one safe area.’

How I Keep My Bird Bath Bird-Friendly

Finding the right position made the biggest difference, but keeping the water fresh is what encourages repeat visits. My routine is simple:

• I refresh the water every day or two, especially during hot weather.
• I clean the basin regularly to prevent algae and bacteria build-up.
• I keep the water shallow, as many garden birds prefer a depth of around 1–2 inches.
• I add a few smooth stones to create different depths and give smaller birds a safer place to stand.

I also avoid placing my bird bath directly beneath trees, where falling leaves, sap, and bird droppings can quickly foul the water and create extra maintenance.

Just as important is what flowers surround your bird bath. I planted salvia, coneflowers, and lavender in containers nearby to create a wildlife-friendly backdrop that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alongside visiting birds. The combination of fresh water and nectar-rich plantings has transformed this corner of my yard into one of its busiest wildlife hotspots.

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Moving my bird bath was one of the easiest changes I've made to encourage more wildlife in my yard, and it didn't require buying anything new or redesigning my planting scheme.

The secret was simply putting it where birds felt comfortable: a partially shaded spot near shrubs, with a clear view of the garden and enough open space for safe landing.

If your bird bath is sitting unused, I wouldn't replace it straight away. Try moving it first – the perfect position could be all it needs to become the busiest feature in your garden.

As we head towards mid-summer and nectar sources become more scarce, it's not uncommon to spot less pollinator activity in the garden. But there's one plant that instantly attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects: Joe Pye weed.

Joe Pye weed is a native plant that produces huge clusters of nectar-rich blooms, lasting until fall. Not only do pollinators love its flowers, but its towering height (reaching 4-7 ft tall) provides shade and shelter for wildlife.

So, instead of planting a whole new pollinator garden in August, focus on introducing this one perennial. Here's why Joe Pye weed (which you can find at Nature Hills) is bound to bring pollinators to your yard for the rest of summer and fall.

Why Grow Joe Pye Weed for Pollinators?

Native across eastern and central North America, Joe Pye weed is a perennial wildflower with big clusters of pink blooms that have a delicious vanilla scent. When it comes to pollinators, it supports a huge range of beneficial insects.

From mid-summer to early fall, Joe Pye weed fills a 'nectar gap,' i.e. it blooms when other summer flowers have faded. This means it becomes a vital source of nectar for pollinators where other sources are scarce.

It attracts several types of bee, including bumblebees, carpenter bees, honeybees, sweat bees, and more. Monarch butterflies also stop by Joe Pye weed during their migration, and other butterflies like swallowtails and skippers are frequently found on it.

Because its flowers are made up of hundreds of tiny florets, it can host huge numbers of pollinators in one go. Sprinkling these wildflower seeds for pollinators from Amazon nearby will create the ultimate pollinator patch.

The best part is, a single Joe Pye weed plant (which you can purchase from Amazon) can bloom for several weeks at a time. Continuously, one patch of Joe Pye weed can provide a couple of months of nectar, until fall-blooming native plants jump into action.

A bonus is, the sheer size of Joe Pye weed (this Sweet Joe Pye weed from Plant Addicts reaches up to 7ft) provides some shelter and shade for wildlife in the summer heat, including small mammals and birds. So, it's an overall great pick for a wildlife garden.

Even better, as we transition into fall, Joe Pye weed's structural seedheads provide plenty of interest, especially when dusted in frost. They also help feed birds in winter.

How to Grow Joe Pye Weed

These tall perennial flowers grow across USDA zones 4-8 and there are just a few things they need to thrive:

• Soil: Unlike other wildflowers that adapt well to poor conditions, Joe Pye weed actually relies on fertile soil to thrive. Though, it does tolerate clay soil types more than other perennials. In fact, Joe Pye weed doesn't do well in dry conditions, so soil that retains moisture is best. You can use this soil test kit from Amazon to identify nutrient levels and amend as needed. A layer of organic compost can improve your garden soil for Joe Pye weed.
• Lighting: As for lighting, Joe Pye weed will flower best in full sun with six hours of direct sun. Though, it does tolerate partial shade. But, higher sunlight exposure encourages sturdier stems and more vibrant blooms.
• Water: Joe Pye weed does best with consistent moisture, needing regular watering when first planted. You shouldn't allow it to sit in prolonged drought, as this can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and may even cause it to dieback. This soil moisture meter from Amazon can help you monitor moisture levels, so you know when to top it up.
• Winter care: After Joe Pye weed fades, you can leave the hollow stems for wildlife to use as shelter in winter. In late winter or early spring, use these Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon to cut the stems back 4-8 inches above the ground.

Best Joe Pye Weed Varieties to Try

Although Joe Pye weed is known for its towering stems, there actually are a few compact varieties that work well in a container garden if you're short on space.

'Euphoria' Joe Pye weed (which is available at Nature Hills) is one of the best for pots, reaching 24-32" in height.

'Little Joe' Joe Pye weed (which you can find at Plant Addicts) reaches just 3-4ft in height, which is ideal for smaller borders.

Or, if you want to grow Joe Pye weed for height and as an architectural plant, Spotted Joe Pye weed is a good choice (you can find Spotted Joe Pye weed seeds on Amazon). It reaches 4-6 ft in height and effortlessly fits into naturalistic planting schemes.

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If you want to take your yard to the next level with supporting pollinators, don't forget to add specialist pollinator plants to your garden. Even if you only have a small amount of space to work with, you can plant a pollinator strip.

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There is nothing better than spotting a garden bird hopping across the yard on a summer morning, particularly American robins, filling July and August with their cheerful calls. With their rust-red breasts and familiar chirping presence, they are one of North America's most recognisable birds. Yet, as anyone who has spent time outside during a heatwave knows, soaring temperatures can be just as challenging for songbirds.

Unlike us, American robins cannot retreat indoors or switch on the air conditioning. Instead, they rely on gardens, parks and natural landscapes to provide cool shade, fresh drinking water and reliable sources of food during prolonged periods of hot weather. Unfortunately, long, dry summers can quickly dry up puddles and pools, harden the soil that robins forage in, and leave birds vulnerable to dehydration and heat stress.

The good news for us is that it is surprisingly easy to help American robins in the heat with a few thoughtful changes to your yard. By providing fresh water, creating shady refuges and planting species that naturally provide food and shelter, you can make your outdoor space a welcome wildlife sanctuary during even the hottest spells. Better still, many of these same ideas will also help to bring American robins into your yard while benefiting countless other birds, pollinators and native wildlife.

1. Keep Fresh Water Available At All Times

If there is one thing all garden birds needs during a heatwave, it is access to clean, shallow water. American robins, like goldfinches and warblers, are drawn to low bird baths and shallow dishes where they can both drink and bathe.

Bathing is just as important as drinking. Robins fluff their feathers and splash about to cool down, while keeping their plumage clean and in good condition.

Choose a bird bath with gently sloping sides and keep the water no deeper than around two inches. I would also position it somewhere with morning sun and afternoon shade, helping to keep the water cool during the hottest part of the day. Try this shallow glazed ceramic birdbath, available from Amazon.

Refresh the water daily to prevent disease and mosquito larvae from building up. For movement and a gentle trickling sound, add a solar-powered fountain, also available from Amazon, too. Moving water stays fresher for longer and the gentle trickling sound can attract robins and other thirsty garden birds from nearby plots.

2. Create Cool Shade With Native Trees and Shrubs

During the hottest part of the day, American robins (and all birds) also need somewhere cool to rest, which is why native trees and large shrubs are so valuable.

Not only do they cast welcome shade, but they also provide safe cover from predators and produce berries that robins rely on later in the season.

When writing my new book, The Ethical Gardener, available to preorder now on Amazon, one of the themes I return to is the importance of filling our backyards with plants that support wildlife. Berry producing trees that are native to your area are a good place to start, helping birds, pollinators and beneficial insects in countless ways.

So, in the US, think serviceberry, dogwoods or American beautyberry. These resilient shrubs and small trees create a cooler garden during summer while providing natural food that will keep American robins returning year after year.

Live native Appalachian dogwood trees are available to order via Walmart.

Another low growing option to line paths or rock gardens is creeping juniper, or Juniperus horizontalis, native to North America and hardy down to zone 4. What's more, the berries (that take a few years to produce on a mature plant) are perfect for hungry birds.

Low-growing juniper plants are available via Amazon here.

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3. Feed Naturally and Sparingly

For the most part, American robins should be able to find everything they need from healthy soil and wildlife-friendly planting. Earthworms, beetles, caterpillars and berries are all part of their natural diet, which is another reason to avoid pesticides and keep your garden rich in organic matter.

During prolonged heat and drought, however, food can become harder to find as the ground dries out, earthworms tunnel deeper and insect numbers decline. At times like these, offering an appropriate alternative is a good idea, something like a handful of mealworms can give robins a welcome boost.

Mealworms are available to order from Amazon now.

It's a simple way to help American robins in the heat, but many other insect-eating garden birds during the toughest weeks of summer too. Just feed little and often to prevent food from spoiling.

It is not just American robins that can do with a little support in summer. Check out our guide for creating a hummingbird planter and make your yard a sanctuary for these popular garden visitors, too.

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There’s something deeply rewarding about stepping into the garden and watching local wildlife gather around a fresh water source. For me, a bird bath is so much more than outdoor decor. When placed intentionally, it becomes a thriving hub that keeps local species safe, hydrated, and returning season after season.

The secret to where to place a bird bath comes down to location: a touch of dappled shade to keep the water cool, a safe perching spot nearby, and a clear view from your favorite window so you never miss a moment. You could even add a solar bubbling fountain, such as this one from Amazon, to your birdbath to help attract birds and keep mosquitoes at bay.

If you want to elevate that view this summer, planting flowers around your basin is the single best upgrade you can make. Lush blooms do double duty: they soften the landscape and provide essential cover so feathered guests feel safe landing. From nectar-rich perennials that draw in hummingbirds to colorful borders that support local pollinators, these are my favorite flowers to transform a simple bird bath into a vibrant garden sanctuary.

1. Salvia – A Hummingbird Favorite

If you want to turn your bird bath into a hummingbird haven, salvia is an absolute must-plant. Featuring tall, dramatic spires in bold shades of crimson, violet, and deep blue, this fast-growing perennial acts as a neon sign for passing hummers.

This 'blue marvel salvia' from Fast Growing Trees is a brilliant choice.

The secret lies in the bloom shape. Salvia’s long, tubular blossoms are custom-made for a hummingbird’s specialized beak, letting them reach deep nectar pockets with ease. Because hummingbirds are naturally drawn to bright colors, especially vivid reds and hot pinks, planting a splash of salvia near your water basin creates an irresistible feeding station.

As an added bonus, these long-blooming flowers keep pushing out nectar straight through the hottest summer months, transforming a simple water feature into a bustling, high-energy backyard hotspot.

You can find salvia seeds at Botanical Interests.

2. Echinacea (Coneflower) – to Nourish Birds

Echinacea, or coneflower, is a true powerhouse around a bird bath, offering a seamless blend of summer beauty and late-season nourishment. With their sturdy stems and bold, daisy-like petals, these hardy perennials bring instant charm to your water station while pulling double duty for local wildlife.

While their summer blooms draw in a busy crowd of bees and butterflies, the real magic happens as autumn sets in. Instead of tidying up faded flowers, leave the prominent, cone-shaped heads standing, they dry into nutrient-rich seed banks that goldfinches and sparrows depend on straight through fall and winter.

You can find native American coneflower plants at Plant Addicts.

By framing your water feature with coneflowers, you create an all-in-one hub that offers fresh water, summer nectar, and winter food, plus striking architectural texture when the rest of the garden goes dormant.

Want to start yours from scratch? Sweet Yards Purple Coneflower Seeds are a highly rated Amazon favorite for easy, reliable germination.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Cheerful Blooms with Lasting Benefits

Planting Black-eyed Susans around your bird bath adds a burst of golden color in late summer – and much more than just visual charm. Their signature yellow petals and dark central cones create a warm, inviting atmosphere for both birds and humans alike.

Beyond their blooming season, these hardy perennials continue to serve the garden. Much like echinacea, their prominent seed heads become a natural buffet for finches and other seed-loving birds as summer turns to fall.

You can find black-eyed Susan plants at Fast Growing Trees.

Even after a frost, their upright stems and dark cones provide striking structure, adding visual interest while continuing to support wildlife.

4. Lavender – Lasting Fragrance and Pollinator Charm

Lavender is a timeless, low-maintenance choice that beautifully frames the base of a bird bath without overcrowding it. Its silvery foliage, soothing scent, and drought-tolerant nature make it ideal for sunny, dry spots where other plants might struggle.

Beyond its classic beauty, lavender’s fragrant purple spires create an extended summer feast for bees and butterflies. This English lavender variety from Plant Addicts is hardy from zones 5-9.

Surrounding your water basin with these hardy blooms adds gentle movement, rich texture, and a steady stream of beneficial pollinators to your sanctuary.

5. Agastache – Fragrant Spires

Agastache, also known as anise hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a fantastic choice for planting around a bird bath. With its tall, spiky blooms in shades of lavender, pink, and orange, it brings vertical interest and movement to the space, while attracting pollinators in droves.

Thriving in sunny, well-drained spots, agastache is a magnet for both bees and hummingbirds. Its long, tubular flowers are perfect for slender hummingbird beaks, offering a rich nectar source throughout the summer months.

Even better, its fragrant, anise-scented foliage helps repel garden pests, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

You can find anise hyssop seeds at Botanical Interests.

6. Bee Balm (Monarda) – Pollinator Power

Bee balm brings a burst of untamed energy to your water station with vivid, firework-like blooms in scarlet, fuchsia, and deep pink. Its slightly wild, cottage-garden aesthetic creates a striking natural backdrop that softens the clean lines of a bird bath.

You can find bee balm seeds at Amazon.

Packed with rich nectar, these fragrant, sun-loving flowers act as a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies alike.

Growing bee balm nearby adds a rich sensory layer to your garden and creates an eye-catching focal point that hums with activity all summer long.

What to Shop

From summer nectar to winter shelter, thoughtfully placed flowers give a humble water basin a whole new life. And if you need inspiration for a new stylish bird bath, we have got you covered.

Plant a few of these favorites this season, sit back, and watch your backyard transform into a bustling, joyful sanctuary.

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Bird feeding is invaluable year-round, as these charming feathered creatures seek refuge in our yards. But, what many don't realize is that different types of feeders are suited to different times of year.

It's a crucial part of feeding garden birds to get right, especially during the heat of summer where food spoils faster and can attract rodents. That's why having a smaller feeder is better at this time of year, so the food is being eaten before it becomes a health hazard. Opting for a cage bird feeder (like this one from Amazon) over a closed tube also provides airflow in the humidity and keeps mold at bay.

How you manage your bird feeder in summer also keeps it safe for birds, with refilling little and often being the most effective approach. Here, we explain more about helping garden birds in summer with the right feeder and share our favorite feeders to shop.

Feeding Birds in Summer

Summer is an important time to support birds with food and water so they stay energized. But, the extreme heat and humid conditions can cause bird food to go moldy and even cause your bird feeder to attract rats.

That's why it's key to have the right kind of feeder and manage it properly for the hotter conditions.

This includes using a smaller bird feeder and refilling it little and often, rather than keeping it fully topped up. This is so the food stays fresh for birds to eat, rather than stewing in the bird feeder and spoiling before it gets eaten.

This applies to hummingbird feeders too, where it would be a hummingbird feeder mistake to not refresh hummingbird nectar (like this from Walmart) regularly in summer.

For seed mixes, you should choose a cage bird feeder or tray feeder (like this one from Amazon) that allows airflow and prevents a build-up of excess moisture.

Placing your bird feeder in a shaded spot of the yard will also reduce how quickly the food spoils, and it provides birds a cool spot to refuel in.

Cleaning your bird feeder as often as every few days in hot weather is also crucial. You can use this bird feeder cleaning solution from Amazon to rinse it out and keep it sanitary for birds to use.

As for the best food to provide in hot weather, this wild bird fruit and nut mix on Amazon is packed with nutrition for birds. Likewise, you can add some black oil sunflower seeds (from Walmart) which are particularly energizing.

You should, however, avoid suet balls in scorching weather. They can melt easily, not only making a mess but attracting rodents and other pests.

If any bird food does go moldy and spoils, make sure to discard it, clean your feeder, and provide fresh food for the birds.

Best Summer Bird Feeders

These summer bird feeders are all bird feeders that limit infection and keep bird food safe and sanitary in hot, humid conditions:

There are also bird feeders for fall and winter that are worth picking up over summer, and you can create natural bird feeders to place around your yard year-round.

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If you want to attract birds to your garden and support the wildlife visiting your yard, then you need a bird bath. Not only does it provide a spot for birds to drink and bathe in, but it also adds elegance to your garden's landscape, making it look elevated and more expensive.

Even if you only have a small patio, there are bird bath ideas that work in every outdoor space. You can even get a bird bath to attach to a railing, like this one from Amazon, perfect for a balcony. By adding in floating bee islands (which you can find at Walmart), you can make your bird bath accessible to pollinators, too. And if you get lots of hummingbirds in your yard, don't forget to add a solar fountain (which you can find on Amazon) to provide a refreshing mist for them.

In terms of bird bath styles, the options on the market are endless. You can get some classic pedestal bird baths made of stone (like this from Wayfair) that instantly gives your garden a romantic feel. Or, for something more modern, a ceramic bird bath (like this one from Amazon) provides a sophisticated look.

Whatever your garden aesthetic or space you have to work with, there's a bird bath for everyone in our carefully curated list below – just don't forget to read up on how to clean your bird bath to ensure it stays safe for wildlife.

Once you've chosen your dream bird bath, you can start deciding exactly where to place a bird bath in your yard. Somewhere peaceful and undisturbed is the best way to attract birds, as well as a spot near some trees and shrubs for cover.

It's also important to read up on bird bath mistakes to avoid, so it stays in top condition and is safe for birds to use.

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With temperatures about to sky-rocket across much of the US, our gardens require some extra attention. But, in between keeping your plants hydrated, don't forget to help bees beat the heat, too.

You can attract bees to your garden and help them cope with the incoming heatwave by providing a fresh water source (you can insert these pollinator watering stations from Walmart in your garden borders, for example), ensuring there's vegetation for shade, and growing nectar-rich blooms that will thrive in the heat.

It's really quick and easy to incorporate these solutions in your garden to ensure the wildlife in your yard is comfortable and cool this summer. Here's how to do it.

1. Provide a Shallow Water Source

The most obvious way to help bees beat the heat is by providing a water source.

However, you can't simply rely on a bird bath for bees as it's far too deep for them. Instead, you need to provide a shallow water source for bees, such as a bee watering station.

You can simply fill a plant pot saucer (like this terracotta one from Amazon) with water and use pebbles for a landing spot. Or, pop one of these bee watering islands from Walmart in your bird bath to make it accessible for them.

Another option is inserting these floral pollinator watering cups from Amazon in your garden borders, which will also attract butterflies.

2. Don't Remove Flowering Weeds

There are many reasons not to get rid of weeds in the yard, but in a heatwave especially it can be beneficial to leave them for pollinators.

Not only do flowering weeds for pollinators provide nectar-rich sources (especially native plants), but they can also create some dense coverage for shade in heat.

Some of the best flowering weeds to keep for pollinators include dandelions, clover, and even stinging nettles.

You can also sprinkle these wildflowers for bees from Burpee to introduce more valuable self-seeders for pollinators to your yard.

Another way to provide shade for bees is by putting a bee house (like this charming mason bee house on Amazon) under a tree canopy. This gives them a cool spot to shelter in, away from the sun.

3. Grow Drought-Tolerant Plants

When heat scorches our gardens and wipes our plants with heat stress, it takes away nectar sources for bees. So, one of the best ways to help bees beat the heat is prioritizing drought-tolerant planting.

This will ensure planting survives and thrives in extreme weather so there are plenty of nectar sources for bees, keeping them energized and hydrated.

Some bee-friendly, drought-tolerant top picks include purple coneflower (which you can find at Plant Addicts), California lilac (find seeds on Amazon), and blanket flower.

Protecting plants in a heatwave can also help keep your garden in top condition. You can use this Walmart shade cover, for example, and strategically watering your plants in hot weather.

What to Shop

We all know bees work hard to pollinate our plants, but it isn't the only thing they do. There are other hidden jobs bees are doing in your garden, including aerating soil. That's why it's important to support them as much as possible, including avoiding the common gardening mistakes that harm pollinators.

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A heat dome is heading for the East and Midwest US, and many of us will be feeling the anxiety of keeping our gardens safe. Backyard wildlife also needs some extra support this week, as they seek ways to stay cool and hydrated.

I've just spotted one of the easiest and most chic ways to help birds in a heatwave: this Amazon hanging bubbling bird bath. Unlike other solar fountain bird baths, it can be hung from a tree branch and it has a bubbling function that creates water movement. It makes an ideal spot for birds to cool off in.

Not to mention its gorgeous design. The green hue is timeless and will effortlessly slot into any garden landscape. 'This fountain is getting a lot of good use especially during the hot days,' one reviewer describes. So, now is the time to get your hands on it before the scorching temps arrive – it'll provide a lifeline for the birds that visit.

How to Help Birds in a Heatwave

When hot temperatures come around, our garden birds can suffer. But, by having a bird bath, some garden shade, and a filled bird feeder (this one from Walmart is perfect for mixed bird seed), you can help them stay comfortable, energized, and cool.

While any bird bath is good to have, one with a solar fountain is certainly more beneficial. It creates movement that keeps the immediate area cool, it also helps keep the bird bath clean, and it can even attract hummingbirds who prefer mist over still water.

The fountain part of the bird bath offers vertical space for birds to fly through to cool down, while they still have the option to sit in the basin.

Alongside this, prioritize energizing foods. This includes black oil sunflower seeds (like this pack from Amazon).

Why Shoppers Love It

With a 4.1 star rating, it seems those who have already purchased the Amazon hanging bubbling bird bath are satisfied with its function and appearance.

'Very nice hanging bird bath. The bubbles works great!' one five star reviewer writes.

As it's solar powered, this bird bath does require sunlight exposure to operate. 'The more sunlight it receives, the stronger its power,' the product listing reads.

'It definitely needs direct sun to function,' one shopper testifies.

This does unfortunately mean you can't keep it in a super shady spot, but strategically placing this bird bath near trees and shrubs makes it easy for birds to access water and shade in one area.

You may want to use a bird feeding pole (like this from Amazon) to hang it up. Another bonus of this is that it keeps it elevated and out of reach of cats, keeping the birds safe.

There is also an option to take the fountain out and use the bird bath on its own, if you are keen to have it in a shaded spot.

The fact its constructed of durable metal also seems to be appreciated by shoppers:

'This solar fountain is well worth the money. It’s made well and the birds love it,' one person writes. 'It’s a sturdy disc,' another notes.

The fact it's weather-resistant, rust-resistant, and the decorative birds are cast iron-constructed makes the price of $35.99 great value. It's one of the most effortless and affordable ways to help garden wildlife this summer that I've come across.

Shop Our Birding Edit

Ensuring there's a clean water source and topped up bird food in your yard is just one way to help garden birds in summer. You can also incorporate lots of native planting to provide natural food sources for the wildlife in your garden.

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Watering can be the hardest thing to get right in the garden. Water too little and your plants wilt away, water too much and their roots rot. It can be even harder to judge when the weather is being unpredictable, so I'm excited to share my latest find that takes away the guesswork: a rain gauge.

It's one of those garden essentials I didn't know I needed until I found it, but now I'll never water my plants incorrectly again. The Amazon hummingbird rain gauge is essentially a tube that collects rainwater. It has measurements up the side, so you can see just how many inches of rain there have been. You can then water your garden accordingly.

Having a visual cue as to how much rain my garden has received is going to stop me second-guessing whether my plants are thirsty. It also doubles as a beautiful garden feature with its solar light and hummingbird motif. Plus, it's reduced in the Amazon Prime Day sale to $19.19, so now is the time to get your hands on one.

Why Shoppers Love It

This rain gauge operates pretty simply, by collecting rainwater in the measuring tube so you can read how many inches of rain there has been.

'It was super easy to assemble and the gauge is large so it is easy to read,' one reviewer writes.

It comes with a 36-inch stake, so it sits tall and doesn't require bending down to read. Plus, the blue strip makes it quick to glance over and take a reading.

As for appearance, shoppers say, 'It looks like a high quality piece.'

'The hummingbird and flower designed with the water gauge are delicate but sturdy enough to last,' another person writes.

'The lights are so bright and pretty,' another reviewer notes, in regards to the solar-powered LED lights that come on at night.

The one downside to note is that although the tube is frost-proof and weather-resistant, one shopper experienced a severe storm blowing it over and breaking the glass.

'The gauge is glass which along with the decorative metal makes it top heavy,' they explain.

However, this is easily fixed by securing the stake in your lawn. You could even reinforce it with decorative rocks and bolders, or put it in a planter to weigh it down (this aged terracotta planter is also in the Amazon Prime Day Sale).

For me, this rain gauge is an obvious must, especially when the weather fluctuates so much. It provides a quick and easy way to tell if the garden has had sufficient rain, so I won't make watering mistakes ever again.

More Beautiful Rain Gauges

If the Amazon hummingbird rain gauge isn't quite your style, don't fret − there are so many different ones on the market. Here are a few of my top picks:

As well as taking care not to overwater your garden, it's important to know how to water your plants in a heatwave to make sure you don't accidentally scorch them. Our guide to watering mistakes has plenty more common errors to be aware of.

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Summer has officially arrived and high temperatures are scorching our gardens. But it isn't just our plants that need some extra care during such extreme weather, hummingbirds also need some support to stay cool and hydrated.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard during the summer, it's important to set up some precautions to keep them cool. This includes a shady retreat out of the sun, a fresh water source, and clean feeders full of nectar.

It's actually super easy to incorporate all of these things in your yard (picking up a red glass hummingbird feeder from Walmart is a good place to start). Here are three simple ways you can help these charming little birds during the hottest months of the year.

1. Provide a Cooling Mist

A big part of feeding birds in your garden is providing a water source, most commonly with a bird bath. But, hummingbirds actually prefer mist to a pool of water.

During the heat especially, morning dew and water vaopr from natural water sources is crucial to keeping them cool and clean. In your garden, you can offer mist by placing a solar fountain in your bird bath (this one from Amazon is highly rated).

This hanging solar fountain bird bath from Amazon is also a good option, as you can hang it in the shade to keep the water cool.

This will provide movement in your bird bath and a soft spray for the hummingbirds to fly through.

It's important to clean your bird bath regularly to ensure the water is topped up and hygienic for all the garden birds using it.

2. Refresh Feeders Regularly

Hummingbirds primarily get their hydration from the nectar they consume. That's why a hummingbird feeder (like this red one from Amazon) is an essential to have when trying to support these birds in your yard.

It's important to keep your hummingbird feeder topped up with nectar (you can purchase hummingbird nectar from Walmart) and to clean your hummingbird feeder more often in hot weather. The nectar will spoil more quickly, so refresh it everyday or at least every other day.

It can also be wise to place your hummingbird feeder in a shaded spot to stop it spoiling so quickly and to stop the nectar overheating.

This glass hummingbird feeder wind chime from Amazon is a perfect option for hanging from a tree branch in shade. It has multiple feeders which create a calming sound as the breeze hits. It's also currently just $28.79 in the Amazon Prime Day sale, so now is the time scoop it up.

This hummingbird feeder cleaning brush from Amazon is useful to pick up, too, so you can make sure the feeding ports are safe for birds to use.

3. Create a Shady Resting Spot

Another way to help hummingbirds beat the heat is by providing resting spots in shade.

Hummingbirds often look for perches in shaded areas to escape the sun, conserve energy, hide from predators, and preen their feathers.

You can add these hummingbird swings from Walmart to a low tree branch under shade. Likewise, take care not to prune tree branches back so much that all shade is eradicated.

By planting nectar-rich hummingbird plants for shade under these canopies, you can create the ultimate cool spot for them to rest and feed in.

Denser shrubs are also used by these birds, including these viburnums from Plant Addicts. It can be effective to position feeders near these shrubs.

Garden shade from structures can also help, so consider placing hummingbird resources under pergolas or in the shade cast by buildings.

What to Shop

Whether you already have a hummingbird feeder or you're planning to add one to your yard this summer, it's important to read up on hummingbird feeder mistakes to avoid. This includes leaving feeders out during cold nights where the nectar can freeze.

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My smart bird feeder is the most joyful addition to my yard, capturing footage of adorable winged visitors that I watch on my phone. But, it's no secret these devices can be a big investment, often costing upwards of $150. That's why I've been scouring the Amazon Prime Day sale for the best deal.

I almost couldn't believe it when I saw Birdfy is offering 56% off its smart camera: the Birdfy Rookie Smart Bird Feeder on Amazon for $66.49. It's the perfect model for beginners (as its name suggests), with automatic bird identification, simple installation, and an easy-to-use app – no technical expertise needed.

Those who have already bought it cannot praise it enough: 'It is compact and sleek but has a good seed capacity, and the video recording of the birds that stop by are a lot of fun if you enjoy bird watching.'

I've never seen such a big price cut on a bird feeder camera, so it's definitely worth snatching up while the sale lasts.

Why Shoppers Love It

Birdfy is known for their reliable, high-quality smart feeders, which is why I was so pleased to have stumbled across this amazing deal in the Amazon sale.

Even better, the Birdfy Rookie Smart Bird Feeder (which is also available at Walmart) is built for beginner birdwatchers, so you can enjoy smart bird feeding without needing lots of knowledge.

'The Birdfy Rookie is a really simple, but efficient, smart birdfeeder. It is lightweight, holds sufficient birdseed, and attaches very well to any birdfeeder pole,' one five-star reviewer described.

The feeder has a large seed chamber holding up to 1.3 liters, which is recommended for bird seed (like this on Amazon) and mealworms (like this from Walmart). The camera is positioned to the side to capture lots of detail when birds use it.

The reviews reveal birds enjoy using it and can access the food easily, thanks to the perch and dispenser design: 'I had birds showing up within 30 minutes!,' one person shares.

It can be mounted both on a feeding pole or a wall with no extra tools required. 'Much easier to find a suitable mounting location,' one shopper describes, in comparison to other models.

As for camera quality, it has 1080P FHD resolution and full‑color night vision.

'The battery lasts a long time, and the picture quality is great – you get clear, close-up views of the birds,' one reviewer writes.

This particular feeder also has high-frame-rate so you can play the footage in slow motion and observe details like feather patterns and movements. What's even better, the battery lasts up to four months on one charge, making it incredibly low-maintenance

Speaking of reviewing the footage, customers have found the Birdfy app reliable and easy to use.

'The best app of the ones I've tried,' one person says. 'I appreciate, and setup was quick and simple,' another shopper writes.

You can connect to it quickly with wifi, so it isn't a complicated process, and you get instant notifications of live activity.

'The AI powered bird recognition is very accurate,' another reviewer adds.

As for the design itself, I love how sleek and beautiful the Birdfy Rookie Smart Bird Feeder is. It has earthy green and tan tones to effortlessly slot into the garden landscape, and it measures 6.62x7.08x 7.05" so it doesn't take up lots of room or stand out as an eyesore.

Not to mention, 'it’s super easy to fill and clean' as one shopper writes, thanks to its modular design for easy access.

The one downside to note about the Birdfy Rookie Smart Bird Feeder is that the camera can't be adjusted.

'Not being able to move the camera to capture more view is a limitation...even a small swivel of 90 degrees towards the right field of view might be useful,' one reviewer suggests.

It also has to be charged manually, rather than via a solar panel. However, the charge then lasts for many months at a time, so this is minimal effort.

For me, this is the obvious choice of smart bird feeder camera for those just starting to explore the world of birding. It's easy to use, has a beautiful design, and birds love it, so you can be sure it will capture activity in your garden.

Not to mention the incredible Amazon Prime Day discount making it just $66.49 this week – a fraction of the price of others on the market and not worth missing out on if you've been considering getting a smart feeder.

Shop Our Birding Edit

If you're picking up a new bird feeder in the sales this week, make sure to read up on where to place your bird feeder. Getting the spot right is key to encouraging visitors. Likewise, watch out for the bird feeder mistakes that attract rats to your yard.

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It's tick season and many of us are nervously tiptoeing in the garden to avoid a nasty surprise. One of the best ways to actually get rid of them is by encouraging owls. They prey on rodents, i.e. tick hosts, which can reduce tick populations in the yard.

So, what's the best way to attract owls to your yard? One of the best ways to do it is by installing an owl nest box. Take this Amazon owl nest box, for example. It provides a manmade nesting space for owls, resembling the natural tree cavities that are becoming harder for these birds to locate.

I like the fact the entry is just the right size for owls while keeping predators out. With reviews that note it's a 'beautifully made box well worth the money,' I feel confident in its quality. Plus, it's reduced to $23.99, so now is the time to get your hands on it to make tick season less of a worry in your yard.

How Do Owls Help with Ticks?

Owls play a huge role in natural pest control for preventing ticks in the yard and getting rid of rats in the yard.

This is because ticks often spend part of their lifecycle feeding on rodents, which are reservoirs for the diseases ticks spread, such as Lyme disease.

Owls prey on rodents, reducing their presence. With fewer hosts for ticks, their population and disease transmission reduces.

Encouraging owls to your yard can therefore help with tick population control indirectly, though it's best to pair this approach with other methods. For example, it's effective to keep your grass mowed as ticks like to hide in long grassy areas. You can also opt for products like this plant-based tick spray on Amazon.

Now is an ideal time to install an owl nest box to your yard, as these birds nest until mid-summer – and the Amazon owl nest box is a great one to consider.

Why Shoppers Love This Nest Box

Installing an owl nest box in your yard is one of the easiest ways to encourage these beautiful birds to your yard. They seek cavities to nest in but natural ones in trees and barns can be hard to come by.

The Amazon owl nest box seems to be a popular choice among shoppers because it's designed for optimal use by these birds.

It's built for small to medium-sized owls measuring around 9–11 inches, which is the average size of the owls most commonly frequenting US yards. It also has a slanted roof and ventilation holes to provide airflow and keep rain out, offering a safe and dry spot to nest and raise their young.

Some shoppers note it's been a useful addition for other garden wildlife, too: 'The squirrels love it,' one reviewer writes.

When it comes to assembly, the majority of buyers are happy with the ease and quality:

'The wood panels are all edge-glued smaller planks. It looks well done, no voids or knots. The boards are 15mm thick,' one person describes.

'Easy to assemble and mount on tree,' another person shares. The kit comes with all the hardware needed to put it together and attach securely to a tree.

However, some shoppers note there are some discrepancies with the drill holes: 'The pre-drilled holes on the bottom piece of wood are incorrectly drilled,' one shopper says.

Nevertheless, the overall consensus is that it's solid, good quality, and it's simple enough to rectify the drill hole issue by drilling new holes, though this is a slight inconvenience.

Beyond its function, this Amazon owl nest box has a beautiful, rustic look. I'm particularly taken with the decorative owl head shape, adding charm to a quiet corner of the yard.

For $23.99 on the current deal, I think this owl nest box is more than worth it, especially considering others on the market are priced much higher (like this $59.95 owl nest box from Walmart). It will last for many years, help local wildlife, and secondarily keep my yard pest-free.

What to Shop

Nest boxes are just one way to help owls in your yard. Our guide to helping garden birds in winter has lots of ideas relevant to these elegant birds, including providing safe shelter and encouraging natural prey.

And if you're keen to keep ticks away, make sure to combine different methods. There could be several things in your yard that attract ticks you can change. Likewise, you can read up on why there might be ticks in your yard, so you can make some adjustments.

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We all know just how important pollinators are to our local ecosystem, biodiversity, and growing crops. But, even with the best intentions, it's easy to unknowingly make gardening mistakes that harm pollinators.

You don't have to hand over your entire yard as a pollinator garden to support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects. Just making conscious choices when tending to your plants can go a long way in supporting wildlife and ensuring your outdoor space is a safe haven for them.

From using unnecessary chemicals to removing vital habitat, there are several errors that can put pollinators in harm's way. Here, we talk through the top three most common mistakes and what to do instead to achieve your dream garden while keeping buzzing bees and beautiful butterflies safe.

1. Only Planting Hybrids

Hybrid plant species are beautiful, but they aren't always the most resourceful for pollinators in search of nectar.

This is because many have been bred for aesthetic, ornamental purposes and don't necessarily have the abundant nectar available in naturally-occurring species.

That's why it's important to prioritize native planting where you can, as these are naturally-occurring plants in your region that coexist with the pollinators in need of their nectar.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with adding your favorite showy hybrids to your garden, just take care to also mix in lots of natives to serve the pollinators seeking resources in your yard.

If you don't know where to start, wildflower gardens are invaluable to pollinators. They're easy to grow, too, just take a pack of pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds (like this mix from Burpee) and sprinkle it in your borders or a wild part of your lawn.

You can take it a step further by introducing specialist pollinator plants in your garden, such as Heuchera americana (available at Nature Hills) for alumroot cellophane bee.

2. Using Chemical Pesticides

It can be easy and convenient to grab pesticides in the panic of spotting pests that destroy plants, but what we don't necessarily see is how these harmful chemicals impact the pollinators in our yards.

Chemical garden products can harm and kill bees, butterflies, and other insects that work in our favor in the yard. In fact, the beneficial insects that prey on pests can be wiped out by these pesticides.

Instead, consider natural pest control methods. This includes introducing predators, like these ladybugs from Amazon and other predators that eat aphids, for example.

You can also position the best pest-repellent plants around your yard to deter pests. This pack of marigolds from Walmart is a reliable choice, with the scent and chemical compounds of the blooms repelling a wide range of spring and summer garden pests.

3. Over-Tidying Your Yard

Many of us are eager to get out in the garden and remove spent flower blooms and stems as soon as they start to fade. But, this actually takes away vital habitat for pollinators.

Many types of bees, for example, are cavity nesters and use hollow stems for shelter. Likewise, fallen leaves, deadwood, and long grass provide habitats for other insects and even small mammals.

That's why you should avoid cutting down fading plants for as long as possible, and why you shouldn't over-tidy your yard in fall at the end of the growing season.

Instead, embrace this part of the plant's lifecycle. Many fading perennials are architectural and provide some structure and beautiful silhouettes to the late-season garden landscape.

When it is time to remove dead plant matter, make sure to use sharp and clean pruning tools to maintain plant health. These Felco F2 pruning shears from Lowe's are a popular choice.

You can also provide supplementary habitats for pollinators if you're keen to tidy up the yard. This bug hotel from Amazon, for example, has lots of nooks for them to find refuge in. Likewise, this mason bee house from Amazon doubles as a charming garden feature.

What to Shop

There are so many different ways to support pollinators in your garden. You can create a singular pollinator strip, for example, or even paint your fence the best color for pollinators to attract them.

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If you want to keep backyard birds happy this summer, you might have considered investing in a bird bath – but dust baths are the often-overlooked detail that is just as important.

While birds drink and bathe from fresh water sources like bird baths, they also clean themselves off in patches of dirt and dust. This is what helps them to keep their feathers healthy by removing excess oils, as well as mites and lice.

So, before you remove every inch of dry or dirty ground in your yard, spare a thought for backyard birds and try creating a dust bath instead. Below, we reveal exactly how to do it, and why it's so important – especially in the months ahead.

Why Do Birds Take Dust Baths?

It might sound counterintuitive, but birds use dust and dirt to help keep themselves clean. In fact, if you've been searching for ways to help garden birds in the summer, a dust bath is one of the best resources you can provide.

Birds naturally produce oils which keep their plumage clean, waterproof, and flexible. Over time, however, these oils can build up and cause birds' feathers to become matted – which can affect both body temperature and aerodynamics. With this in mind, rolling in dust and loose dirt remove this excess oil.

Dust baths aren't simply a way to keep clean, however; they also provide protection from parasites and diseases.

Parasites like lice, mites and fleas can start to breed within the underlayers of a bird's feathers – especially during spring and summer. And just as it controls the build-up of oil, dust can dislodge any critters nesting deep in a bird's coat, keeping them safe and pest-free.

Of course, installing a bird bath in your yard is a vital way to give birds both fresh drinking water and a dedicated spot to bathe. Yet water alone won't keep birds sufficiently clean, and dust and dirt is what really allows them to maintain a healthy coat.

If you're keen to cultivate a thriving wildlife garden this summer, you'll know that deciding where to place your bird bath is crucial – primarily because exposed locations can leave birds vulnerable to predators.

However, birds searching for loose dirt may be just as vulnerable, since they often end up in dry patches of lawn which are neither sheltered nor safe. This is why creating a dust bath in your yard can be so transformative – and fortunately, it's one of the easiest and most affordable ways to fill your garden with birds in the summertime.

How to Create a Dust Bath For Birds

The biggest bird bath mistakes involve selecting the wrong area and materials, and dust baths are no different. A truly effective dust bath requires two crucial components: a warm but shaded spot, and a base made up of sand and topsoil.

To build your dust bath, you'll want to select a wide, shallow container or frame. A simple basin is ideal – you can choose something like this terracotta bird bath bowl from Wayfair, or opt for a budget-friendly plastic saucer, like this set from Amazon.

If you fancy upcycling an existing container, you can also use a simple wood crate lined with landscaping fabric (which you'll find at Home Depot).

It's important to consider the shape and size of your basin, since birds need enough space to roll around safely. Drainage is another significant factor; if you live in a rainy area, you may want to use a raised saucer with drainage holes, since this will stop your dust mixture from turning to mud.

It's best to position your container in a shaded spot, since this creates protection from both rainstorms and predators. Make sure that your dust bath isn't too close to shrubs or dense border plants, however, as these can be used as cover by larger animals who may try to hunt birds as they bathe.

When it comes to the mixture itself, dust is the most valuable ingredient – but it is, in fact, best to use sand. (Think anything that you might add to a children's sandbox, such as this all-natural play sand from Home Depot.)

Mineral-rich soil is another important factor, since it allows birds to clean themselves most effectively. With this in mind, you'll want to add a layer of organic topsoil (which you can find at Walmart).

Other helpful additions include diatomaceous earth – which is a brilliant for natural pest control – and untreated wood ash, which birds will naturally seek out in forests and open land. (Diatomaceous earth is available from retailers like Lowe's, and you can use it to deter pests throughout your garden.)

No matter what kind of dust mix you choose, remember to keep it natural: pesticides or scented ingredients can be harmful, and the aim of a dust bath is, of course, to mimic what birds find in the wild.

If you're in need of more avian advice as spring turns to summer, you can check our tips on how to feed birds, or read up on how birds benefit your backyard.

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Whether you're a keen gardener or an avian enthusiast, you'll likely be awaiting the arrival of backyard birds as spring makes way for summer. But as temperatures rise in June, it's important to provide birds with fresh water and protein-rich food sources, alongside useful nesting materials and native plants.

Though there are plenty of ways to help backyard birds in the summer, these considerations really are crucial. Without fresh water, birds can't drink and bathe; without high-protein foods like seeds and even insects, they'll miss out on essential nutrients; and without shelter, they could become vulnerable to predators, especially as breeding season approaches.

So, if you're looking to make your yard as bird-friendly as possible in June and beyond, this is the best way to start. We asked experts to explain what garden birds really need at this time of year, and how you can best support them through the summertime.

1. Provide Protein-Rich Food

'June is a busy time for birds – migration is largely finished, and we’re moving into the peak breeding season,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

'In some parts of North America, we’re already seeing young nestlings, and in the more northern parts, nesting is underway for the birds that have recently arrived.'

Food, unsurprisingly, is one of the most crucial resources you can provide, but knowing how to feed birds in June comes down to one key aspect: protein.

'While some species, like the American Goldfinch, stick to the same diet year-round, there are many birds that switch to a more protein-heavy diet during breeding season,' says Maria. 'This helps support egg production as well as the needs of growing nestlings.'

If you're wondering what, exactly, a protein-heavy bird diet looks like, think sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms. (You can pick up black oil sunflower seeds from Home Depot and whole in-shell peanuts from Lowe's.)

'Peanuts and sunflower seeds are a year-round popular choice for bird feeders,' Maria confirms. 'They have a high protein content that helps in the spring and summer, as well as a high fat content which is useful in the fall.'

And if you fancy filling your bird feeder with something a little different, mealworms are a great choice; dried mealworms are available at Walmart.

'Dried or even live mealworms are another high-protein option that will attract insect-feeding birds like wrens,' explains Maria. 'They're a great snack for growing birds, and they are suitable for many different types of bird feeders.'

2. Clean Bird Feeders Regularly

Fresh food sources might be paramount, but keeping feeders and bird baths clean is just as important – especially during the summer.

'It's vital that you regularly clean and maintain your feeder,' warns Maria. 'This is what keeps food fresh and helps prevent the spread of disease.'

Stored seeds can harbor pathogens as temperatures rise at this time of year, while bacteria and viral infections can be passed on via bird droppings and seed shells. With this in mind, remember to clean out your feeder every few weeks, and refresh the water in your bird bath as often as you can.

3. Prioritize Native Plants

Feeders might seem like the most obvious way to attract birds, but every thriving wildlife garden relies on plants for birds.

'Hungry birds are helped by gardens that have many native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers,' explains Bob Mulvihill, ornithologist at The National Aviary.

'This is because many plant-eating insects are specifically adapted to our native plants, and young birds need the amino acids and calcium from invertebrate prey in order to grow healthy feathers and bones.'

Wild berry coneflowers (like these from Fast Growing Trees) are a pollinator magnet, as are sunflowers – so you can grow these plants around your feeder to entice birds and insects alike. Prioritizing native plants will not only create a fabulous summer display in your garden, but it will also help to support birds all year round.

'Put simply, these plants attract insects – which in turn attract birds – but insects are important pollinators who make sure that flowers go on to produce seeds and fruits,' explains Maria. 'This will feed birds later on in the year, when insects themselves are more scarce.'

4. Offer a Variety of Nesting Materials

The beauty of native plants is that they don't simply attract insects; they also provide birds with vital nesting materials.

'Native plants like trees and shrubs provide cover and nesting habitats, as well as nesting materials,' confirms Maria. 'If you’d like to provide a few extra resources, however, think of natural materials like small twigs, dry grass, and dead leaves.'

You can, of course, invest in a wooden bird house (like this one from Amazon) or a grass bird hut (like this set from Walmart), but twigs, leaves, moss and bark will offer the perfect foundation for birds to build their own shelter. Just make sure to identify and remove materials that can harm backyard birds – including pet hair, plastic waste, and loose twine.

'Put natural nesting materials out in your yard – hung in an unused suet cage, arranged in a berry basket, or even just piled on the ground – and if birds want to add them to their nest structure, they will,' says Maria.

5. Don't Forget About Fresh Water

Fresh water is top of mind when it comes to supporting wildlife, and it will help you attract a huge range of birds in the summertime.

If you offer clean water in a shallow bowl on a pedestal, a table, or even on the ground, birds will be drawn to it like a magnet for bathing and drinking,' advises Bob. 'The nice thing is that you can attract birds like warblers and thrushes to water that you wouldn’t be able to attract with bird feeders or nest boxes.'

Yet fresh water won't just keep birds hydrated; in fact, even the sound of running water can be enough to tempt birds to your yard – which is why you might want to invest in a water feature.

'If you’ve got a bird bath that birds don't use, try adding a small fountain,' says Maria. (This solar-powered fountain kit from Walmart is a brilliant budget-friendly option.)

'The sound of moving water will really help you to attract birds,' Maria continues. 'Water features also help birds to clean their feathers, cool off when temperatures rise, and find a cool drink to replace any water lost from migration or respiration.'

What to Shop

If you're particularly concerned for your backyard birds in the summertime, you can check out our guide to helping birds in a heatwave, and helping birds during breeding season.

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Do you like the ease of adding low-maintenance perennials to your garden? If so, purple coneflower might be the perfect plant for you. There are so many pluses to this native plant that effortlessly combines vivid color, hassle-free care, and value for wildlife.

It is tough, can survive in almost any soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. You get two months-plus of colorful, beautiful blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, followed by architectural seed heads that feed birds through winter. That is a lot of ticks in many different boxes.

If you grow coneflowers already, you’ll understand how these plants, also known as echinacea, are usually as reliable as they come. But here we want to wax lyrical about the purple coneflower, so let’s take a look at what this wonderful plant brings to a yard and how easy it is to grow.

All About Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the eastern and central US. It commonly grows in prairies or meadows, but has become a popular backyard plant for color, form, texture, and its innate ability to attract wildlife.

Purple coneflower is hardy in US zones 3-8 and grows between 24 and 60 inches tall, depending on the variety.

The plants have rough-textured leaves and upright stems topped with daisy-like flowers in shades of pink and purple (as the name suggests). The drooping petals surround a prominent, darker center.

Why Grow Purple Coneflower

There are many reasons to love purple coneflower, not least because they are very versatile and bloom from summer into early fall. Coneflower varieties tend to burst into flower in midsummer, and can bring color and wildlife to flower beds and containers for around two months.

You can plant them individually or in groups in herbaceous borders, or add them to wildflower meadows or prairie planting schemes. The erect stems and dazzling flowerheads make excellent cut flowers, too.

Once established, the plants are very low-maintenance and make excellent drought-tolerant perennials. Purple coneflower plants can cope with heat and short periods of dry weather, making them suitable for hotter climates, drier gardens, and xeriscaping.

It is commonly accepted that purple coneflower plants make excellent additions to any wildlife garden. They are superb plants for pollinators, with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds attracted to the nectar-rich blooms.

Plus, if you leave the dried seed heads come the end of the season, the seeds become a vital food source for birds, including cardinals, goldfinches, and blue jays.

How to Grow Purple Coneflower

You can commonly find purple coneflower plants for sale in garden centers, nurseries, or online, if you want to add one to your backyard.

There are over 100 cultivars, but the most popular variety is ‘Magnus’, adored for its deep-colored flowers on stems that stay upright through the season. You can get a ‘Magnus’ purple coneflower at Nature Hills. When planting purple coneflower, be careful not to bury the crown, as this can cause rot.

An alternative, budget-friendly way to grow purple coneflower is to sow seeds. Planting purple coneflower seeds in spring requires a period of cold stratification in the fridge, or you can sow them outdoors in the fall to experience a natural winter chill.

You can get packets of purple coneflower seeds at Amazon to sow at home, but it will take two years for the plants to start flowering.

Care Tips

• Soil - Purple coneflowers are adaptable plants, and can tolerate poorer soil types in which many other perennial plants will struggle. They prefer rich, fertile soil but can survive in clay, sandy, or rocky ground. What is important is that it is well-draining, as they don’t like sitting in wet soil for long periods. Adding compost (such as this bag of premium compost at Walmart) to the bed beforehand can enrich the soil and improve drainage.
• Light - The plants will perform best when planted in full sun, ideally where they can get six to eight hours of daily sunlight. Purple coneflowers can tolerate light shade, but the flowering will be reduced. In the hottest US hardiness zones, plants benefit from some afternoon shade for respite from the scorching sun.
• Water - Purple coneflower needs regular watering during the first season after planting. After this, it is a drought-tolerant plant that only needs deep watering occasionally during prolonged dry periods. The plants will perform better with regular watering, ideally around an inch per week.
• Pruning - Deadheading coneflowers throughout the summer will encourage new flowers, extending the display. You can reward yourself with long-flowering plants by cutting back to the next set of leaves with a pair of sharp garden snips or pruning shears (I am a fan of these Felco pruning snips at Amazon for precise trimming tasks). At the end of the blooming season, leave the plants standing to feed birds throughout the winter. Cut back coneflowers in spring, pruning the stems to ground level so new ones come through unimpeded. Coneflowers are self-seeding flowers, so beware of new plants appearing if you do leave the seedheads for the birds.

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Over the years, purple coneflower plants will develop into larger clumps. While this may sound good, it does bring issues. Congested clips can lose vigor due to competition, and the flowering reduces as a result.

For the best performance year after year, it is recommended to divide plants every three or four years. Digging up and dividing rejuvenates clumps and gives you more wildlife-friendly plants to add elsewhere in the yard.

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20 May marks World Bee Day, an opportunity to celebrate the pollinators working hard in our yards to maintain a healthy ecosystem. While we undoubtedly know how important they are for pollinating plants, there are also several hidden jobs bees are doing in your garden that you may not know about.

This goes for all types of bees, with the likes of mining bees helping to aerate soil and specialist pollinators ensuring the production of berries for other wildlife to feed on, for example. The truth is, there are so many things these adorable insects are doing in our gardens that go unnoticed. But, without them, our gardens would be sparser and quieter.

Intrigued to find out more? Here, pollinator experts tell all on three hidden jobs bees are doing in your garden.

1. Aerating Soil

There are several bees that live in nests underground, rather than in hives. You'll be surprised at how much this habit helps soil health by improving drainage.

'Unlike honey bees, these native pollinators don’t live in hives or make honey. In fact, nearly 70% of bees nest underground, including gentle bumblebees that build their homes right beneath your feet,' says Jen Rose, founder of Bee Cups.

Mining bees are also a huge group that live underground, as their name suggests. If you look closely at the bare spots in your yard in spring, you might spot the perfect holes they drill.

'Far from harming your garden, these tiny tunnel builders actually improve it. As they dig, they naturally aerate the soil, helping oxygen reach plant roots and allowing rainwater to soak in more effectively,' Jen continues. 'The result? Healthier plants, better soil structure, and less surface water runoff after heavy storms.'

You can help these ground-nesting bees by providing undisturbed, sparse areas of the ground. In return, they'll help efficiently pollinate your garden – mining bees are thought to pollinate 15 times more flowers than honeybees in one day.

2. Attracting Wildlife

You may not realize it, but bees actually play a huge role in maintaining a wildlife garden and a balanced ecosystem. They help provide shelter and food sources for birds and small mammals.

'Without the bees, your plants wouldn't produce berries and seeds,' says Lindsey Chastain, homesteader and founder at The Waddle and Cluck.

'Birds and squirrels are drawn in by those tasty treats, so are many beneficial insects. Without the bees, that wildlife wouldn't be supported,' she explains.

This is especially true for the wildflowers and native plants that feed birds in winter with lots of seeds and berries.

'The seed production also help those plants to spread,' Lindsey notes.

Growing lots of nectar-rich plants for pollinators, including scattering this mix of pollinator wildflower seeds from Burpee, is the best way to offer bees support in this role.

3. Recycling Plant Material

Bees are incredibly resourceful when building their nests. Many species use plant materials found in the garden, which is part of a natural cycle in which plant matter is repurposed.

For example, leafcutter bees are solitary bees that cut neat circular or oval pieces from leaves to line their nests.

Other bees, including some mason bees and stingless bees, collect sticky plant resins to seal their nests and help protect them from moisture.

In return, these bees are highly effective pollinators, helping flowers produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

You can help them by leaving piles of fallen leaves, not cutting back perennials and leaving dead hollow stems. Essentially, delaying a spring clean-up goes a long way in providing resources for bees to work with.

What to Shop

If you're keen to encourage more bee activity in your yard, then consider growing the flower colors that attract bees, including purple plants. Likewise, you can attract bees to your garden by not using pesticides and providing a safe water source.

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If you're looking for a charming way to support bees this spring, then I urge you to consider adding a mason bee house to your yard. It's similar to a bug hotel, with lots of cavities for bees to seek refuge in. The best part? It looks adorable and will boost pollination in your garden.

Just like bug hotels, which support a wide range of insects, mason bee houses provide a safe spot for cavity-nesting bees (which includes leaf-cutter bees) to lay eggs. This Amazon mason bee house has caught my attention because it has a large capacity and is shaped like a hexagonal honeycomb segment, which is a beautiful touch.

As cavity-nesting bees don't dig their own nests and rather seek existing nooks, this is an invaluable addition to the yard for them. In return, they'll help maintain a rich biodiversity in your garden. Reading the reviews of those who already have it, it appears to serve its purpose: '[the] bees moved in quickly after setting this outside,' one person shares.

Why Get a Mason Bee House?

Despite their name, mason bee houses support more types of bees than just masons. Most notably, leafcutter bees also seek refuge in cavities.

As we tackle our spring gardening checklist and remove dead plants, hollow stems are removed. This reduces the number of natural nesting spots for cavity-nesting bees.

Mason bee houses provide artificial cavities for these solitary beneficial insects year-round, with lots of hollow tubes for them to nest in and lay their eggs.

It's important to provide this habitat for mason and leafcutter bees because they're incredibly efficient pollinators. Having a mason bee house in your garden boosts bee populations and ensures pollination in your yard.

In fact, a single female mason bee is thought to do the same pollination work as over 100 honeybees, so they're invaluable to encourage to the garden.

Why Shoppers Love It

Shoppers of the Amazon mason bee house express just how much they adore it in the reviews.

'The quality of this bee house if amazing. It is sealed in bees wax and is well made of natural wood, so the appearance is aesthetically pleasing,' one five-star reviewer describes.

These natural materials make the bee house easy to slot into your yard's landscape. The fact it's sealed by wax also makes it much more durable in adverse weather. Plus, the bees won't be exposed to any harmful chemicals when using it.

The tubes inside the bee house also keep bee health a priority:

'The easily-replaceable paper tubes are important since keeping tubes around year after year can cause disease outbreaks in the bee box,' one shopper describes.

'So you want to buy new tubes yearly, which are very inexpensive. That's what makes this type of bee box so much better than the permanent bamboo ones, which at a minimum need to be cleaned and decontaminated every year,' they explain.

You can find bee house paper tubes on Amazon to refresh your mason bee house when it needs a clean.

It's also very easy to install, thanks to the attached string. 'Take it out of the box and hang it,' one reviewer describes.

It's best to place this bee hotel somewhere visible, not blocked by vegetation. You could hang it a wall, with bee-friendly plants growing below to create the ultimate safe haven for them. Try scattering this pack of pollinator wildflower seeds from Burpee.

It's difficult to find a downside to this Amazon mason bee house. It provides a safe nesting spot for important pollinators, looks attractive, and is made to last for many years.

Perhaps the only point to mention is that it is over $20 and it's cheaper to actually make a bee hotel using materials in your yard.

Nevertheless, if you're not looking for a DIY, want a professional finish, or want to gift something to the garden-lover in your life, then this is an excellent pick.

What to Shop

Other ways to bring more bees to your yard is by planting the flower colors bees are most attracted to. This includes purple, blue, and yellow. Lavender (like these starter plants from Walmart) is a great pick, guaranteed to have bees buzzing around it all summer long.

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By May, hummingbirds are widespread across the US after returning from their winter migration. It's a key month to provide them with some essential care in your backyard, as they seek food sources, somewhere to nest, and refuge from predators.

Of course, the methods to attract hummingbirds to your yard are all relevant for spring, but there are some more specific things you can do for hummingbirds in May. This includes avoiding heavy pruning so these clever birds can build their nests on sturdy branches and providing an appropriate water source to keep them cool as temperatures rise.

So, once you know when hummingbirds return to your garden, you can go ahead with these jobs. Here, an ornithologist explains the top things hummingbirds need in May from your backyard.

1. Create a Hummingbird Mister

One of the key things to provide hummingbirds this month is a source of hydration. But, hummingbirds prefer mist over a bird bath, so it's key to provide the right setup.

'Hummingbirds get most of the water they need from the nectar that they drink, but having a mister helps with feather care, which is very important for these tiny hummingbirds,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

Hummingbirds have too-short legs to stand in a bird bath, so they rather hover around mist to dampen their feathers. This is followed by preening, where the ruffle their feathers to remove debris and transfer oil.

'Flying through a mist or being able to rub against wet foliage allows for easy feather cleaning without having to worry about being so wet they’ll struggle to get back out of the bath,' Maria explains.

It also helps regulate their temperature during hotter spells.

You can add this solar fountain mister from Amazon to your bird bath to create the mist these birds need.

2. Don't Prune Your Trees

May is a key time to spot hummingbird nests and more importantly, to leave them undisturbed. They can be identified as cup-shaped structures built from moss, lichen, and bark.

'When hummingbirds start nesting is dependent on the species, and how far they migrate,' says Maria. 'Costa’s Hummingbirds and Anna’s Hummingbirds, which migrate to areas on the West Coast much earlier in the year, have already built nests and may be nearly finished raising nestlings by May.

'On the other hand, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which migrate from Central America to the eastern U.S. and southern Canada, or the Rufous Hummingbird that migrates from the Gulf Coast or Mexico to the Pacific Northwest, are finishing up their migration and beginning to nest starting in May,' Maria explains.

In whatever case, it's important not to prune occupied tree branches to ensure nests are left undisturbed during this period.

'Hummingbirds like to build their nests on fairly open branches with a nice, shaded cover above it to keep the nest cool on warm summer days, so making sure you’ve got trees and shrubs for nesting and perching helps hummingbirds,' Maria adds.

One of the best trees for hummingbirds is the Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons. They use it to nest now and it provides blooms later in the season.

Temple of Bloom Seven-Sons is available to purchase from Nature Hill.

3. Clean Your Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders (like this red one from Walmart) are vital food sources for these birds, but they can pose a risk if not properly maintained.

You should clean your hummingbird feeder to ensure it is fit for the birds to use without being exposed to deadly fungal infections, toxic bacteria, and spoiled sugar water.

'Clean and refill every day if temperatures are mid 80s or higher, you can stretch it to every 2-3 days if temperatures are lower. You should also clean and refill if your nectar is ever cloudy or discolored, no matter how recently you refilled your feeder,' says Maria.

With May being a peak period of hummingbird feeder activity in our yards, it's vital to change the hummingbird nectar regularly (you can use this hummingbird nectar from Walmart).

Every time you refill it, give it a rinse and use a hummingbird feeder brush (from Amazon) to clean the feeding ports.

'Hummingbirds are very territorial over their food sources, so having multiple feeders and flower patches means you can support more than one hummingbird,' Maria adds.

You may even want to invest in a smart hummingbird feeder (like this FeatherSnap one on Amazon) to watch them visit on your phone.

4. Grow Red Plants

If you're looking to spruce up your containers or flower beds for spring and summer, then experts urge you to choose red flowers for hummingbirds.

'I’m particularly partial to blooms like salvia, bee balm, trumpet creeper, and native honeysuckle, but any tubular-shaped flower will be attractive to hummingbirds,' says Maria.

Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks that allow them to feed from tubular blooms.

They're also highly sensitive to red hues, as it signals a rich nectar content for them to feed from.

You can find a red trumpet vine on Amazon, which blooms from summer to fall, providing late-season nectar for hummingbirds.

5. Avoid Pesticides

'It’s important to note that while the bulk of their diet is made up of nectar, hummingbirds also eat small insects,' says Maria.

For this reason, you can help hummingbirds in May by creating a biodiverse garden that attracts a wide range of insects.

'These insects are attracted to the blooming flowers, which is great, just make sure to limit or eliminate your pesticide use,' Maria says.

Hummingbirds will feed on destructive insects, including aphids and beetles, so they contribute to pest control.

You should opt for natural pest control methods if these insects are damaging your plants, rather than pesticides which will reduce the overall numbers in the yard and eliminate food sources for hummingbirds.

Pest-repellent plants, like these marigolds from Walmart, are effective when placed near your vulnerable plants. Their scent and chemical compounds discourage pest presence.

What to Shop

You can also consider adding shrubs that create shelter for hummingbirds to your yard. This provides them with coverage from predators and harsh weather.

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Nectar-rich blooms might be the priority when it comes to attracting pollinators, but hydration is just as important. It's easy to forget that bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are searching for fresh water as well as food sources – and this is where bee cups come in.

While I've only recently discovered bee cups, I now can't imagine a garden without them. Crafted from porcelain and finished in a variety of colorful glazes, they serve as mini hydration stations for a range of pollinators, and they happen to be both gorgeous and affordable. (You can pick up a set of 5 bee cups from Amazon for $39.99.)

Even better, these handmade dishes also introduce a delightfully decorative touch to any space. So, if you're keen to attract bees to your garden, I'd say that a set of bee cups is the perfect blend of style and function.

What Are Bee Cups? And Do You Really Need Them?

While you might have spotted bees drinking from bird baths or even pet bowls in your garden, they are most likely to seek out sheltered sources of fresh water – especially if these happen to look like flowers.

Bee cups are designed with this in mind: each one features a colorful, cone-shaped basin which allows bees to perch and drink safely. And since bees can't swim, this narrow shape ensures that they can hydrate without the risk of drowning.

Additionally, the surface of each bee cup is finished in an ultraviolet glaze in the colors attract bees. (Bees can, in fact, view different ultraviolet wavelengths to humans, meaning that some hues are more likely to catch their attention.)

As a result, you'll primarily find bee cups in shades of blue, purple and yellow. (This set of 3 bright yellow bee cups from Amazon is my current favorite garden accessory.)

Each of these dainty hydration stations is best nestled in flower beds or placed next to your most strongly-scented, nectar-rich plants. Since they're made of porcelain rather than plastic, bee cups are impressively weather-resistant, and the vibrant colors won't fade in bright sunlight.

A flourishing pollinator garden does, of course, start with pollinator-friendly plants, but I love that bee cups will also double as decor. So, while you fill your yard with beautiful blooms, you can add even more pops of color in the form of elegant accessories like this.

And if you prefer an even more whimsical look, you can opt for something like these flower-shaped watering stations (which are also from Amazon) or these metal butterfly feeders from Wayfair.

Why Shoppers Love These Bee Cups

While there are plenty of watering stations on the market, these particular bee cups are in fact a patented design – and they've garnered countless five-star reviews online.

'Super high quality and the colors are so cute,' says one shopper. 'A great addition to my garden bed!'

Some shoppers describe the bee cups as smaller than expected, which means they need to be refilled regularly. (However, this is ultimately beneficial for bees, since fresh water reduces the spread of diseases, and smaller basins allow for safe perching.)

'Obviously the less water you have, the faster it dries up, and these cups are small,' explains one reviewer. 'This isn’t a design flaw, just the water cycle! I love that the cups are not made of plastic and they hold up well in all weather conditions, too.'

Shop Pollinator Watering Stations

Want to create the very best bee-friendly space this year? Check out our guide to flowers that attract bees, or read up on the best plants for pollinators.

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Gardens aren't just gorgeous to look at or spend time in, ideally they are self-sustaining ecosystems humming with life. When this happens, it can mean less work and more joy for you – and a more positive impact on the local ecology.

We know that spending time in nature is beneficial to our mental and physical health. This includes the sights, the scents – and the sounds, whether from fragrant flowers and flavourful fruits or beautiful butterflies and bird song.

Of course, for much of this to happen, we need those all-important pollinators. Bees, butterflies and other beneficial bugs enable our gardens to grow and flourish – and feed larger species (including ourselves). So what is the best way to bring them back fast, this month? We've asked the experts for their May planting formulas.

1. Choose Flowering Native Plants

Much has been written about native planting, but it is an important piece of the pollinator puzzle. Certain species of plant and pollinator have co-evolved to depend on each other, like Milkweed and the Monarch butterfly.

The good news is, the plants gardeners grow – if chosen wisely – can make a positive difference to pollinator populations. So prioritise plants that are native to your area.

This common milkweed from Nature Hill's is both food and a host plant for Monarch butterfly larvae, while this Balmy lilac Monarda from Burpee (also known as Bergamot) will have the bees buzzing.

A plant that Connecticut-based ecological horticulturalist, Rebecca McMackin loves is New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus).

'I don’t think I’ve seen a shrub as popular with pollinators as New Jersey Tea,' says Rebecca. 'Bees and butterflies, even rare ones, love the sweet and puffy white flowers. It's a host plant for the Spring Azure and Summer Azure butterflies, as well as the Mottled Duskywing butterfly. So butterflies both visit the flowers and lay eggs on leaves.

Native to the eastern half of North America, this compact ornamental plant blooms from June through August. It's drought-tolerant with deep roots and great for tough sites like dry slopes,

'New Jersey Tea grows to around 2-3 foot tall, and can even be a low hedge,' says Rebecca. 'It has a lovely reddish fall color, but don’t clean the dropped leaves away in the fall or spring, there are butterfly chrysalises among them.'

Look for this plant in local nurseries, if it's native to your region.

2. Reduce Or Replace Your Lawn With Plants

Perfectly manicured lawns have fallen from favor for all sorts of reasons. From the huge amount of water needed to keep them green and the regular maintenance required, to the threats to pollinators that they pose, turf is being tossed aside.

This is welcome news for ecological gardener, Kim Eierman, founder Eco-Beneficial and author, The Pollinator Victory Garden, who thinks of lawns as green deserts or pollinator wastelands, and urges gardeners to replace them with flowering native plants to encourage pollinators.

'A decrease in biodiversity, an emphasis on lawns, the negligible use of native plants and an explosion of invasive plant species are all taking their toll on pollinators,' explains Kim. 'You can start quite simply by reducing your lawn, and replacing it with a variety of flowering native plants that you maintain free of pesticides.'

Experiment with part of your lawn, if you're not ready to let it go entirely, by sprinkling these clover seeds from True leaf Market, which germinate in 5-10 days and provide a nectar source for bees.

Rebecca likes violets, for their pollinator-luring potential. 'Violets are sweet and cute, edible, aromatic, and a host plant for one of our prettiest butterflies, the Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly,' says Rebecca. 'They look lovely in lawns if you can pull your mind out of the “green carpet" mindset.'

Every state in the country has at least one species of violet. Some spread quickly but many stay where you put them. These pretty ground cover plants make great fillers in garden beds too, happily seeding around taller perennials and shrubs.

'They're a good species for sun and shade and never taller than 6”,' says Rebecca. 'It’s helpful to use them as “green mulch” rather than maintaining a vacuum of woodchips.'

Great Spangled Fritillaries fly from the east coast to the west and cover most of the country. In the summer, the butterflies lay their eggs on violets, or on fallen leaves near them. 'Not only is it important to have violets on your land, but also to leave the leaves where they lay,' says Rebecca.

'This provides habitat for caterpillars who might otherwise be harmed by exposure. The caterpillars eat leaves, but Fritillary adults love nectar.'

More of their favorite flowers include: milkweeds, thistles, ironweed, dogbane, mountain laurel, verbena, vetch, bergamot, joe-pye weed, and purple coneflower.

Rich in nectar and pollen, these beautiful coneflowers from Burpee will put on a spectacular display from June to August, attracting butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

3. Include A Diversity of Flowering Plants

When selecting plants for pollinators, bear in mind that different flowers feed different types of bees and butterflies, so diversity is key. Native plant species that produce pollen or/and nectar, such as clematis, catnip and salvias will be a big draw but the more flowering plants you can offer, the more visitors you will see.

'A healthy garden ecosystem is one that is full of many living creatures, so include a diversity of native plants, such as trees, shrubs, vines and perennials, that have a multitude of shapes and sizes to attract a great diversity of pollinators,' says Kim.

'Bees are the main flower visiting insects that drink nectar and also proactively collect and transport pollen. Butterflies and moths, with some exceptions, forage only for nectar, and they transfer pollen accidentally. A limited number of bees collect other plant substances to line their nest cavities.

Jessica Walliser, horticulturalist and author, Attracting Beneficial Bugs explains another reason why plant diversity is so important to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

'They need to find flowers that match their mouths,' explains Jessica. 'Adult butterflies and moths drink nectar through a straw-like mouthpart called a proboscis, while as immature caterpillars, they chomp leaves or other plant tissue.

'Different flower shapes influence how available nectar and pollen are to feeding beneficials. Not all flowers are appropriate food sources for all beneficial bugs.'

For a vine, go for this, Major Wheeler honeysuckle from Nature Hills. It's tubular blooms are perfect for butterflies.

4. Plant Abundantly

Being generous with your planting is another part of the formula for bringing bees and butterflies back fast. These tiny creatures can tire if their food sources are too far apart. So a garden filled with densely planted pollen and nectar rich flowers will offer up a banquet for bees, butterflies and other beneficials.

'Not all pollinators can travel the same distance to find food' explains Kim. 'Tiny solitary bees may live within a few feet of their nest; bumble bees may venture a mile away, while homey bees can travel even farther.

'Butterflies - and birds - may travel even greater distances to get a meal. But travel has a significant cost for pollinators. They burn up calories and expend energy. Help pollinators save energy by planting your garden intensively.'

According to Kim, research suggests that a 3 foot square patch of the same species makes a good target for pollinators.

This Asclepias tuberosa from Nature Hill's is another native North American milkweed with bright orange blooms that serves as an essential host plant for Monarchs and other butterflies.

5. Plant Windbreaks

It's easy to forget how small and vulnerable bees and butterflies are, especially when the weather is inclement. Natural windbreaks can provide shelter for them, so include these in your planting formula.

'In their active season, pollinators require safe places to rest, warm their bodies, and shelter in bad weather,' says Kim. 'When protected from wind, pollinators not only have a greater chance of survival, but are also able to conserve energy, which allows them to forage more on flowers.

'Trees and shrubs are particularly effective as windbreaks. Flowering woody plants have the additional benefit of providing nectar and pollen, further expanding the foraging habitat.

Kim points out there is no magic formula or exact design for creating vegetative windbreaks. 'Assess the windy areas of your landscape, especially around foraging habitat,' she says. 'Staggered rows of diverse flowering trees and shrubs can be useful in these locations.

'Tall native grasses can serve as both windbreak and bee habitat. Native bunch grasses, such as prairie dropseed are good over-wintering sites for bumble bee queens, which may nest at the base of the grass,' continues Kim. 'Many native grasses are larval plant hosts for skippers, a large butterfly family too.'

Native to the eastern US, this white flowering dogwood from Nature Hill's is a beautiful option. For something with more color, this eastern redbud from Nature Hill's is another pollinator-friendly native flowering tree.

6. Add a Water Station

Part of your 'planting' formula this month should include water. Some gardeners add rocks to a bird bath, create a separate butterfly puddler or bee watering station, so pollinators can land and drink.

'In the heat of summer, a honey bee colony can drink one quart of water, or more, each day,' explains Kim. 'Gardeners can offer some simple water sources, which may be particularly important during droughts or very hot weather, when nectar flow is low.

'Bird baths are best kept for bird use, but shallow ceramic dishes, such as saucers for plant pots, can be filled with un-colored pebbles and topped with water. 'This gives pollinators a safe place to drink without the risk of drowning.'

This terracotta plant pot saucer from Lowe's is 1 1/8" deep, so would make a good puddler for bees and butterflies, once filled with stones and water.

By planting a diverse and abundant array of native flowering plants, shrubs, vines and trees in May, you will be providing a rich buffet for bees, butterflies (and caterpillars), as well as places for them to rest, hydrate and shelter.

Of course, there is no point enticing bees and butterflies to your flower beds if you spray them with pesticides. These chemicals will wipe out pollinator populations too. Try natural pest control methods instead.

'Pollinators face many challenges to their survival,' says Kim. 'Eliminating pesticides from your garden, gives them a fighting chance.'

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I recently watched the most extraordinary thing happen on my lawn: a little mining bee dug a perfectly round hole into the ground. This interaction completely altered my mindset when it comes to the once-mysterious holes I stumble across in the yard: mining bees are not destructive but bring many benefits to our gardens, with their presence indicating a healthy ecosystem.

Mining bees are a type of bee that earn their name from the habit of burrowing into the ground. As solitary bees, they seek undisturbed ground to create a safe nest for their young, though it's common to spot numerous nests in one area as they gather in larger aggregations. But don't fret. These holes don't cause long-term damage to lawns, as mining bees don't feed on plant roots. Rather, the bees are seeking refuge and tend to only be active for 4-6 weeks.

David M. Burrows from the pollinator project company Arkearth says their presence in your yard actually has many benefits. Mining bees are efficient pollinators, they aerate soil, and are an overall sign of thriving biodiversity in your garden. Here, David explains more about mining bee habits and what it means to have them in your yard.

What Are Mining Bees?

Mining bees (Andrena) are ground-nesting bees that burrow solitarily into the ground to lay larvae. They're typically only active for 4-6 weeks, emerging from March to May, before the adults die off.

'Mining bees are an amazing category of solitary bees. In fact, there are over 1,500 species represented all around the world of these pollinator-friendly insects,' says David.

'Unlike honeybees, mining bees don’t make honey, have no queen bee, and live mostly alone in communities of other similar bees.'

Some US native mining bees include the smooth-faced mining bee and spring beauty mining bee, which is a specialist pollinator that seeks the spring beauty flower.

It can be quite easy to spot mining bee activity in your yard. They look for sunny, dry, sparse patches, including sandy lawns and flower beds. As they burrow, they create a mound of fine soil around a hole.

Benefits of Mining Bees

There are so many different benefits to having mining bees in the yard, and the holes they create pose no long-term threat to your lawn's (or nearby plants') health.

'These solitary bees are prolific pollinators and reach 15 times more flowers in a day than honeybees because they’re not managing a hive,' David explains. 'Most mining bees are native to the area where they live and thrive. The holes produced by the bees are more beneficial than destructive.'

It actually indicates some good soil health in your garden, as they need well-draining, loose soil to burrow.

He adds: 'The burrowing behavior opens areas of the soil for ventilation, and rain to penetrate and avoid surface water run-off. Ground bees also add to the nutrition of soil, providing nutrients, nitrogen, and other elements which benefit surrounding plant and tree roots.'

For this reason, they help flower beds and vegetable patches thrive, aerate your lawn, and contribute essential plant nutrients to the soil.

This is enhanced by the fact that they live in large aggregations, building nests in proximity to each other. This means you likely have multiple mining bees working hard to make their own nests in your yard, around 100-300mm deep each.

How to Help Mining Bees

There are so many ways to turn your yard into a pollinator garden for mining bees.

'Homeowners can encourage these beneficial insects by providing cover crops, water features, and pollinator habitats of undisturbed land where they can create a nest for their young and leave a population of helpful pollinators for the next spring season,' says David.

Cover crops, like clover (which you can grow with these clover seeds from Amazon) and buckwheat, provide nectar for mining bees with their early blooms. Their roots also keep the soil loose, making it easier for these bees to excavate their nests. It also provides shade, keeping the ground cool for them.

Many mining bees are generalists, so they will also appreciate wildflowers you grow (you can scatter these wildflower seeds for bees from Amazon).

You can also add these bee islands from Walmart to a shallow dish or a bird bath to provide them with easier access to water.

Above all, leaving an undisturbed, sparse, or bare patch of ground in your yard provides these bees with a safe spot to build their nests.

What to Shop

You may find that you don't have mining bees, but rather ground wasps. These critters have an aggressive habit, and they live socially. You can deter them by planting lots of wasp repellent plants in your yard, including aromatic herbs.

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With its soft, downy feathers and rapid tree tapping, it's simple enough to see how this small woodpecker acquired its common name. If it's striking black and white plumage and entertaining acrobatics, aren't enough reason to entice the downy woodpecker to your yard, there are plenty more.

Widespread across much of the non-southern US, you're most likely to see this captivating creature in areas with forests, woodlots and parks. But, it's also more straightforward than you may assume to attract these woodpeckers to your yard, as they seek and depend on mature, native trees. This is where they forage for insects and invertebrates, also making their presence an excellent natural pest control method.

We've canvassed experts on the wildlife garden ideas that will attract this beautiful bird to your yard, and they shared their top five methods.

Downy Woodpeckers in the US

Downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) can be spotted by their checkered black and white plumage, broad white stripe down the back – and (on both Eastern and Pacific) males, a small red patch on the back of the head.

Of the 23 native woodpecker species in the US, downy woodpeckers are the smallest, and are often confused with their slightly larger distant cousins, the hairy woodpecker.

As charming as they are, not everyone welcomes the drumming from these curious creatures, especially if these woodpeckers are pecking your house.

However, when their natural habitat is available, they are a delight to observe – and with a diet made up predominantly of insects, including aphids, ants, weevils and crickets, a bonus in the garden.

'Downy woodpeckers are gregarious visitors to backyards, if there is the proper habitat or welcoming bird feeders to attract them,' says Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader. Garden for Birds, Cornell lab of Ornithology.

'Each winter when I put my feeders back out, downy woodpeckers are often the first to visit both my suet and black-oil sunflower seed feeders, perhaps second only to the notoriously curious, Black-capped Chickadee.

'Between their friendly, fiesty personalities, broad range, and willingness to use bird feeders, they are a beloved backyard visitor,' Becca adds.

1. Conserve Mature Trees

Creating the right habitat is important if you want to attract downy woodpeckers to your yard – and with a big clue in their name – native trees are a big part of that. A garden with mature, native, deciduous trees will be a big draw to these curious creatures.

'Downy woodpeckers rely on the insects found on tree trunks and branches,' explains Marlene Pantin, Plants for Birds Senior Program Manager at the National Audubon Society.

'Where possible, conserve mature trees, and even snags (standing dead trees) as these will provide woodpecker nesting and foraging habitat,' she explains.

'Leaving dead or dying trees on your property (that don't endanger people or structures) is great for downy woodpeckers,' adds Becca. 'Instead of removing them, invite these birds to use them as a vital resource.

'Trees can also be snagged 6-8 feet off the ground, removing the top crown of the tree that may be more dangerous, but leaving a trunk that could provide ideal foraging and nesting habitat. Trees that host insects will be the favorite tree on the block for woodpeckers,' she explains.

If you need to cut mature trees or prune tree branches, these tree loppers from Ace Hardware will be up to the task. Leaving cut branches in a pile will create a foraging opportunities for downy woodpeckers.

2. Plant Trees and Saplings

If you're yard is lacking mature trees, consider transplanting some, or plant some saplings (in places where they will have ample space to grow and for the roots to spread – there are a few trees to avoid planting close to the house).

Aside from enticing downy woodpeckers, once they've grown, trees will add beauty, offer shade and (depending on what species you choose) provide berries to these tree tappers, as well as to songbirds.

'Planting native trees that support insects, like oaks, birches, and willows, is one of the best ways to attract downy woodpeckers,' says Marlene.

'Oaks support the most biodiversity of any family of trees, so that would be where I would start,' says Becca. 'Look for native oaks for sale at local nurseries. Although, any native hardwood or softwood species to your region will work.'

Although, they will eat some seeds and berries, insects make up the majority of the downy woodpecker diet.

'Generally, these birds drill into trees to harvest insects that live under the bark,' says Becca. 'Woodpeckers will forage on a variety of hard and soft wood tree species, favoring those that have high insect loads.'

This white oak from Nature Hills is native, cold hardy and will thrive in zones 3-9, while the swamp white oak also from Nature Hills transplants easily, has beautiful bi-color leaves and will support wildlife.

3. Hang Feeders

Out of all the US woodpecker species, downy woodpeckers are the most likely to visit bird feeders, so hanging a couple in your yard will lure this curious creature to feed, especially when their natural food sources are scarce.

'Downy woodpeckers love suet and black oil sunflower,' says Becca. 'Both are nutrient rich in the fats and proteins they need to survive the winter months.

'Keep in mind they are one of the smaller woodpeckers and they will be discouraged by hairy woodpeckers (their supersized twin in coloration), red-bellied woodpeckers and other species that are larger.

'They will sometimes engage in territorial behavior on feeders, but generally give way to larger, more assertive species,' Becca adds.

This metal suet cage bird feeder from Ace Hardware has a hook, so it's easy to place on tree branches or a metal pole. Fill it with this high energy suet bird food from Ace hardware, which has ample sustenance.

These black oil sunflower seeds for birds from Amazon are also great to add into your feeders.

4. Plant Goldenrod

Planting and growing goldenrod (Solidago spp) in your yard can entice and support downy woodpeckers and many songbirds, such as the American Goldfinch.

Most species of this prolific perennial are native to the US, so it's easy to find one suited to your location.

'Goldenrod often gets a bad rap, but they are a winter favorite for woodpeckers as insect galls are created on these plants that house larvae all winter,' says Becca.

'Downy woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and other songbirds will seek out these galls and use them for protein-packed winter food.

'There are a variety of goldenrods that play nice in gardens – gray goldenrod, zigzag goldenrod, etc. They will not aggressively spread like other varieties,' she says.

This fireworks goldenrod from Nature Hills is a well-behaved cultivar that produces an explosion of yellow flowers in late summer.

5. Put Out a Bird Bath

Water is essential to attract downy woodpeckers to your yard. Although, downy woodpeckers are less frequent visitors to bird baths than other species, they will use one if it's in a quiet, shady location.

Choose one with a shallow bowl, like this gray concrete bird bath from Lowe's. It's as much an attractive garden feature, as it is an avian watering hole. Plus, it's weather-resistant and has plenty of space for birds to drink and bathe.

What to Shop

FAQs

Do Downy Woodpeckers Damage Trees?

Some people may be concerned downy woodpeckers will damage trees, with their drilling – which is often used to mark territories or as a mating call. This is unlikely, according to Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader. Garden for Birds, Cornell lab of Ornithology.

'Generally, if a woodpecker is using a tree, any "damage" is already done,' she says. 'There are insects burrowing under the bark, which the woodpecker is drawn to.

'They actually may help to regulate or control insect damage to a tree if you allow them to do what they do best. Woodpeckers simply take advantage of these insects by harvesting them for sustenance.'

Woodpeckers will make small holes and cavities in trees, but these don't cause damage and are beneficial for their nests, as well as secondary nesters, like titmice and bluebirds, in subsequent years.

'Woodpeckers are keystone species, as without their cavity-making-abilities, secondary nesters can struggle to find holes,' adds Becca.

Don't forget that garden birds need help later in the year, too. One of the best ways to support them is by getting started on growing these native plants to feed birds in winter.

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Watching tufted titmouse antics is a joy, whether they're hopping around, hanging upside down or masterfully hovering for bugs. This adorable avian has been steadily moving its habitat northward into Canada in recent years, so those in Toronto may now see more tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) than those in Tampa.

While parts of Florida may miss out, other eastern residents (and those in the south west in winter) can expect to see this cute crested little bird foraging for food, perching with its feathered friends or scouting for nest materials in their gardens.

To see more of these avian acrobatics, there are some simple wildlife garden ideas you can instate. We spoke to ornithology experts to find out how attract the charming tufted titmouse to your yard and keep it coming back.

1. Grow Tall Native Trees That Provide A Canopy

Most, if not all, small birds perch in trees, but the tufted titmouse especially likes habitats with tall, dense deciduous tree canopies. It's because these lofty domains offer a banquet of bugs, as well as space for these silver songbirds to rest and nest.

The Tufted Titmouse prefers woodlands, groves and areas with lots of trees and understory shrubs,' says Marlene Pantin, Plants for Birds Senior Program Manager at the National Audubon Society. 'Where possible, plant oak trees that host hundreds of caterpillar species as these provide essential food for Titmice and their chicks.'

'Oaks are great as they provide acorns and host a large number of invertebrates such as spiders, weevils and other beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which are all part of the titmouse’s diet,' explains Yuka Wu, Project Assistant for Project FeederWatch, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

'Birches are also a good way to attract titmice, as they are home to lots of caterpillar species and are often drilled with cavities that titmice can nest in. Other trees that titmice frequently forage on include hickories, sweetgum, and sugarberry.'

Like bluebirds, tufted titmice are secondary cavity nesters, so they nest in existing hollows, such as woodpecker holes. 'A few trees that titmice are known to nest in include American elm, maples, and beeches,' adds Yuka Wu.

As the proverb goes, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now. Start with saplings like this native white oak tree from Nature Hill's. It's hardy in zones 3-9 but pick the right spot, it can reach 50-80 feet tall.

2. Provide Natural Nesting Materials

As well as providing bugs and berries to forage on, and cavities to nest in, native trees – along with other plants and garden debris – offer up nesting materials for titmice too. Ensuring your yard is naturally rich in these items will encourage and support these cute creatures to nest and breed.

'Titmice construct their nests using dry grass, bark, moss, and leaves, and line them with soft materials such as hair and fur,' says Yuka Wu. 'During the breeding season, typically lasting from April through mid-July, you can support titmice by making sure your yard offers the resources that they might need for nesting.'

As charming as it is to see titmice snatching fur from Fido, be mindful if pets have just been dowsed in flea or tick treatments. Many commonly used topical insecticides are highly toxic to wild birds.

A study by the University of Sussex in the UK, found contaminated fur in 100% of nests surveyed, which causes unhatched eggs and chick mortality.

Advice from Songbird Survival is, if you use topical insecticide treatments on dogs and cats, only brush them indoors, and put the loose fur in the garbage, rather than leaving it outside for nest making. Neem oil is also a safer natural flea repellent.

However, leaving moss, leaves and natural garden debris for titmice and other songbirds to collect as nesting materials will support and encourage them during breeding season.

This sugar maple from Nature Hill's has spectacular foliage, especially in the fall, it attracts butterflies and will thrive in zones 3-8. So would provide food and nesting materials for birds to forage.

3. Put Up A Nest Box

Tufted titmice are cavity nesters – and like bluebirds – are unable to excavate their own nest holes. So if they can't find suitable spaces, like hollows made by woodpeckers, in their natural habitat, these charming chirrupers will use a bird box.

If you would like to see them nesting in your yard, ideally put bird houses up before the breeding season (April to July). These birds like to scope out potential sites before settling in.

'If you decide to set up a nest box, place it 5-15 feet above ground ideally in an area with mature trees, faced away from prevailing wind,' explains Yuka Wu.

'It should have an entrance diameter of 1 ¼ inches to prevent predators. If you would like to build your own titmouse nest box, NestWatch has a structure plan with specific dimensions and details about nest box constructions.'

This cottage-style bird box from Lowe's has the requisite 1.25" opening to keep tufted titmice and their young safe.

4. Hang Feeders

As well as feeding on bugs and invertebrates like caterpillars, snails and spiders, these little silver songbirds will also eat seeds, nuts and suet. So they are good candidates for a bird feeder. In fact, during the winter, they will visit and hoard stores of seed.

'During the colder months, tufted titmice, as well as many other birds, rely on foods with high fat content to survive the cold,' explains Yuka Wu. 'If you have feeders, black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet are good resources for them.

'Titmice will visit most feeder types, including large and small hoppers, large and small tube feeders, suet cages, and platform feeders.'

'Titmice will readily visit bird feeders, often carrying away sunflower seeds one at a time,' says Marlene. 'Remember that it’s important to clean feeders regularly to prevent disease.'

This tube feeder from Ace Hardware has a metal cage around it, so small songbirds like titmice can access it, while larger birds and predators cannot. Fill it with this Black oil sunflower seed from Ace Hardware, a favorite for many songbirds.

5. Grow Your Own Bird Food

Whilst bird feeders are helpful when natural food sources are scarce, the best way for tufted titmice to sustain themselves is on their natural diet. Growing native flowers that produce the seed, or host the bugs, they eat, such as sunflowers, is another way to lure these cute crested creatures to your yard.

If sunflowers aren't your preferred plant, or native to your region, there are others that will offer up a seed, berry or bug supper.

'Planting seed-producing perennials is a good way to attract tufted titmice to your garden,' says Yuka Wu. 'New England asters are a great option, as are coneflowers.'

Of course, plants like milkweed where Monarch butterflies lay their eggs, will be rich in caterpillars, which these tuneful songbirds, and others, feed their young.

'Insects make up most of the titmouse diet,' says Marlene. 'Caterpillars are important in the summer, but these birds will also eat wasps, beetles, and bees, as well as seeds, nuts, berries and small fruits, especially in the winter.'

If this showy milkweed from Burpee is native to your region, Monarch's will love it and lay their larvae, providing food for tufted titmice – and hopefully some butterflies.

Birds and butterflies will flock to this purple dome aster from Burpee too.

6. A Shallow Bird Bath

Bird baths are an obligatory part of any avian attraction arsenal. Water is vital for all life, and can be scarce for songbirds in cities and suburbs. To see more tufted titmice in your yard, installing a bird bath or two, will be a literal life saver.

'Shallow bird baths will be frequented by titmice,' says Yuka Wu. 'In winter and spring, in snowy areas, water can be a difficult resource to find, so those that are heated so the water is kept from freezing, are a good option. Antifreeze should never be added to bird baths, as it is poisonous for birds.

'When setting up feeders and bird baths, it’s also important that there are shrubs or trees nearby that titmice and other songbirds can escape to when predators are around.'

This ceramic bird bath from Lowe's has a beautiful mineral glaze, is weather-resistant and has a shallow bowl suitable for tufted titmice and other small songbirds.

Still have snow in your zone? This bird bath warmer from Ace Hardware will keep the water from freezing.

7. A Pesticide-Free Landscape

Growing the tufted titmice' favorite flowers, having mature trees, planting saplings, hanging feeders and installing a bird bath will all help to lure these acrobatic avians to your yard. However, regular or indiscriminate pesticide use, can quickly undo your work and cause harm.

'Using pesticides to eliminate unwanted insects will also affect the beneficial insects that are on your property; not just the insects you find undesirable,' says Jen McGuinness, author, Bird-Friendly Gardens. 'Fewer native insects available on a property means less food for songbirds.

'An example is when gardens are sprayed to remove mosquitoes. The spray will not target just the mosquito, but will detrimentally affect many other insects as well, such as caterpillars which will become butterflies.

'Pesticides do not discriminate; they will often kill all species of caterpillars, larvae, and insects.'

Attracting titmice and other birds that eat insects and invertebrates to your yard is a great way to manage pests, including slugs and snails. Alternatively, try companion planting and other natural pest control methods.

With its big black eyes, cute crest and charming antics, the tufted titmouse is particularly appealing.

Although, whatever wildlife garden ideas you implement to attract this adorable avian will generally support and encourage other songbirds, butterflies and beneficial bugs too, leading to a healthier habit for them and for you and your family.

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Whether you're cultivating a sprawling sanctuary or tending to a tiny patio, it's only natural to envision a garden that feels like a true expression of your personality. Perhaps you pick out your favorite blooms, or fill a vegetable patch with the produce that you love to eat – but you might not have thought about looking out for your birth month backyard animal.

Your birth month can guide plenty of gardening choices; think birth month flowers and birth month herbs, for example. If you like to think about zodiac signs (and corresponding personality traits), however, it's these fundamental characteristics that will help you to discover your birth month backyard animal in our very own curated list.

So, the next time you take a peek at the wildlife in your garden, make sure to keep an eye out for the animal (or insect) that corresponds to your birth month. Whether it's the deer, the fox, or the humble mouse, read on to find your birth month backyard animal – and what it says about you.

January: Deer

Pragmatic, intelligent, and a little mysterious, the deer is the backyard animal associated with January babies.

Symbolically, the deer often represents intuition and grace, but it also speaks to renewal – which makes it the perfect birth month animal for January.

(Though you may love to spot deer in the wild, however, you'll likely be less thrilled about them getting to close to your precious crops – so you'd be forgiven for incorporating a few deer-resistant plants into your garden.)

February: Owl

Widely believed to represent wisdom, patience and thoughtfulness, the owl is the birth month backyard creature for February.

Attracting owls to your yard can be a challenge, but it only emphasizes the enviable power and solitude of these elusive birds. They form a crucial part of woodland ecosystems, helping to feed on rodents and insects.

Owls will prioritize sheltered environments, moving under cover of darkness; installing a specialist nesting box, like this screech owl nesting box from Amazon, can help them feel safer in your garden.

March: Rabbit

What's more uplifting than spotting a bunny hopping around your yard? March babies can count the rabbit as their birth month backyard animal. If you're playful, energetic and curious, you'll feel a strong kinship with these charming creatures.

Granted, you'll often find yourself trying to protect your lawn from rabbits – or using rabbit-repellent plants to shield seedlings – but rabbits are, in fact, essential for improving the biodiversity of your yard.

Plus, they can help to tame weeds and invasive plants by feeding on them.

April: Squirrel

If you're an April baby, you might be known for your resourcefulness and determination, which is exactly why the squirrel is your birth month backyard animal.

Eager, ambitious and diligent, squirrels form the foundation of many ecosystems by collecting and distributing seeds.

Of course, they can also cause a bit of chaos – and many gardeners will wish to get rid of squirrels – but just like rabbits, they serve a vital function in your yard.

May: Fox

Renowned for being smart, adaptable, and fearless, foxes are the birth month backyard animal for May.

Naturally, their boldness and self-sufficiency makes them a little intimidating to gardeners (you might be keen to stop foxes digging up your bulbs, for example). Yet at their heart, foxes are loyal and impressively quick-thinking.

June: Dragonfly

While not technically a backyard animal, dragonflies are closely associated with June babies – and you're most likely to see them dancing around your yard as the summer begins.

You might not expect it, but dragonflies are incredibly strong and agile. (They're also particularly helpful if you want to get rid of mosquitoes.)

Knowing how to attract dragonflies won't only reward you with a buzzing and beautiful garden; it will also significantly increase biodiversity. Installing a water feature is a brilliant place to start – you can add a solar fountain kit, like this one from Walmart, to an existing bird bath or basin, or invest in a decorative option like Amazon's cascade hanging fountain.

July: American Badger

Tenacious, hard-working, and dependable, badgers are a brilliant mascot – and July babies claim them as their birth month backyard animal.

If you're independent and goal-oriented, you have a lot in common with the humble badger. These industrious creatures are brilliant at protecting their habitats and foraging for food.

Their digging is known to help aerate soil and promote plant diversity (though it might not always be good news for your seedlings).

August: Butterfly

Who doesn't want the gorgeous butterfly as their birth month symbol? August babies will be thrilled to know that this honor falls to them – especially as butterflies are known for being charming, vibrant, and inquisitive.

If you spot even a few butterflies in your yard this spring, it's proof that you have created a successful pollinator garden. Butterflies aren't, after all, just a pretty sight; they are vital pollinators that will help your plants to thrive.

(You can, however, help them out by prioritizing the best plants for pollinators, which include lavender, milkweed, and bee balm. You'll find 'sensational' lavender plants at Fast Growing Trees and 'bubblegum blast' bee balm at Nature Hills.)

September: Groundhog

While groundhogs might not sound quite as romantic as butterflies, you could call this powerful creatures the underdogs among backyard animals.

As the largest species in the squirrel family, groundhogs are sharp and strong-willed. Like badgers, they are known as 'ecosystem engineers', since they help to redistribute minerals and improve soil moisture while they dig their burrows.

October: Bat

You'll be unsurprised to find out that October's birth month backyard animal is the bat.

While they may seem spooky, bats are the heroes of the wildlife world: they protect plants by eating insects, and they even pollinate plants like bananas, mangoes and agave. (This means that they are particularly valued by the tequila industry.)

If you want to attract bats to your backyard, you can set up bat houses (like this wooden bat box from Amazon) or create your own. Bats prefer safe, dark roosting spots, and they will gravitate toward clean, fresh water sources, feeding on insects like mosquitoes and moths.

November: Crow

Another seemingly spooky symbol? The crow. Yet November babies will be happy to know that these birds are rather misunderstood: far from ominous, they symbolize intelligence, transformation, and creativity.

American crows can be spotted everywhere from farms to dense urban spaces. They are excellent scavengers, and they often form large social groups.

And when it comes to your backyard, crows can act as a natural method of pest control by feeding on grubs and other insects.

December: Mouse

Cute, clever, and often underestimated: December's birth month backyard animal is the mouse.

Like squirrels and rabbits, you'd be forgiven for using mouse-repellent plants in your garden, but they can help balance the wider ecosystem.

Plus, when it comes to symbolic associations, mice are are an excellent spirit animal: they are usually linked to humility, wit, and discipline.

Want to discover even more birth month symbols? Check out our guides to birth month houseplants, birth month succulents, and birth month fruit trees.

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In our hectic lives, we spend so much time in pursuit of perfection – a picture-perfect home, say, or a Pinterest-worthy garden – that we can forget about what really matters. Earth Day is an antidote: a welcome reminder to slow down, connect with nature, and commit to a few small changes to help protect the environment.

With this in mind, there is one plant swap you can make if you're looking to create a wildlife garden: replacing sterile cultivars with nectar-rich plants.

You might be keen to stock up on plants that won't self-seed, but this leaves bees, butterflies and other insects with a distinct lack of feeding sources. While sterile cultivars promise to keep your garden neat and free of weeds, a tidy yard can, in fact, be rather detrimental to pollinators – and prioritizing nectar-rich flowers can make all the difference.

Why Replace Sterile Cultivars?

No gardener wants to spend their spare time digging up fast-growing weeds, so it's only natural to seek out sterile cultivars.

Since they produce almost no viable seeds, these specially-bred species provide manageable alternatives to traditionally invasive plants, helping you to maintain a neat and tidy yard.

For all their logistical (and aesthetic) benefits, however, sterile cultivars have one crucial drawback: they do virtually nothing to support pollinators.

Of course, a lack of nectar and pollen is ideal for anyone with spring allergies, but it also means that insects will miss out on vital feeding sources, and many other wildlife species will be less inclined to visit your garden.

Sterile cultivars might be bred to look good, but they often have no viable pollen or nectar, which prevents pollinators like bees, butterflies, or hummingbirds from feeding on them.

Above all, a pollinator garden needs a variety of nectar-rich plants that can support wildlife all year round.

By prioritizing sterile cultivars, you might ensure that your garden is orderly and fuss-free, but you'll miss out on the buzzing, lively feel of a teeming pollinator haven – and you'll end up with a much weaker ecosystem.

What to Plant Instead of Sterile Cultivars

With all of this in mind, the best plants for pollinators are those that provide plenty of nectar and pollen – especially at this time of year, when many flowers aren't blooming just yet.

Swapping out even a few sterile plants for nectar-rich alternatives can have a huge impact on your garden, helping to attract not only insects but birds and other wildlife.

When it comes to choosing plants, there are a few classic options, from Grosso lavender (which you can find at Burpee) to native purple coneflowers, like these from Plant Addicts and May Night salvia, which you can shop at Fast Growing Trees.

Coneflowers are one of the easiest swaps to make; they are hardy and low-maintenance, and they're especially popular among bees. Wildflowers like goldenrod and black-eyed susan are also ideal, especially since they bloom all summer and through fall.

In fact, timing is a particularly important consideration: while you'll want to provide early-blooming plants which can support wildlife right now, you'll also need to incorporate flowers that bloom later in the year.

'I try to ensure that something is blooming from early spring through the end of summer,' reflects Dr Anne Leonard, bee expert and Professor of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. 'It's all about providing a variety of options, and counting on my neighbors to also make thoughtful choices about their gardens.'

Even the plants that you might be inclined to remove from your yard can be vital for pollinators. Take cowslips and dandelions: they might be viewed as the enemy, but 'weeds' like these are a rare food source that pollinators can rely on during the earliest days of spring.

Unlike specially-bred species, these flowers are inherently useful for wildlife – even if they can look a little unruly.

'In my own garden, I watch carefully to see what plants bees visit most and try to put in more of them,' says Dr Leonard. 'A larger patch to visit makes it even more appealing to pollinators.'

Shop Pollinator-Friendly Garden Essentials

If you're looking for more Earth Day inspiration, check out our guide to creating a pollinator pit stop, or stocking up on aromatic plants to attract wildlife.

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As we emerge from winter into spring, our gardens start to come alive with vibrant color. From bright bulbs and pretty blossom to early blooms, the joyful hues return. Yet it's not just florals that bring color, visiting birds do too.

It's hard to deny the heart-skipping sight of a flash of brilliant yellow from an American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) swooping by – coupled with a burst of its tuneful twittering. Although a common sight across much of central and eastern US states, northern populations migrate south for winter, and year-round residents shed their bright summer plumage, for basic brown, only for it to return in the breeding season. It's why that golden flash of feathers is such a treat to see.

If you'd like to attract more of these colorful, chirruping creatures, we've canvassed ornithology experts on wildlife garden ideas and other ways to create an idyllic habitat for American goldfinches.

'The American Goldfinch is unique in that this species molt in the fall and the spring, undergoing feather transitions twice a year,' explains Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader, Garden for Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

'The molting can take several weeks and varies with individuals, but males and females both molt with the males having a brighter final yellow color offset by olive feathers, black caps and white wing bars.

'Females have a deep olive hue with hints of yellow around the head or neck and a darker bill. Many other songbirds only molt once a year.'

Here are five simple yet effective ways to attract these delightful birds into your yard.

1. Plant Their Favorite Forbs

Growing plants native to your region is the best way to create an idyllic garden for American goldfinches (and other birdlife). It will make gardening less laborious for you too, as native species are adapted to their location and require less watering or maintenance.

The particular plant types will vary across the regions and different terrains, but wherever you're located, choose those with seed heads for the food, or nesting materials these sunny songbirds will be searching for.

'American goldfinches love native flowering forbs, such as black-eyed Susan's, echinacea, milkweed, bee balm, asters, goldenrod and native thistles,' says Becca.

'All of these plants provide both food in the form of seeds, and several of them – milkweed and native thistles – provide fluffy plant material for nest building. Although, be mindful of planting only thistles that are native to your region.'

This common milkweed from Nature Hills is native to large swathes of the US, so check if it originates in your region. It will not only support the American Goldfinch, Monarch butterflies love it too.

'Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) is one of the earliest blooming native trees, and also an important food source for pollinators,' says Jen McGuinness, author, Bird-Friendly Gardening. 'After this tree blooms, it produces red fruit that is attractive to American Goldfinches.

'Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) will attract American Goldfinches once the flower heads turn to seed too. It is also one of the plants that is native to the entire continental US'

2. Leave Seed Heads On Flowers

It might be tempting to tidy your yard later in the year, when the blooms are going over. Yet, leaving self-seeding flowers in late summer is a sure ways to cultivate an American goldfinch haven.

These unique songbirds are late nesters – starting towards the end of June and sometimes nesting as late as August/September. A banquet of spent blooms rich in seeds will have these acrobatic avians flocking to your yard.

'As late nesters, American goldfinches will rely on seed resources to be optimal, as they are both molting and preparing to breed,' says Becca. 'They are known to have upwards of two broods of young in one growing season, during peak breeding time, and as they molt in the fall.'

Molting and nesting requires a lot of energy, so having ample seed heads will support these birds as they transition their feathers and raise young.

'They wait until native plants have developed seed heads, because unlike many other songbirds, they feed their young seeds in the nest rather than insects,' continues Becca. 'As true seed-eating purists, they wait until the seed menu is optimal in their nesting region.'

'Letting your garden go a bit wild into the fall so Goldfinches can feed on standing seed heads long after bloom season will attract and support them,' agrees Marlene Pantin, Plants for Birds Senior Program Manager at the National Audubon Society.

'Unraked leaves and seed-rich native flowers, like purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan, left standing past their prime can provide spaces for these birds to forage, feed, and find shelter.'

This black eyed Susan 'little goldstar' variety from Nature Hills is low-maintenance and does well in many parts of the US. It's hardy in zones 4-9 and will offer up a seed supper.

3. Include Shrubs And Trees For Shelter

Like other small songbirds, American goldfinches seek shelter in native plants and trees to rest, nest and hide from predators. Growing their favorite foliage, such as dogwoods, hawthorns and serviceberry trees, in strategic spots in your yard can help to facilitate this.

'Native shrubs planted on the edge of forest or field habitat are some of the favored sites for nesting for the American Goldfinch,' says Becca. 'They generally don't nest deep in the forest amongst shrubbery, but love shrubs situated near open places.'

American goldfinches are open cup nesters so they won't use a bird box, however, they will nest in small saplings in the upright forks where branches join. The females can even build the nests tight enough to hold water.

'Goldfinches will often nest in deciduous shrubs or trees,' says Marlene. 'And sometimes in conifers or in dense weeds too, usually less than 30 ft above the ground. Growing native plants and trees will provide both food and shelter for them.'

This white flowering dogwood from Nature Hills is native to the eastern U.S. and is hardy in zones 5-9. It can provide shelter and nesting sites for American goldfinches and other small songbirds.

4. Hang A Seed-Filled Bird Feeder

Anyone who delights in feeding the birds in their yard will have noticed that different species eat different food. As outlined above, American goldfinches feed primarily on seeds.

Having seeds available in your garden from hanging bird feeders - as well as from flowers throughout the growing season, will ensure a steady supply of sustenance for these charming warblers.

'American Goldfinches enjoy black oil sunflower seed (shell on or off) and nyjer seeds at a variety of feeders; hopper, platform, and hanging feeders,' says Becca.

'However, they are a species that will readily eat the seeds of native garden plants such as black-eyed Susan, echinacea, milkweed, bee balm, asters, goldenrod, native thistles etc. So, they are an easy species to create habitat for at home.'

Some bird feed is filled with cheap filler that is not part of their natural diet, however, this bird food from Ace Hardware is 100% Nyjer seed, which finches and other small songbirds love.

Add Nyjer seed to this bird feeder from Ace Hardware, which can be adjusted so it serves sunflower seed too.

Of course, keeping your bird feeder clean is imperative to prevent the spread of disease.

5. Install A Shallow Bird Bath

As with all birds, water is essential for American goldfinches – and with their diet high in dry seeds – this sociable species will be drawn to a bird bath to drink and bathe. Ensure the water is shallow and fresh, with rocks as perches, and you can expect to see them sipping water and splashing around.

'Water availability is, of course, always critical when supporting birds, such as American goldfinches at home,' says Becca.

'When properly placed and maintained, both feeders and birdbaths can support and attract American goldfinches and other songbirds, throughout the year,' agrees Marlene.

Shallow pools like this bird bath from Ace Hardware are best for small birds. This lightweight model has two ground stakes to keep it in place.

These charming songbirds love moving water too, which stays fresher for longer, so this fountain from Ace Hardware will provide a garden feature and an avian watering hole. Whichever type of bird bath or water feature you choose, ensure it is kept clean and free from algae build-up.

Creating an idyllic garden for American goldfinches is straight-forward. Along with the simple steps outlined above, ornithology experts recommend avoiding pesticides by using natural pest control methods, keeping cats indoors and reducing the risk of window collisions with decals, bird tape, screens or partially open shutters in order to distort window reflections (so birds don't think they're flying toward trees).

Start these steps now and you can look forward to a garden filled with goldfinches this season and in those to come.

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Every gardener knows that attracting bees is all about planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers – but does the color of those flowers really make a difference?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that it sounds like a myth, but since bees perceive color differently to humans, they are, in fact, drawn to some flowers more than others. This is primarily because bees see color on the ultraviolet spectrum – which means that they can view far more shades of purple and blue.

As a result, you might find that certain flowers are more likely to attract bees to your garden. Below, a wildlife expert explains the science behind this phenomenon, and offer advice on how to create a truly bee-friendly yard this spring.

Which Colors Attract Bees?

If you're keen to create a buzzing wildlife garden this spring, you'll no doubt be stocking up on flowers that attract bees – which usually means anything that produces a high amount of both nectar and pollen.

When it comes to color theory, however, experts say that blue and purple blooms are most likely to attract bees.

This is because bees perceive light in different wavelengths to humans, and they can access the ultraviolet spectrum in a way that we can't. As a result, shades like purple and blue are far more striking to them.

'Bees have excellent color vision; their visual range is comparable to the size of humans’, but it is shifted towards the shorter wavelengths of light,' explains Dr Anne Leonard, bee expert and Professor of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. 'This makes them capable of perceiving UV patterns on flowers (“nectar guides”) invisible to us.'

This difference in wavelengths also means that, while bees can see more shades of blue and purple than humans can, bees are unable to see other colors clearly.

'In terms of color preferences, bumble bees and honey bees tend to find blues attractive, and are less attracted to red,' says Dr Leonard.

All of this has a simple explanation: bees need to be able to pick out colors and shapes in order to find feeding sources. They will, however, prioritize nectar-rich flowers and plants, and color isn't the biggest factor that draws them to your garden.

'Bees are opportunistic and will readily explore all colors of flowers to see what they offer,' says Dr Leonard.

'To bees, flowers aren't just colorful: they are rich bouquets of scents, which also attract bees. Plus, flowers also provide an array of other cues such as temperature and even electrical charge that bees can sense.'

So, while bees are proven to have definitive color preferences, what they are really looking for is a variety of plants with plenty of feeding potential.

'There is a lot more going on than meets the eye when it comes to understanding why a bee chooses to visit a particular plant in your garden,' Dr Leonard concludes.

The Best Flowers to Attract Bees This Spring

If you want to use color theory as the foundation for a bee-friendly garden, experts say that strategic planting is key – and the best plants for pollinators are those that reach beyond aesthetics.

'The nectar and pollen bees collect from plants are what sustains them, and they quickly learn to avoid visiting a good-looking but nutritionally deficient flower,' says Dr Leonard.

'While some horticultural varieties of plants are great for bees, some offer no nectar or pollen at all – they have been bred just for their look, making them a poor food source for bees and other pollinators.'

Naturally, the best options will provide both picture-perfect blooms and a reliable feeding source for bees.

Blue agapanthus and blue mist bluebeard are brilliant choices, as well as lavender shrubs (all of which you can pick up from Fast Growing Trees).

If you don't have time to fill your garden with blue and purple flowers, however, it's best to focus on any high-quality plants which are known to attract insects like bees and butterflies.

'Bees pay attention to the quality and quantity of nectar and pollen they collect,' explains Dr Leonard.

'They are discerning foodies and seem happy to visit rather nondescript plants (like a Phacelia) that offer high-quality food resources, over a beautiful rose that offers no nectar or pollen (as in many double-petaled varieties).'

Shop Bee-Friendly Blooms

Looking for more bee-friendly planting advice? Check out our guide to the different types of bees and what to plant to attract them.

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To encourage hummingbirds to visit your yard this spring, you'll likely be prioritizing feeders, flowers, and perhaps a few dashes of red – but it's easy to forget that perching spots are just as crucial.

Since hummingbirds spend a significant amount of time hovering in mid-air, they can tire out quickly, and this is why perches are so important. To attract as many hummingbirds as possible, you'll need to create at least a few sheltered perching spots to allow these delicate birds to rest and recharge.

According to experts, compact trees for natural hummingbird perching spots are the perfect solution. From redbud trees to lilac and serviceberry trees, there's a variety of options that will keep hummingbirds happy and add some visual interest to your garden – without taking up too much space.

Redbud Trees

Hummingbird perches come in plenty of different shapes and sizes; if you're looking for a quick fix, you can pick up a hummingbird swing (like this one from Amazon), or invest in a handy disc feeder (such as this 3-in-1 hummingbird feeder from Walmart).

If you're looking for trees that attract hummingbirds, however, it's best to think about nectar-rich options which also offer shaded perching spots – and redbuds are perfect.

You can pick up a live eastern redbud tree from Fast Growing Trees, and check out our guide on how to grow eastern redbuds, if you're in need of some advice. Ruby falls weeping redbud, also from Fast Growing Trees, is a more compact variety that works brilliantly in small backyards.

'A redbud tree is perfect for hummingbirds as it flowers really early in the season, right at the time when migratory hummingbirds are arriving,' explains Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.

You won't regret adding this gorgeous tree to your garden thanks to its pink and purple flowers, which are both beautiful and nectar-rich. Hummingbirds love to feed on them, but they can also perch on the branches of redbud trees between feeds.

'Redbud trees make a spectacular addition to your yard in early spring, when gorgeous blooms cover its bare branches,' Drew confirms. 'These blooms contain plenty of in nectar, which is ideal for hungry hummingbirds as they arrive on their long journey back north.'

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle won't necessarily provide a rich nectar source for hummingbirds, but it will offer plenty of perching spots. Hummingbirds can safely grip onto the narrow branches of crepe myrtle plants.

Growing and caring for crepe myrtle is impressively simple; it's a fast-growing, drought tolerant plant which produces lovely pink blooms from summer through to fall.

You can find a handful of compact varieties – like pocomoke crepe myrtle from Fast Growing Trees – and you can also grow crepe myrtle in pots, if you fancy creating a hummingbird-friendly container garden.

Serviceberry Trees

Serviceberry flowers are some of the best native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds – and serviceberry trees themselves are a reliable choice if you want to plant a garden for pollinators like bees and butterflies, too.

'These trees are another example of early flowering trees which provide beneficial nectar for migrating hummingbirds,' says Drew.

Invest in an autumn brilliance serviceberry tree, like this one from Fast Growing Trees, and you can expect classic white flowers in springtime and blazing orange foliage in the fall.

'As food is scarce early in spring, hummingbirds can find nectar and also eat other small insects that are attracted to serviceberry trees,' adds Drew.

There are plenty of advantages to serviceberry trees; crucially, they have dense branches which make ideal hummingbird perches, but they are also easy to grow (and a widely underrated tree species, according to many gardeners.)

'There are many compact cultivars of these native trees that will thrive in containers,' says Drew. In fact, growing serviceberry in pots will help you to create a glorious wildlife garden that thrives all year round.

Lilac Shrubs

If you've been keen to start growing lilac, now is the perfect time to add it to your garden. It will bloom by late spring, and compact varieties (like dwarf Korean lilac, which you can find at Fast Growing Trees), are not only ideal for small spaces, but they're also beloved by hummingbirds.

'Compact varieties of lilac trees produce tubular flowers that are perfect for the long beaks of hummingbirds,' says Drew. 'The fragrant spring blooms are nectar-rich and will dazzle in shades of purple, pink, or white.'

You can also grow lilac in pots; even smaller varieties will develop sturdy branches which serve as brilliant perches for hummingbirds.

'Hummingbirds will flock to these flowers in late spring and early summer, when they return to northern regions,' says Drew.

What to Shop

Looking for more hummingbird-friendly garden ideas? The Temple of Bloom Seven-Son flower provides nesting spots, plenty of nectar, and a safe retreat from predators.

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For us animal-lovers, the more wildlife in the yard, the merrier. When it comes to having a pond, you're more likely to attract visitors if it has one key feature: a frog house.

One of the best ways to attract frogs to the yard is by offering them a safe spot to rest and find shelter. A garden pond isn't enough to provide amphibians protection from predators, plus a frog house creates a damp, shady spot for them to retreat to when not in water. In winter, a frog house even offers an insulated spot for them to hibernate in.

Of course, the bonus of attracting frogs to the yard is that they offer natural pest control, eating the likes of slugs, snails, beetles, and more. Adding a frog house (whether it be a pre-made one like this frog house on Amazon or a DIY one) is a great way to encourage their presence.

Why Is a Frog House So Important?

If you want to turn your pond into a wildlife garden haven, then you need to add shelter. Not only is a frog house used by frogs, but it's also a vital resource for other amphibians, like newts and toads.

'Frogs are sensitive creatures and require moisture and cover to live. So, having a well-designed shelter in the pond will keep them healthy and will encourage them to live in your garden,' explains wildlife expert and veterinarian Iryna Smyrnova.

Because frogs split their time between water and land, a frog house becomes invaluable for cover and protection from predators, such as birds, reptiles, and mammals like foxes and raccoons.

Not only this, but frogs have porous skin through which they drink and breathe. Having a covered, damp, shady spot ensures they don't become dehydrated while on land.

And when it comes to making your yard wildlife-friendly before frost, a frog house provides the perfect spot for frogs to hibernate in freezing conditions.

Types of Frog House

There are plenty of pre-made frog houses on the market. These are usually made of wood or ceramics and are ready to be placed by your pond:

Alternatively, you can DIY a frog house.

'You can use natural materials such as rocks and logs to build the shelter. Remember to provide small crevices or tunnels for the frogs to slide in and out,' says Iryna.

Forage for these materials in your yard to keep it looking like a natural part of the landscape. You can also reuse old planters in the yard by turning them into caves and hiding spots.

'Avoid using chemicals and treated wood in the shelter, as frogs have sensitive skin and will take up toxins directly from the environment,' warns Iryna.

Stack them up to create a cave, keeping the opening around 3-4 inches wide.

You can add wildlife pond plants and moisture-loving vegetation (like these ferns from Nature Hills) around the shelter to help disguise it and offer more coverage.

Where to Place Your Frog House

The placement of your frog house is just as important as getting the structure right.

'Choose a shallow area close to the edge of the pond,' says Iryna. 'A well-designed shelter for the frogs will require hiding places, which will be secure but not airtight, to allow the frogs to move in and out freely.

'Additionally, the shelter will require a cool and damp place to allow the frogs to live comfortably. Frogs also require a gentle slope to enter the water,' she adds.

You can create a slope using rocks and bricks if there isn't a natural slope at the edge of your pond. Alternatively, add this wildlife ramp from Amazon.

Make sure there's dense vegetation nearby, too. This will help maintain moisture and shade, and provide extra cover. Having extra logs and rocks nearby can also provide options for frogs to retreat to.

FAQs

How Deep Should a Pond Be for Frogs?

The maximum depth of a pond for frogs should be 2-3 feet with gentle sloping sides that make it easy for them to get in and out. This depth will also help stop the pond from freezing solid in winter.

There are plenty of oxygenating pond plants that can help keep your pond in fit condition, absorbing impurities in the water and keeping algae at bay.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best pond plants.

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The American Robin is a familiar sight across the U.S., but if you're not seeing many of these popular birds hopping across your lawn, there are some simple strategies you can employ that will attract them to your yard – and keep them there.

These early birds love catching worms, so there is much that gardeners can do to encourage robins in the springtime, whether they're year-round residents in your region or just back during the breeding season.

From growing their favorite plants and other wildlife garden ideas to the best types of feeders and nest sites, discover how to create a habitat that's attractive to American Robins, according to experts.

Robins in the U.S.

'American Robins are short-distance migrants, and most head southward during the winter,' explains Yu Hsiang Yuka Wu, Project FeederWatch Assistant, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 'At the same time, many robins also remain in the north and survive by changing their diet from invertebrates to plant sources.'

American Robins can be found in every state in the Lower 48 States during the winter, and some areas in the Southern U.S. will only see robins during this time.

'Those that remain north often wander more in search of food, and spend more time in trees rather than on the ground,' says Yuka Wu. 'These robins are less vocal during the winter months, which makes them less noticeable.

'In the spring, with food resources becoming abundant once more up north, robins that migrated south return and can be found in large numbers digging up worms from yards and being more vocal.'

1. Grow Native Shrubs and Trees That Bear Fruits and Berries

If you enjoy watching our feathered friends, it's easy to rack up big bills for bird seed, nuts, and suet, yet it's entirely possible to feed birds without a feeder. It could even be argued that during spring, summer, and fall, it's better to provide the native plants, shrubs, and trees that bear or attract their natural diet.

'American Robins have an impressive ability to thrive in various habitat types, ranging from towns and cities to natural areas like mountain forests,' says Yuka Wu. 'Their diet is broad and varies throughout the year, consisting mostly of invertebrates and fruits.'

During the spring and summer, robins eat invertebrates, including worms and insects. Leaving a part of your yard covered in leaf litter from the fall will improve soil health and encourage this natural food source to survive the winter and be plentiful in the spring.

'Creating and maintaining a yard that supports insects is a good way to attract robins,' says Yuka Wu. 'Planting native shrubs and trees that bear fruits and berries, which make up their diet during fall and winter, will do the same. Those they like include hawthorns, winterberry, and junipers, which all provide berries during the winter.'

This berry poppins winterberry from Nature Hills is a dwarf shrub that will suit wet soils. Reaching 3-4', it would make a pretty hedging plant for small gardens across zones 3-9–and sustain robins and other birds at the same time.

Chokeberry and Honeysuckle also produce berries that robins love–and can sometimes get a little tipsy on. This Major Wheeler Lonicera from Burpee is a native vine that will also add vibrant color to your yard.

2. Provide Shelter with Native Trees and Hedges

In addition to providing nutrition to robins, the North American native trees and shrubs already mentioned offer shelter, as well as the materials the birds forage for their nesting sites in the breeding season. Growing these and other native shrubs and hedging plants will encourage robins to stay in your yard and nest.

'Dogwoods and hawthorns have dense branching and are especially good for nest sites,' says Yuka Wu. 'Robins build open-cup nests in sheltered, elevated spots such as in trees or under eaves using twigs, dead grass, and soft mud.'

Of course, if dogwood, hawthorns, winterberry, and other plants mentioned are not native to your region, check out those that are. Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica) and Inkberry (Ilex glabra) are also good options, native along the Atlantic coastline.

'Both will do very well along the coastline, and when planted in groups, the shrubs will form coverage for birds to hide in,' says Jen McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening. 'They can be interplanted to form a hedgerow or planted individually.

'Both Bayberry and Inkberry are dioecious species, meaning that one plant is female and one is male. In order to get fruit on the female plants to feed the birds into the winter, you will need a male plant nearby for pollination.

'Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica) provides multiple benefits for birds. The berries that remain on the shrub throughout the winter are also consumed by songbirds such as American Robins.'

This northern bayberry from Nature Hills tolerates urban pollution and coastal salt, growing up to 5-7' high and wide in zones 3-7. It's a fragrant plant that will attract robins, other birds, and butterflies.

3. Avoid Using Pesticides

If your yard is already rich in the native plants, shrubs, and trees that produce the fruits and berries – and entice the bugs – that American Robins eat, they may already be visiting at certain times of the year.

However, if you would like to increase their number and encourage robins to stay for longer, being relaxed about the beneficial insects and invertebrates that robins feed on will support these feathered foragers – and improve the health of your garden. The habit of spraying lawns is particularly perilous to robins, as they love to peck around for earthworms.

'Pesticides should be avoided when possible,' says Yuka. 'They will kill worms and other invertebrates that robins depend on to survive. Additionally, these chemicals can poison birds directly and cause further cascading negative effects throughout the ecosystem.'

Growing native plants like this Densa inkberry holly from Nature Hills creates a healthier ecosystem that is less reliant on pesticides or herbicides and can support birdlife. It's non-invasive, low maintenance, and looks good too.

4. Hang a Bird Feeder

When the robins' natural food sources are scarce, or in places like towns, suburbs, and cities, where they are less abundant, a bird feeder will bring these early risers to your yard. Choose a model that is most appropriate for the way robins feed.

'Platform or ground feeders are best for robins,' says Yuka. 'Fill them with fruits, mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet.'

This charming platform birdfeeder from Ace Hardware is just the ticket for robins. The roof will help to keep food dry, and it's easy to clean too.

Ensuring feeders are clean is something that is easily overlooked. Yet, it's vital to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. It's a good habit to clean feeders before you fill them again.

'Keeping feeders clean and food fresh can set you up for success,' says Jen. 'Look for one that is easy to disassemble for cleaning. To clean seed and suet feeders, first remove any debris that is stuck on. A bristled brush comes in handy for this.

'As for food, seed needs to be replaced if it has spoiled due to the weather. The ground underneath feeders also needs to be kept clean–mainly by discarding left over seed shells, spoiled seed and wet or moldy seed, to discourage unsanitary conditions that can make birds sick.'

This birdfood from Ace Hardware contains 100% mealworms, which are an excellent source of protein for robins and their young, as well as for other songbirds.

5. Install a Bird Bath

Seeing birds splashing about in a bird bath or swooping to sip water from one is a delight, and robins are no exception to this ritual. 'Robins are frequent visitors to birdbaths,' says Yuka. 'You can also attract them by leaving out a clean shallow dish of water for them to drink from and bathe in.'

These Athens bird baths from Ace Hardware have a classical style and neutral color that would suit most gardens. The removable tops make for easy cleaning.

'Providing clean sources of water for birds to drink and bathe in will help prevent disease,' says Jen. 'It’s important to keep birdbaths clean and replace the water at least every other day—once a day if it is being actively used.

Regularly changing the water also prevents mosquitoes from hatching eggs in the stagnant water. 'A bristle-brush can be used to scrub and clean the inside basin, as well as any rocks that are placed inside.

'Another option to clean the birdbath is with a water and vinegar solution (9 parts water to 1 part vinegar) and then rinse well.'

This cleaning vinegar from Lowe's could be diluted and used with a scrubbing brush to keep a bird bath free from algae. No rinsing is required when using it for household tasks, but rinse a bird bath thoroughly, so no scent or residue remains.

6. Put Up a Nest Shelf

Robins build their own nests, so they won't use a bird house, but if your yard is short on trees and shelter, they may use a nest shelf during nesting time, from April until around the middle of August.

These structures consist of two small shelves attached to a back board, so there is a lower ledge for the birds to make their nest and a higher ledge that offers shelter.

'Certain species of birds will not use nest boxes but will nest on a platform when available,' explains Jen. 'This includes American Robins. Robins will also scout out areas under building eaves, including porch lights (if they look sturdy enough). Nesting shelves can be installed in areas outside the home or on other outbuildings.'

'Nest shelves for robins should ideally be placed 5-25 feet from the ground in a sheltered area such as under the eaves of a building,' says Yuka. 'Nest Watch offer nest structure plans for American Robins with dimensions and instructions, so people can construct them, if they wish to.'

It doesn't take much effort to attract more robins to your yard. As you can see, some simple wildlife garden ideas, pesticide elimination, and basic bird care will bring these attractive avians (and others) to your garden.

'Many bird admirers get started by adding bird feeders to their outdoor spaces, which is a great first step,' says Jen. 'But this is only one of the many ways you can make a difference for birds.

'Plants can offer so much more than a pleasant view in the garden. Lots of native plants have co-evolved with the surrounding area to support insects and birds. The best part is that many are easy to include in your garden.'

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Creating a pollinator pit stop can be easier than it sounds, and it's perfect for gardens of all sizes. If you want to support wildlife and build your own pollinator-friendly habitat, here are five key steps to get right.

It all comes down to using native plants, selecting different flower colors and shapes for different pollinators, and providing essential habitat and water. Going vertical is a great idea too, especially in smaller spaces, so you can pack lots of beneficial plants into a small square footage.

To create a busy pollinator pit stop where bees, butterflies, and other beneficials can stop off, relax, recharge, and go, it starts with choosing the best plants for pollinators. I spoke to gardening and wildlife experts to discover what they would recommend as essentials for any pollinator pit stop, even for those of us with smaller, urban spaces.

1. Use Native Plants

Native plants are essential for pollinators. When choosing plants for pollinators, native species are always the best option, since your local wildlife has adapted to specific plants that meet their needs.

‘Flowering native plants have co-evolved with pollinators to provide forage at the time when specific pollinator species need those plants,' explains horticulturist and author Kim Eierman. ‘Always use regional native plants for the best pollinator support in your locale.’

‘The Biota of North America Program website is a great resource for determining the regionality of native plant species,’ recommends Kim.

Native plants also benefit gardeners as they are better adapted to local soil and climatic conditions. Adding these plants to flower beds and containers creates a pollinator pit stop that wildlife will flock to.

Some of the best native plants for pollinators include milkweed, bee balm (get a live Rockin Raspberry Bee Balm at Nature Hills), purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan (you can get a live black-eyed Susan plant at Fast Growing Trees), and butterfly weed. All of these plants can grow either in the ground or in pots.

You can easily build a container garden for pollinators using many of those plants, and they will even be happy in a thriving wildlife garden on a balcony.

2. Plant a Mix of Flowers

Different pollinators will flock to different flower colors, shapes, or structures. For a busy pollinator pit stop, mixing different types of blooms and planting for a long season will attract the widest variety of pollinators into your garden.

Ana Herrera-Ruiz from Tudor Place Historic House & Garden in Georgetown (which is home to a diverse mix of native plants) highlights how color and shape are equally important in attracting pollinators.

‘Bees tend to go for blues, purples, whites, and yellows, while butterflies are more drawn to brighter pinks and oranges. Hummingbirds usually prefer red, especially tubular flowers,’ says Ana.

‘Flat, open flowers like coneflowers or black-eyed Susans are easy landing spots, while tubular blooms like bee balm and columbine are better suited for hummingbirds.’

Ana highlights milkweed or Joe-Pye weed as two particularly valuable plants for pollinators, as they flower in clusters and offer lots of nectar in one place. You can get a live milkweed plant at Fast Growing Trees that is a perfect plant for a butterfly border.

Consider size, color, and form when picking plants for your pollinator pit stop, and try to include something to accommodate all forms of wildlife.

‘A long-tongued bee or a hummingbird can access nectar from flowers with long corolla tubes, like Delphinium exaltatum (Tall Larkspur), while a shorter-tongued bee or a wasp will need to feed on flowers with a shorter corolla tube, like Mountain Mints,’ advises Kim Eierman. You can get live mountain mint plants at Amazon.

It is also recommended to plant for a long season. As not all pollinator species are active at the same time, a long succession of blooms ensures there is food throughout the seasons.

Think about spring insects with columbine and serviceberry, summer wildlife that will flock to coneflowers and bee balm, and plants for fall pollinators, like New England aster and goldenrod.

3. Add Vertical Elements

In smaller spaces, it becomes even more beneficial to take advantage of vertical elements, which can offer vital habitat space without robbing away square footage of a more confined garden.

There are lots of vertical garden ideas that can attract pollinators, such as living walls packed with native plants, while even certain fence colors, like pink, yellow, and red, will bring more pollinators into a space.

‘Vertical elements like trellises and wall planters help maximize growing space, while native plants can thrive in containers for a smaller yard,’ advises Ana Herrera-Ruiz.

The gardening expert adds: ‘Layering plant heights from groundcover to mid-level and taller species will also make an impact in attracting pollinators.’

Simple ways to add vertical planting to a pollinator pit stop include using hanging baskets, planting climbers like trumpet vine or passionflower (you can get a live passionflower plant at Fast Growing Trees) to scale trellises, or making a simple green wall using a modular system like this one from Amazon that features 12 pockets.

4. Provide Fresh Water

A well-rounded pollinator pit stop needs more than just flowers and nectar; also, think about providing a safe water source for beneficial wildlife.

Adding a shallow bee watering station or butterfly puddler means they have access to essential fresh water, which is especially valuable during drought periods.

It is not difficult to add a safe, accessible hydration station for pollinators to your garden, ranging from having a shallow edge of a garden pond to smaller-scale water sources in more confined spaces.

‘In a smaller space, this could include using a shallow dish or saucer and adding pebbles or stones for landing spots,’ says Ana.

Place the container in a shady spot to provide valuable respite from the sun and prevent overheating, ideally somewhere near some nectar-rich native flowers. You do need to refresh the water regularly to keep it clean.

5. Provide Habitat

Along with providing safe water, creating habitats will significantly support pollinators, and even a small garden can provide critical habitat.

Different pollinators require varying habitats, but you don’t need grand spaces to provide essential habitat for a wide variety of pollinators.

Ana shows how gardeners can easily ‘replicate natural ecosystems on a miniature scale’ at home.

She says: ‘Install bee hotels for native solitary bees, create small brush or twig piles in tucked-away corners, incorporate native grasses for seasonal shelter, and leave stems standing in winter, as many insects can overwinter inside them.’

Gardeners can leave a corner of the yard wilder as a pollinator strip where long grass, weeds, and piles of twigs or logs can be a haven for a range of beneficial insects.

Even a small patch of bare soil can be a perfect spot for those native bees that nest in the ground and seek out bare, sunny ground.

You can buy a bug hotel, such as this wooden insect house at Amazon, or make your own bug hotel using a combination of sticks, logs, dead stems, and old bricks put into an old wooden pallet. It doesn’t need to be too neat; just fill any gaps with natural materials and place the hotel in a warm, dry, and protected space.

We mentioned earlier how some native bees nest in the ground and some prefer holes in wood. Indeed, not all bees want the same plants either. Therefore a good pollinator pit stop should try to have something for all different bees.

To make sure you are attracting as many as possible, our guide to types of bees and what to plant to attract them gives you lots of useful tips to entice lots of bees to your garden.

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Although a year-round native in many parts of the US, the beautiful bluebird and its soothing song, signals spring for much of the north. With its eye-catching plumage and associations with hope and happiness, there are multiple reasons you would want to attract these enchanting birds to your yard.

Wherever you live, with three different bluebird species: eastern (Sialia sialis), western (Sialia mexicana) and mountain (Sialia currucoides), there are similar practices that will lure these charming creatures and support their survival.

Conservation efforts from dedicated organisations and wildlife garden practices by American homeowners have seen bluebird numbers climb back from a perilous population decline in the early 20th century. Yet, there is still much that gardeners can do win over these winged warblers. We spoke to ornithology experts to discover the secret recipe to bring bluebirds to your yard.

Bluebirds in the US

'Bluebirds are fairly easy to find these days in terms of range and abundance, but they are just uncommon enough that it’s a treat when you spot one,' says Holly Grant, Project Assistant, Nest Watch, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

'That semi-scarcity aids in their attractiveness, but also, there’s a value afforded them because of the population declines they experienced in the early 1900s.'

Eastern Bluebirds in particular were affected due to habitat loss and fierce competition with European Starlings and House Sparrows for nesting space.

'There was a big push in the 1960s and 70s for installing nest boxes that exclude starlings,' says Holly. 'These nest-box campaigns alleviated much of the competition and allowed bluebird populations to recover.'

1. Install a Bluebird Nest Box

Aside from the sheer pleasure of seeing our feathered friends, birds benefit your backyard in multiple ways, so it's always worth attracting them. Bluebirds nest in tree cavities made by larger birds, like woodpeckers. So a nest box is one of the biggest draws for these colorful creatures.

Habitat loss and competition from non-native species (those European Starlings and House Sparrows), makes these cavities scarce, which is why the nest box campaign has been so successful.

This birdhouse from Ace Hardware is especially attractive to eastern bluebirds, due to the shape and size of the entrance.

'Bluebirds are a secondary cavity nester, which means they need an existing tree cavity to nest in,' explains Alexandra Wardwell, Prairie Project Manager with the National Audubon Society. 'They cannot excavate cavities on their own, so they often rely on other birds like woodpeckers.

'Nest boxes are a great way to attract bluebirds to an outdoor space. It’s very important that the bluebird box hole is the right size (about 1.5 inches for Eastern Bluebirds and slightly bigger 19/16 inches for Western Bluebirds) to help deter larger non-native species like House Sparrows or European Starlings.

'Adding a metal entrance hole protector can prevent squirrels from enlarging the opening. Remember to clean nest boxes between broods or before the next nesting season.'

2. Make Nest Boxes Safe and Secure

The best birdhouse for bluebirds is one that competing species and predators can't access. So it's important to choose (or make) one that will keep bluebirds out of harm's way and provide a comfortable home. This can vary according to your region.

'There is no one-best design for a bluebird nest box, and this is mainly because their habitat and threats differ geographically and locally,' explains Holly.

'The nest box plans on the Cornell Nest Watch website include a tall oval-like entrance hole, which has been shown to deter House Sparrows. This would be a good design to use in a space where House Sparrows are common.

'However, if House Sparrows aren’t common in your area, you might instead stick to the standard 1.5” round entrance hole.'

Ornithology organisations, such as Cornell and Audubon, recommend using untreated, unpainted wood for birdboxes, but there are different features that can be helpful too. Audubon also offer advice on how to build a bluebird nest box.

'A slanted roof to facilitate rain runoff and drainage holes are important if you live in a spot that gets heavy rainstorms,' says Holly. 'Ventilation holes are good for boxes placed in areas that get particularly hot in summer.

'Cone baffles, stovepipe baffles, noel guards, and entrance hole extenders/restrictors are all great ways to help ward off predators and/or competing invasive species from accessing the contents inside the box and disrupting the progress of the nest.'

This hanging baffle from Ace Hardware can prevent squirrels, racoons and other predators from accessing a nest box.

3. Put Nesting Boxes in the Best Location

To give these beautiful birds the best chance, it's important to avoid bird box mistakes. The timing and location of your nest box installation can determine whether bluebirds take to it straight away, or wait until the next breeding season to move in. Cornell recommend putting nest boxes up in the fall, well before the start of the following breeding season.

'Not only is the ground easier to dig into, this gives the birds time to get used to the boxes in their environment, and investigate once they're ready to look for nesting space,' says Holly. 'Plus, bluebirds will sometimes use nest boxes as roosting space in the winter.

However, Holly emphasises that it is fine to put next boxes up in spring and summer too. 'If there is a dearth of natural cavities, or there’s lots of competition for nesting space, the birds will be more desperate for any cavity space they can find,' she says.

Made from cedar, this birdhouse from Ace Hardware has all the attributes to make a comfortable home for bluebirds.

If you want to put up a nest box in spring, Nest Watch offers instructions on how to install them on a pole. Mounting nest boxes on a free-standing pole, so that baffle predator guards can be used, is a good way to keep the birds and any subsequent eggs safe.

The nesting season also varies slightly across the bluebird species: 'For the Eastern bluebird it's as early as late February in southern gulf states, but certainly by mid-March over most of their range,' says Holly.

'The Mountain bluebird nests around early April and Western Bluebirds around mid-April in some more temperate areas, but certainly by early May over most of their range.

'Sometimes bluebirds will take to a box immediately, and sometimes it may take until the following spring for them to actually find and use one you’ve installed,' says Holly.

4. Grow their Favorite Plants and Trees

During spring and summer, bluebirds love to feed on bugs, before switching to berries in the fall. Growing the native plants and trees that attract or produce their favorites to feast on will ensure these feathered foragers are regular visitors to your yard.

'Bluebirds prefer forest edges or open lands with scattered trees or shrubs for perches,' says Alexandra. 'They also rely heavily on caterpillars during the nesting season. Native trees like oaks, hickories, maples, and plants in the Prunus genus (cherries or plums) are hosts to many butterflies and moths.'

'Insects are critical for most songbirds during the nesting season, including bluebirds,' adds Holly. 'Bluebirds feed their young mainly insects while in the nest. Those proteins are a major part of what helps the chicks grow strongly and quickly.'

Bluebirds shift to fruits and berries as the insects become less available. Native plants that both encourage the insects – and produce the fruits – that these birds love to eat creates a sustained supply across the seasons.

'Eastern bluebirds feed on caterpillars, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and spiders,' says Holly. 'In fall and winter, they eat large amounts of fruit including mistletoe, sumac, blueberries, black cherry, tupelo, currants, wild holly, dogwood berries, hackberries, honeysuckle, bay, pokeweed, and juniper berries.

This white flowering dogwood tree from Fast Growing Trees is native to the eastern US, hardy in zones 5-9 and attracts the pollinators bluebirds feed on.

Mountain bluebirds eat similar bugs, but in winter will eat small fruits and seeds too. 'These include grapes, currants, elderberries, cedar berries, and the seeds of sumac, mistletoe, and hackberry,' says Holly.

Growing this Adams elderberry from Nature Hills would provide ample fruit for bluebirds.

It's a similar diet for Western Bluebirds, who will prey on ants, wasps, pillbugs and snails, as well as grasshoppers, caterpillars and beetles. 'They will also eat many kinds of berries when there are no insects,' says Holly. 'Particularly elderberry, grapes, mistletoe, raspberries and blackberries, serviceberry, sumac, chokecherries, juniper, and poison oak.'

This gorgeous Sumac Tiger Eyes cutleaf from Nature Hills would suit a sunny spot or rock garden and is hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 4-8. It not only produces the berries bluebirds love, it's a spring to fall showstopper too.

5. Add a Bird Bath or Fountain

Bluebirds need to keep their spectacular plumage clean; they also need fresh water to drink, so a bird bath is a good strategy if you'd like to see more of these attractive feathered fellows.

This solar bird bath fountain from Amazon will keep visiting bluebirds very happy, while, not costing you a dime to run.

'Dripping or moving water is very attractive to all birds and a great way to get bluebirds to notice your yard,' says Alexandra. 'There are commercial drippers available, but you can also create your own by securely suspending a metal or food safe plastic container over the birdbath, making a small hole in the bottom of the container, and filling it with water.

'Bird baths should be shallow (1-2 inches deep), elevated off the ground, and located near trees or shrubs that provide perching and cover. If a bath is too deep, add clean stones to create shallower areas. It’s important to clean bird baths regularly to prevent disease.'

'Change the water every day to keep it fresh and clean, especially during the summer,' adds Holly.

This green resin bird bath with a solar fountain from Lowe's offers the moving water bluebirds love.

6. Hang a Feeder

Hanging feeders are not quite the magnet for bluebirds, that they are to other species – unless their natural food sources are scarce. If you don't have the space to grow the shrubs and trees suggested, a hanging feeder can be helpful to these pretty cerulean songsters, but be sure to fill it with the best food for bluebirds.

'In addition to insects and native fruits, bluebirds may sometimes be attracted to supplemental foods like mealworms, shelled sunflower seeds, and suet nuggets,' says Alexandra.

This hanging bluebird feeder from Lowe's has a squirrel guard and can be filled and cleaned easily.

Although bluebirds numbers have increased to healthier levels, changing weather patterns are still a threat, and encouraging these charming birds to your yard will help to sustain them. It's also a delightful activity for you and your family, especially younger generations.

'Providing habitat for bluebirds is a great way to connect with nature,' says Alexandra. 'I especially love the impact that watching a nest box has on children as they watch all the steps it takes from building the nest to the young fledging.

'My grandma was an avid Eastern Bluebird box caretaker in Wisconsin, and tagging along with her to clean and check boxes really had an impact on me.'

If you want to take your conservation efforts one step further, consider joining NestWatch. The general advice to stay away from nests is different with bluebirds. 'NestWatch participants visit bluebird nests about once or twice per week and report what they see – species, how many eggs, when they hatch, when they fledge, etc,' explains Holly.

'Once they submit that data to our website, it joins hundreds of thousands of other anonymized records that are made available to researchers, who help us monitor the nesting success of these birds. It’s free and we offer a short easy training to help participants learn how to keep birds safe during monitoring.'

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Decorative birdhouses might look irresistibly charming with promises to bring resident birds to your yard, but the truth is they can do more harm than good. If not properly constructed, placed incorrectly, or left unmaintained, they can make birds vulnerable to predators and diseases.

That's not to say birdhouses should be ruled out entirely, but many on the market have several bird box mistakes in their design, especially if they're built with aesthetics in mind and not functionality. Instead, experts say to consider birdhouse alternatives that provide safe nesting spots, keep predators away, and still look good in your yard.

From planting native trees to using reliable nest boxes (like this wooden nest box from Amazon), there are plenty of options to provide shelter for birds during nesting season. Here, the experts explain why to reconsider your birdhouse with three better alternatives.

When Are Birdhouses Hazardous?

Often, a commercial birdhouse is decorative object that has been designed with garden aesthetics in mind, rather than functional and safe use for birds.

Those with larger holes put cavity-nesting birds at risk of predators (like rodents, squirrels, and larger birds) who can easily enter.

Bob Mulvihill, ornithologist at The National Aviary, notes you even have to take into account the specific birds you want to attract when choosing a birdhouse:

'Avoid perches for bluebird boxes. Perches give wrens and sparrows easier access, and not only do these small birds compete for bluebird boxes, they will attack a bluebird, her eggs, and her young,' he explains.

Things like dark paint and a lack of ventilation found on birdhouses can cause them to overheat and become an unsafe environment for birds.

It's also a problem if they're solid and can't be opened to clean.

'Although some birds will build new nests on top of old ones, this can increase the presence of parasites and bacteria,' explains Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

For this reason, experts say the following birdhouse alternatives can provide a safer nesting spot for the birds in your yard.

1. Use a Proper Nest Box

If you're keen to add a birdhouse to your yard, then a nest box is the top choice of birdhouse alternatives for you.

This can be confusing, as 'birdhouse' and 'nest box' are terms sometimes used interchangeably in product descriptions.

The clear distinction is that nest boxes are designed with bird functionality and safety in mind. They're spaces where birds can safely nest and raise their young without the risk of predators entering, resembling natural tree cavities.

'They have become vital for the conservation of several bird species known as secondary cavity nesters – birds that rely on pre-existing cavities for nesting because they cannot excavate them independently,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

This includes bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees.

'The box should be made of relatively thick, untreated wood (like these fir wood nest boxes from Wayfair) with ventilation holes to help regulate the internal temperature. It also needs a sloped roof to keep out rain and an entrance hole sized specifically for the bird species you want to attract while excluding larger birds,' she adds.

As an example, Bob notes a bluebird box typically has a hole 1 1/2" wide – like these cedar bluebird nest boxes on Amazon. Our guide to the best birdhouses has more information on which types to choose for different birds.

Maria adds, 'attaching a predator baffle (like this squirrel baffle from Amazon) to a pole often improves nesting success by adding protection from ground-based predators, and the box design should also protect against aerial predators.'

You can even attach a nest box metal guard (available on Amazon) to stop larger birds and rodents pecking and chewing the hole to make it bigger.

'Make sure any box you build or buy has a convenient way for you to clean out any old nesting material after the nesting season is over,' says Bob. 'Boxes are commonly top, front, or side-opening,' he adds.

2. Leave Natural Cavities

For a natural alternative to a birdhouse, Maria urges to leave any natural cavities in your yard.

'Due to human alteration of the landscape, including building development and the removal of dead or dying trees that contain natural cavities or those created by primary cavity nesters like woodpeckers, competition for these limited nesting sites has increased,' she says.

Cavities may also be created by branches falling off, but you can also find them in undesired locations like utility poles and house structures – our guide to stopping woodpeckers from pecking your house has more guidance on this.

But, if you do have the likes of woodpeckers in your yard that have created cavities in your tree, leave them in place as natural resource for nesting birds.

3. Plant Native Trees

'Another excellent alternative to nest boxes is to ensure a plentiful supply of native trees for wildlife,' says Maria. 'These are great for birds that will use cavities but are not obligate secondary cavity nesters,' she explains.

There are plenty of plants for birds and native plants to feed birds in winter to add to your yard. Come nesting season from early spring, they can provide vital shelter.

'Providing adequate structure and nesting materials creates more safe spots for birds to build their nests,' Maria explains.

Likewise, you should get the timing right to cut trees and hedges to protect nesting birds.

You can even enhance the number of nesting materials in your yard with things like this alpaca fiber for birds from Amazon. However, you should take care to avoid materials that could be harming your backyard birds.

What to Shop

FAQs

How Do You Clean a Nest Box?

You should clean out a nest box between September and February, after the birds have left. Remove old nesting materials, scrape out debris, and use boiling water to kill any parasites. Don't use chemicals and insecticides, as this may harm next season's birds, and remember to wear gloves (like these from Walmart).

There's a lot of other things you can also do to help birds during breeding season this spring.

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Hummingbirds are returning north after waiting out winter down south. On their journey, they seek backyards that offer their favorite flowers, nesting spots, and a safe retreat from predators – and there's one tree that does it all: the Temple Bloom Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides).

It's one of the best trees to attract hummingbirds, offering them year-round support. In spring, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower (available from Proven Winners) has lush foliage on its layered, airy branches, making the perfect hummingbird nesting spot. Come late summer, the branches are adorned with fragrant nectar-rich flowers which hummingbirds feed from before setting off south.

The best part is it's incredibly easy to grow Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower for hummingbirds. It thrives across USDA zones 5-9 and makes the perfect addition to a sunny spot in the yard. Here, I delve into why it's a top choice if you only add one plant to your yard for these charming birds this spring, plus some tips on how to grow it successfully.

Why Hummingbirds Love Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower (which is also available from Nature Hills) is one of the best plants to attract hummingbirds because it supports them year-round.

In spring, as hummingbirds return from their migration, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower is full of lush green foliage adorning layered, airy branches. This provides the perfect spot for hummingbirds to build their nests for the nesting period (typically March-July).

They're not cavity-nesters, but rather construct cup-shaped nests directly on branches, and the branches of Temple Bloom provides some structure for this.

The foliage also provides some coverage to conceal hummingbirds from predators, such as birds of prey, cats, and rodents. Alongside their nests being built of lichen, moss, and feathers, this camouflages them.

For this reason, it makes one of the best shrubs to create shelter for hummingbirds.

As nesting season comes an end and preparations begin for the hummingbird migration, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower's buds burst open.

It provides late-season flowers from mid-to-late summer into fall. They're white, fragrant, and provide a vital source of nectar for hummingbirds just as other sources are fading away.

An added bonus is that the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower has extended seasonal interest. Once the fragrant flowers fade, red-pink bracts appear, creating an appearance of a second bloom and offering some fall color.

How to Grow Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower

Native to China, the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower can be grown across USDA zones 5-9, reaching a height and spread between 6-10ft.

Here are some key tips to get the most out of it in your garden:

• Light: Best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Ensure six hours of direct sun for vigorous growth and blooms. Brighter light will encourage brighter red bracts in fall.
• Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types. Ensure it's well-draining and moderately fertile for best results. You can use a soil test kit (from Amazon) to check your soil health and improve your garden soil accordingly.
• Water: Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower requires consistent moisture levels, especially in its first year. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Use this soil moisture meter from Amazon to monitor moisture levels.
• Pruning: This is one of the flowering trees to prune in early spring. Even though flowers only emerge in summer they start to develop buds in spring, so it's key to prune early in the season to ensure you don't cut off the buds. You should only remove weak, diseased, and damaged branches, plus any overcrowded branches that are minimizing airflow. Use these sharp Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon to make clean cuts.
• Fertilizing: These shrubs don't require much fertilizer. They're extremely low-maintenance once established. But, if you have particularly poor soil, you could use a slow-release fertilizer (like these tree and shrub food spikes from Amazon) in early spring to support new growth.

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FAQs

When is it Best to Plant Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower?

It's best to plant these trees in either fall or early spring. These milder seasons provide warm, workable soil that allow roots to settle and establish without the heat stress of summer.

There are also plenty of native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds to grow this season and support the wildlife in your yard.

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Seeing hummingbirds in your neighbors garden but not in your own? It can be perplexing, especially if you're hanging nectar feeders or planting their favorite flowers to lure them.

It's widely known that these feathered foragers make a beeline to red and orange flora. So if your neighbor has a banquet of hot-hued blooms, the hummers may have an abundant food supply already.

However, there is another trick you can try to entice hummingbirds to your yard. Attributed to bird enthusiast, the late Bob Sargant, the red tape rule is used by avian admirers who want to coax these captivating creatures closer. Discover why this practice works and what experts suggest.

Why Red Tape Attracts Hummingbirds

Tying red or orange surveyors tape or ribbon is a trick used by birders to attract hummingbirds. It is believed the flash of color on the tape acts as a beacon and catches the eye of passing hummers in flight, who will often swoop down for a closer look, in case it's a plant, like this Burgundy Cardinal flower from Nature Hills.

'Anything red can attract hummingbirds to investigate your garden for nectar; tape is simply one of the easiest ways to create that visual cue,' explains Yaron Levite, founder, Nature Anywhere. 'Hummingbirds will notice the red tape and briefly scout the immediate area for a food source.

'However, if there’s no nectar nearby, they’ll move on and are unlikely to return, no matter how much red tape you use.'

As well as red nectar-producing flowers, this feeder from Ace Hardware would encourage hummers to stay in your yard.

How to Use Red Tape Safely and Effectively

When coaxing hummingbirds into your yard with red surveyors tape, or ribbon, it's important to not cause them – or other wildlife – any harm. The tape used is generally non-adhesive and made of PVC (plastic), like this flagging tape from Ace Hardware, so it needs to be tied securely so it can't come loose and cause havoc for wildlife.

'If you’re using red tape, place it right next to your feeder or flowering plants,' says Yaron. 'Think of it as landing lights for hummingbirds; it doesn’t feed them, but it guides them straight to the food.'

Yaron explains that hummingbirds rely heavily on vision. 'In nature, many nectar-rich flowers are red or orange, so birds learn to associate those colors with food,' he says. 'A red ribbon mimics that signal and can trigger a quick investigation flight.

'However, it’s important to note: the attraction is learned behavior, not instinct alone. And the ribbon only works if there is a reward nearby (feeder or flowers).'

As mentioned, these feathered-foragers are not going to hang around if tape is all there is on offer. Once you've caught their attention, if you want them to stop by, so you can enjoy their avian antics, you will need to offer nectar–producing flowers that attract hummingbirds–and ideally places for them to drink, bathe and forage for nesting materials.

This Major Wheeler honeysuckle from Nature Hills has the red tubular blooms that hummingbirds adore.

Where to tie the tape for best results

Yaron recommends tying the red tape or ribbon on a branch above or beside a hummingbird feeder, or near flowering plants that hummers already visit, or that would attract them.

'Placing the ribbon roughly eye-level to slightly above feeder height (5–8 feet) works well,' says Yaron. 'Use a soft, thin strip (1 inch wide) of tape that can move slightly in the breeze. Movement catches the hummers attention much better than a static object.

'Avoid large, heavy pieces that look unnatural or cluttered–and avoid loose loops that could entangle small birds.'

Red tape is used as a temporary attractor, usually during hummingbird migration, and not as a permanent fixture.

'Using it for one to three weeks, early in the season before birds establish routes is best,' says Yaron. 'Especially when introducing a new feeder. Once hummingbirds are visiting regularly, you can remove it—they’ll remember the location.'

People often choose red feeders like this one from Lowe's to lure the fascinating feathered foragers too.

As you can see, applying the red tape rule can help to attract passing hummingbirds in your area. Yet once in your yard, they will only stay if they can feed and forage. So hang feeders, install a bird bath and plant their favorite flowers, then sit back and enjoy their adorable antics.

Feeding stations, like this hanging nectar feeder from Lowe's will also help hummers refuel on their migration journey. And shallow water in this bird bath from Ace Hardware would provide somewhere for them to drink and bathe.

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As hummingbirds head back from their winter migration, they seek backyards rich in food and water sources. But, unlike many other garden birds including American robins, you're unlikely to find hummingbirds using your bird bath. Instead, these tiny winged creatures are more accustomed to a gentle mist to cool off and clean their feathers.

If you're keen to attract hummingbirds this spring, it's vital to provide the right kind of water source. While their small legs make traditional bird baths too deep and the water too heavy, you can simply add a bird bath fountain pump (like this from Amazon) to provide a light and refreshing mist for them.

Hummingbird experts note that even the sound of running water in your yard can attract them. Here, they explain more about why hummingbirds prefer mist over a bird bath and all the ways you can incorporate this in your yard.

Why Do Hummingbirds Prefer Mist?

'Hummingbirds are tiny little birds, with legs made for perching rather than standing, and therefore most bird baths are too deep for them,' explains Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

'Water is also heavy as it soaks their feathers, which can throw off the aerodynamics of a bird that already requires a lot of energy to be able to fly in the way hummingbirds do,' she adds.

Instead, hummingbirds seek a gentle, light spritz to clean their feathers, cool off, and stay hydrated.

'Bathing in a mist allows hummingbirds to get the water they need for proper feather maintenance, as well as cool off on particularly hot days,' Maria explains.

But, this isn't to say they won't use bird baths at all. It just needs to be accessible.

'While they will use very shallow traditional bird baths, most of their bathing in nature is on leaf surfaces that gather water from rain or collect dew, in a fine mist-like rain, or the mist produced from fast-moving or falling water, like waterfalls,' Maria explains.

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to provide water for these birds, just in time for when hummingbirds will return to your garden from the south.

3 Ways to Provide Water for Hummingbirds

As Maria explains, hummingbirds largely use morning dew, rain, and moisture from leaves to stay refreshed. This means one of the best ways to provide water is by having lots of trees that attract hummingbirds.

'Consider also providing perching spots. Once the hummingbirds have flown through their shower, they’ll find a place to perch and preen their feathers, making sure they’re nicely cared for,' Maria advises.

These pretty hummingbird swings from Amazon are a good choice. Just hang them up in trees.

Besides this, there are also a few ways to provide additional mist and water for hummingbirds:

1. Add a Solar Fountain to Your Bird Bath

'The sound of a mister or fountain in your yard will attract hummingbirds, along with many other birds, to the fact that there is water available,' Maria says.

'I recommend adding a solar water pump fountain (like this one from Walmart) to your bird bath,' she adds.

You can also purchase a bird bath with the mister and pump built in, like this one from Wayfair.

2. Keep Your Bird Bath Shallow

Of course, placing a bird bath in your yard is a vital way to help a wide range of garden birds. You can make it more useful to hummingbirds by keeping it shallow enough for them to use.

'The water needs to be extremely shallow, less than 3/4 of an inch, just a thin layer,' explains wildlife expert David M. Burrows.

'Or, for something easier, place floating objects or rocks in your bird bath for hummingbirds to land on (like these pollinator water islands from Walmart).

'This will also make your bird bath accessible to butterflies and bees,' he adds.

3. Set Up a Sprinkler

Another way to create mist for hummingbirds is with your sprinkler.

'Set a sprinkler on a timer to mist your yard without wasting water,' says Siobhan Shaw from Growing to Give.

An oscillating sprinkler (like this one from Walmart) can be a good choice, as it provides movement for the hummingbirds to fly through. You can use a sprinkler timer attachment (from Amazon) for more convenience.

'Add a hummingbird feeder (like this one from Amazon) and bright native spring flowers for hummingbirds, and you’ve created a little oasis that keeps these jewels coming back,' Siobhan advises.

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'Another magical thing about hummingbirds is that they remember your exact location if it’s a good stop while migrating or just cruising the neighborhood. So, a well-planned habitat for them this year will keep them coming back for future,' says David.

For this reason, it can be a good idea to plant some shrubs to create shelter for hummingbirds to transform your yard into a safe haven for them.

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I’ve always loved birdwatching, but it can be tricky when you don’t have a garden – something I’m reminded of whenever I’m staying in my top-floor apartment out in the country. I can hear birds all around me and spot them in the distance, but it’s never quite the same as having them nearby. You miss that sense of connection.

That’s why this new window bird feeder from ALDI immediately stood out to me. It sticks straight onto your window, which means you can watch birds feeding just inches away – no garden required. It’s such a simple idea for feeding birds, but it completely changes the experience. Suddenly, you’re not just observing nature from afar, you’re right in the middle of it.

Why Window Bird Feeders Are Having a Moment

If you’ve ever tried to set up a traditional bird feeder without a proper outdoor space, you’ll know how limiting it can be. Window feeders solve that instantly – and it is a great way to feed birds in the summer.

They attach directly to the glass using suction cups, so you get a clear, close-up view of visiting birds from the comfort of indoors. It feels surprisingly immersive – and honestly, quite calming.

For anyone living in an apartment or working with a smaller outdoor setup, it’s an easy way to bring a bit more wildlife into your everyday routine. It also negates the worry of where to place a bird feeder for the most action.

Affordable Window Feeders for Everyday Birdwatching

If you miss out on the ALDI version, there are plenty of similar options that offer the same effect. Most are made from clear acrylic, so you don’t miss a thing, and come with drainage holes to keep the seed dry, plus strong suction cups to hold everything in place.

It’s worth looking for a design with a removable tray, as it makes cleaning and refilling much easier. A small roof or overhang is also useful, especially in spring, when the weather can’t quite make up its mind.

If you’re hoping to attract hummingbirds to your yard, I always reach for this Window Hummingbird Feeder from Amazon – it’s reliable and easy to use. For a more general option, the Window Bird Feeder by Nature’s Hangout, also from Amazon, has impressively strong suction cups and sits proudly in my own apartment window. I was honestly surprised by just how many birds came to visit – it really brings wildlife up close in a way that’s both fun and relaxing to watch.

Design-Led Options That Feel More Elevated

If your feeder is going to sit front and centre on your window, it makes sense to choose one that looks good too. There are some more design-led options out there that feel a bit more refined, with sleeker shapes and materials that blend nicely into modern interiors.

They do come at a higher price point, but if you see it as part of your living space rather than just a practical addition, it can be worth it.

Why This ALDI Find Is Worth the Hype

ALDI is particularly good at these kinds of finds – simple, well-priced products that just slot into everyday life. This one feels especially useful if you’re short on space but still want to enjoy a bit of nature at home.

For me, it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes a difference. When I’m in my top-floor apartment, I want to feel connected to what’s going on outside – not just watch it from a distance. A window feeder like this brings everything closer, making birdwatching feel effortless and far more engaging.

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If you love the idea of birdwatching but don’t have a garden, this is such an easy way to make it part of your day.

It’s a small addition, but it completely changes the feel of a space. And once the birds start visiting, it quickly becomes something you look forward to – one of those simple, everyday pleasures that’s hard to beat.

There are a myriad of different ways you can establish a personal connection to your garden to ensure your identity is entwined throughout it. But have you heard of birth month butterflies? Neither had I until very recently, but given the decline in butterflies visiting our yards, I am here to help you attract more into your yards and reconnect with these vital pollinators.

Depending on your birth month, you might even recognize some of the characteristics associated with each butterfly, adding another layer of interest to your yard and a fantastic talking point for those who visit.

We've created our very own list of 12 butterflies, which will take you through the year. To help you attract each of these species into your yard we have also suggested some of the best plants to grow to make sure your green space is alive with these wonderful winged pollinators, symbolizing renewal, beauty, and the changing seasons.

January: Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

From North America to the southern states of America to the boreal forest of Canada, Mourning Cloak butterfly, can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban gardens, rural forests and coastal regions.

While your yard might be cloaked in a veil of silence at the start of the year, the Mourning Cloak is once of the first butterflies to emerge and is a spectacle to be seen. With deep maroon wings and edges in a creamy yellow color, it has phenomenal survival strategies and symbolizes resilience and quiet strength.

As it is one of the first butterflies to be emerge at the start of the year, to ensure you are able to attract them you need to grow nectar rich plants such as willow and birch trees . The Mourning Cloak loves tree sap and also early blooming fruit trees.

Equally as important are the host plants for the caterpillars. As well as elm an poplar trees these willow tree cuttings available from Amazon can be planted as bare roots and also provide your yard with privacy,

February: Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Remarkable migrants, the Red Admiral, which can be found across southern states of America, is best known for its massive northward migrations in spring from North Africa and Southern Europe. You will also instantly recognize this beautiful butterfly with its bold and vibrant orange and red wings and white tips.

Representing courage and adaptivity, the key to ensure the Red Admiral makes your yard its home is to plant asters and daisies which are not only rich in nectar but also loved by a diverse range of pollinators ensuring your yard is a feast for a wide range of pollinators.

My favorite however which is irresistible to butterflies and is also lovingly known as the butterfly bush. It fast growing and is really easy to grow. Without fail it will attract masses of butterflies.

While nettles may be seen as a weed by many, it is in fact a really useful plant as a host. So if you are able to make room for a small, maintained patch of nettles the Red Admiral will thank you.

March: Comma (Polygonia c-album)

With ragged orange wings, dark markings and a white ‘comma’ mark the Comma butterfly, which can be detected in southern Canada as well as Texas and Florida symbolizes uniqueness and transformation, timely as March is the month when life in our yards really begins to stir and transformation is imminent.

Again planting host plants including nettles as well as hops, elms and honeysuckle are vital for attracting caterpillars. The adult Comma is drawn to sunny sheltered spots in yards so it may be worthwhile considering positioning a couple of stones to allow them to soak up the sun.

To ensure they stick around Buddleia and also Ivy, like this Fenway Park Boston Ivy available from Amazon will help attract the Comma butterfly into your yard. They also love over ripe fruit including bananas or plums if you want to guarantee that they are frequent visitors.

April: Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)

To kick of spring, representing optimism and fresh beginnings as the first new shoots of growth start to gain momentum and flowers begin to bloom, the Orange Tip butterfly can be easily spotted.

With white whings and fiery orange tips it is a welcome sight in any yard and commonly found in various habitats across North America from southwest Oregon to Western Nevada.

Cuckoo flowers, garlic mustard and honesty will really help to tract these beautiful winged friends, while also being ideal for hosting caterpillars.

Honesty is a great plant to grow in your yard not only for attracting butterflies but its seed heads also provide seasonal interest in the winter months.

The good news is honesty, or Lunaria, can also be easily grown from seed, so why not try this selection, which can be bought from Amazon.

May: Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady butterfly is undeniably one of the most recognizable butterflies, globally and known for its orange, black and white – spotted wings.

Symbolizing adventure and migration the Painted Lady will travel thousands of miles annually form Africa and Europe and has the ability to thrive in various habitats. However it's very unlikely to survive colder climates in the winter months.

If you want to guarantee the Painted Lady stops by your yard marigolds in shades of vibrant oranges and bright yellows, are again easy to grow from seed and are available from Amazon

For the caterpillars they rely on thistles and also vipers (bugloss), with seeds available from Amazon, is a beautiful wildlife friendly flower with spires of blue and purple flowers, making it an attractive magnet for butterflies and again can be grown from seed.

June: Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Dazzling blue wings and a delicate frame the Common Blue butterfly means joy and friendship. Although not native to the US, it was accidently introduced in 2005 on a plane settling first in Canada, it has since spread widely. However an adult Common Blue can expect to live for only three weeks.

They do however have the most fascinating symbiotic relationship with ants. The Common Blue Butterfly produces a sweet sugary substance, loved by ants. In exchange for this sweet treat, the ants protect the caterpillars from predators, even carrying them to their nests!

To ensure you can provide a good home for the Common Blue Butterfly it's worth planting, clover, buttercups, as well as bird’s-foot trefoil. Each of these plants will provide a reliable source of food, allowing it to thrive for its relatively short lifespan.

Birds foot trefoil and clover, also double up as the perfect host plant . True Leaf Market sells a wide variety of different clover, but I love this bold crimson variety, which will bring color as well butterflies to your garden at the height of summer.

July: Peacock (Aglais io)

In late summer the Peacock butterfly is a frequent visitor to gardens filled with nectar rich plants.

Consider planting lavender along paths and borders or verbena bonariensis which self seed effortlessly, adding a wistful and elegant touch to your yard and is a magnet for the Peacock butterfly every year.

Imagination Verbena seeds are available from True Leaf Market and are not only a summertime favorite but are also very low maintenance

A common friend in the garden the Peacock butterfly is another strikingly beautiful species with large multi colored eyespots on its wings, which resemble the peacock bird and is believed to represent creativity and protection.

Like so many butterflies nettles make for an ideal host plant, so consider creating a patch in a shady area.

August: Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is prevalent across north America, but can be found in large number in the Lassen Volcanic National Park, California as well as urban gardens and meadows.

A hardy type, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly can live for as long as ten months and hibernates through the winter settling in dark cool areas.

With bright orange and black wings and blue spotted edges, it is also an expert at camouflaging itself mimicking dark leaves and bark to avoid predators. Their chrysalis also has a striking golden appearance.

Symbolizing warmth and abundance, to attract the Small Tortoiseshell, marjoram and echinacea are worth considering planting in your yard. I tend to grow echinacea from plants rather than seeds and these purple cone flowers are available from Amazon.

Not only do their centers attract butterflies but their petals dry easily to make delicious tea infusions. And of course like so many butterflies we have listed patches of nettles for the caterpillars to make their home are a necessity as well as remembering not to use pesticides.

September: Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)

Heading into fall, the Speckled Wood butterfly, can be found across American gardens and also along hedgerows and in woodland areas. Identified by its autumnal brown wings and cream spots the Speckled Wood butterfly has become known to mean harmony and adaptivity.

To ensure your garden attracts some this fall brambles are an ideal source of food for this species of butterfly.

But what sets this beauty apart from other butterflies is that they really do thrive in shaded areas and will also love you even more if you keep parts of your yard a little wild and not too manicured.

Keep grasses just a little bit longer as this will provide an ideal habitat for the caterpillars as they hibernate over the winter months.

October: Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Small Copper butterfly, a fiery orange butterfly which are also known for being highly territorial, represents resilience and energy.

They also prefer dry habitats. Ideally you want to leave a section of your garden to take on a more natural appearance, leave leaves on the ground, keep grass a little longer, but also leave an area of the ground bare as they will bask in the sun.

Just as we leave food and grow particular plants for wildlife to thrive in our yards in the winter month, water is also vital when it comes to creating the best habitat for butterflies. Puddle stations, whether a shallow dish of water or damp soil, or sand and gravel allow them to absorb minerals from wet and muddy spots.

When it comes to the best plants to grow to attract the Small Copper butterflies consider planting yarrow, also known as achillea.

Again they can be grown from seeds like this red variety from Amazon and is a reliable perennial. For the caterpillars consider growing sorrel and dock.

November: Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Often referred to as the original 'Butter – fly' due to it's distinct butter colored yellow wings, the Brimstone butterfly has an exceptional lifespan and so represents endurance and hope, fitting as the year begins to draw to a close.

With leaf shaped wings, they are also known as ‘flying leaves’ and to ensure they fly to your yard buckthorn trees will attract female Brimstone butterflies, providing them with somewhere to lay their eggs.

Common buckthorn is best suited for dry chalky or limestone soils while the alder buckthorn suits damp, acidic or waterlogged soils.

To sustain the adults they need a continuous supply of nectar from early spring through to fall. In spring primrose is the perfect source of early nectar. Available to buy now as plants from Walmart, primroses also offer a burst of color when little else is in flower and thrives in cooler climes.

While buddleia a common favorite amongst so many varieties of butterflies, is a source of fuel towards the end of the year.

December: Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

Two festive seasonal favorites holly and ivy grown together is a great plan when it comes to attracting the Holly Blue butterfly, a widespread species found from Alaska to Panama, which is known to symbolize peace and renewal.

In spring the first generation lay their eggs on holly and the second generation will seek out ivy to lay their eggs on.

Unlike other blue species of butterflies, the pale blue wings of the delicate and ethereal Holly Blue prefers head height plants when searching for food. Globe Thistles and the Mexican giant hyssop summer long coral variety available to buy from Walmart are a perfect pairing to grow.

Male Holly Blue butterflies will thank you for creating mud puddles providing them with a drink from the damp mud and consider holding off cutting back your ivy until at least late October as this will ensure vital shelter is left for those butterflies overwintering as well as food for the late seasonal generation.

If you want your yard to be visited by a wide range of butterflies through the year, the key is to plant a variety of nectar rich flower plants and also provide sunny and shady spots to provide for different needs.

Always avoid using pesticides and provide shallow sources of water. Leaving some areas a little wild and natural will also support biodiversity and provide a rich diverse habitat for butterflies and allow so much more nature to thrive.

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Visiting birds bring an extra dose of color, life, and sound to our backyards. Watching them flit to and fro can encourage us to take a pause from our busy, often screen-orientated routines and connect with nature. And, of course, making our spaces more bird-friendly by providing sources of food can benefit them, too.

There are many winged wonders you can welcome into your plot, including hummingbirds and woodpeckers. Orioles are other colorful birds not to overlook – especially as, according to ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap Maria Kincaid, seven of the eight regularly occurring species in the US are decreasing in population, primarily due to habitat loss.

Putting out food is one of the best ways to attract birds, but catering to their preferences is key. Maria notes that not all species of orioles will visit seed feeders, but they're known for drinking nectar and eating fruits – and they eat insects, too. Below, you'll find her recommendations to try.

Put out nectar feeders

'Orioles will often feed on the nectar from different flowers, much in the same way that hummingbirds will,' says Maria. Likewise, hummingbird feeders can attract them – or, even better, you can use nectar feeders that are specifically designed for orioles.

These tend to have somewhere for the birds to perch and larger feeding ports, and can also include places to put other treats, such as fruit.

'You’ll use the same type of nectar as you would for hummingbirds, which is simple to make at home: four parts of water to one part sugar, simmered until the sugar is dissolved,' says Maria. 'Make sure to cool your nectar to room temperature before adding it to your feeder,' she adds.

Try offering other sweet treats

Maria recommends putting out an orange feeder in the beginning of orioles' spring migration. 'During the migration, orioles are attracted to fruits to support their high energy levels,' she says.

'Split an orange in half, and place it on a feeder with a fruit spike, on a platform feeder, or even on a tree branch,' Maria instructs. 'Make sure to replace the fruit every one to two days to prevent the fruit from drying out or growing mold.'

Maria also says that orioles love grape jelly. 'You can purchase a jelly feeder, or use a small jar or other shallow container on a platform feeder.'

However, she recommends only using a small amount – this will help prevent orioles and other birds from getting their feathers messy. Again, be sure to replace it regularly.

Other ways to make your yard more enticing

'Orioles not only enjoy eating fruits and nectar, but will eat caterpillars, spiders, and other invertebrates that make their home in your yard,' says Maria.

'Either limit or do not use insecticides in your yard – when you’ve got no insects in your yard, you also do not have the birds that depend on them as a food source. Orioles particularly love caterpillars and spiders.'

She also recommends planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, as well as flowers that produce nectar. To feed Baltimore orioles and Orchard orioles, bird expert Maren Gimpel suggests planting mulberries or chokecherry (Prunus virginiana).

FAQs

When should you put food out for orioles?

'Make sure to place any oriole feeders early on in the spring migration,' says Maria. 'Orioles like to know that the food is there when they arrive, or else they’ll move on to other options.'

Similarly, be sure to put hummingbird feeders out at the right time, too.

Where are orioles found in the wild?

According to Maria, most orioles prefer open deciduous woodlands, but Southwestern species like the Altamira oriole, Audubon’s oriole, and Scott’s oriole live in arid lands or dry brush.

Maren says that in most of the eastern part of the continent, there are only two species of orioles: the Baltimore and the Orchard. 'These orioles can be found among second-growth trees, edges of mature forests, and other deciduous woodlands,' she says. 'Even in places where they are common, many people say they've never seen an oriole. The combination of their preferring to stay high in trees and not coming to seed feeders means for some, a bright orange streak darting between trees is the best look they'll get.

'Males sing their melodious whistling songs from high overhead, so learning what they sound like can help you spot them,' Maren adds.

There are lots of ways to make your backyard more wildlife-friendly and, as a result, enjoy the benefits that birds can bring. Take the seasons into consideration – for instance, there are ways you can help garden birds in summer and in winter.

Don't forget about beneficial insects, too, such as butterflies and bees. Our guide on plants for pollinators will help you welcome them to your space.

Fireflies are a quintessential sign of summer, flitting around at dusk into the night like little moving stars. What better scene is there than seeing them happily flying around your yard from the comfort of your home or sat on the patio?

If you're hoping to attract fireflies to your yard, there are a few key tips and wildlife garden ideas to incorporate which will almost instantly increase your chances of welcoming the stunning species into your space.

Here, insect experts and a professional landscaper share their top tips and experience for attracting fireflies to a yard.

1. Turn off extra lights

Bright outdoor lighting ideas are one of the main disturbances to fireflies. Their harsh artificial illumination makes it harder for fireflies to see and communicate with one another through their own lights, known as bioluminescent signals.

By cutting out these lights altogether or switching off automatic timers so they don't flick on and off as fireflies get closer, your garden will instantly become a more inviting environment.

Ed Dolshun, vice president of business development at Catchmaster pest control, knows a lot about preventing insects from populating a person's yard. But in order to understand how to deter them, he's learned an abundance of information about what attracts them to begin with.

'Artificial lights confuse fireflies and interferes with their mating flashes, so the darker your yard is, the better your chances of seeing fireflies light up within it.'

Switching to a darker toned shaded light like the GLOBE amber glass wall sconce from Amazon or a more subtle one of the garden lighting trends will still enable you to see but is far less bright for your local firefly community.

2. Cut out pesticides

If you're hoping to attract fireflies to your yard but you're using heavy amounts of pesticides, it's unlikely that you'll be seeing them visit anytime soon.

Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal, spent years working as a landscaper and helped a family to welcome fireflies into their yard. Focusing on cutting out pesticides was the second step they took together after limiting outdoor light use.

'[The client] had been using broad-spectrum sprays that not only get rid of mosquitoes but also everything else, including firefly larvae in the soil. We swapped in natural repellents for mosquitoes and let the ecosystem settle in,' he says.

3. Add plants of varying heights

Being surrounded by lots of plants is the dream habitat for groups of fireflies, especially if they are planted at varying heights. Think about it: when you've seen fireflies depicted in books or nature shows, you usually see them among a leafy forest without a perfectly manicured lawn.

By planting greenery at different levels, from trees to raised garden beds and beneficial ground cover plants, you'll be helping to emulate this less pristine environment where fireflies have layers in your yard to explore, breed and raise their young.

Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, swears by the idea of layers for attracting fireflies to your yard. 'The more vertical variety, the better when it comes to fireflies. They love messy margins, places where trees and grass meet, and where there are some wilder-kept garden beds.

'Straight-edged, clipped landscapes are dead zones in the battle between lived-in vs manicured gardens, so if you're looking to attract fireflies to your yard, I recommend adding in grasses, shrubs, logs, and even trellises, to offer staging points.'

The panacea steel a-frame trellis from Walmart and the costway wooden vegetable raised garden bed, also from Walmart are two great ways to start adding more layers of greenery into your yard.

4. Create a firefly zone

Keeping some loose leaves and longer areas of lawn in your yard doesn't have to create an eyesore. In fact, why not purposefully aim to make it a feature and curate a firefly area in the garden? You don't need a large area.

Even just a corner purposefully kept a bit untamed will increase your odds of attracting fireflies to your yard while simultaneously embracing sustainable garden ideas.

'I encouraged my former client to let part of the yard go a little wild, leaving leaves and woody debris in a corner where fireflies could thrive,' says Bryan. 'The more natural you make your garden ideas, the more you'll encourage fireflies not just to visit, but to keep coming back.'

Ed seconds this, adding, 'If you want fireflies in your garden you will want to do less landscaping and clean up. One of the best things you can do is create a low-light, low-disturbance zone with ferns, grasses, or even leaf litter so fireflies can lay eggs and hide during the day.'

You can try garden zoning this area off if you wish to make it more distinct and purposeful. This decorative garden fence from Amazon joins together in separate sections, allowing you to choose and change the size of your designated area. You can also grow climbing plants on it to disguise it.

If you're looking to encourage more wildlife into your yard, adopting some of the best natural garden tips from professional gardeners will go a long way. From limiting pesticides to learning the importance of different kinds of greenery, your yard will become a thriving hub for all forms of life.

Frogs are captivating creatures that can play an important role in establishing a healthy ecosystem in your backyard. 

In the same way that knowing how to attract bees and ladybirds to your backyard is hugely beneficial, frogs too play a crucial role. Adult frogs and toads are amphibians that primarily feed on insects. In fact, a frog can consume more than 10,000 insects every year, including slugs, snails, mosquitos and caterpillars, making them an efficient form of natural pest control. 

If your aim is to transform your backyard space into a beguiling nature retreat, or you are simply searching for natural methods of controlling those plant-eating slugs, maybe it's time to find creative ways to invite frogs into your yard this season.

How to attract frogs to your yard

By attracting frogs to your yard, not only are you benefitting your garden ecosystem, but also helping combat their declining numbers. With many people choosing to fill in garden ponds, frog populations are declining due to a loss of breeding habitats.

Try these expert methods to help introduce frogs into your yard, so you can reap the many non-toxic pest control benefits they can bring.

Provide frogs with a pond or smaller water source

The best way to attract frogs into your garden is to provide water sources for them. Garden pond ideas are an obvious go-to. A shallow pond that also has items like rocks and logs for frogs to rest on, and will provide an accommodative home for them.

If you don't already have a pond in your yard, you could learn how to build a pond, or try adding a fountain or smaller water feature to an area of your garden. A water source will also attract insects, which will make the area even more enticing for frogs.

Ben Team, a wildlife expert, states that 'frogs will need the water to be at varying depths, with the deepest parts around two feet. By providing different depths, the frogs can strive at all stages of their life cycle.

'Sometimes it's as basic as repurposing an old container or birdbath - just keep it topped up with fresh water and you will create an instant frog breeding ground,' Ben continues. 

Surrounding it with dense vegetation like evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, and leafy groundcovers provides those coveted humid, shady hideaways that frogs need during daylight hours.

Provide frogs with shelter

One of the best ways to attract frogs to your yard is by providing many forms of shelter for frogs to inhabit. This could be an upturned terracotta pot, such as these from Amazon, wooden boxes, and large piles of leaves. 

Peter Gros, wildlife expert and co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, recommends in order to build an efficient frog shelter you need to 'partially bury it and fill the interior with damp leaves and sphagnum moss, which replicates their preferred damp, secluded shelters'. 

You can take your frog shelter one step further by creating a winter frog habitat, or a hibernaculum, for when frogs hibernate from winter to spring. Add old logs and rubble on top of some well-drained soil such as the all-purpose organic potting soil from Organic Mechanics and 100% natural cedar shavings from Amazon. Finally, cover your hibernaculum in more soil to keep the warmth in when the cold weather arrives. 

Avoid using pesticides to create a safe habitat for frogs

It's really important to try and avoid chemical pesticides entirely when attracting frogs to your yard. Instead try using natural compost from Amazon, mulches and fertilizers, as they are essential for sustaining that frog-friendly paradise. 

If you have a severe pest issue on some of your plants, consider using a homemade bug spray, which includes neem oil. Neem oil such as Verdana Organic cold pressed neem oil from Amazon is a great initial deterrent to many bugs and pests, whilst still being safe to other insects including butterflies and ladybugs. 

FAQs

Can you have frogs in your yard without a pond? 

Whilst it may be difficult or take longer to introduce frogs into your yard without a pond it can happen. Adult amphibians spend a lot of time out of the water, especially during fall and winter, preferring sheltered places to ponds until the following spring. 

You can also incorporate certain plants to your yard that will help attract frogs. They like water lilies, which provide frogs with a place to rest and bask in the sun. Other pond plants such as water lettuce and duckweed will help attract frogs by providing shade and protection from predators. 

Finally, remember to be patient. Attracting frogs to your yard may take some time as they will need to discover your habitat and make themselves comfortable. 

There are more than 5,000 species of ladybugs worldwide, with different varieties dependent on where you are located in the world. However, one thing they all have in common is that they are one of the best insects when it comes to controlling pests that can destroy plants. 

We know that an excess of these shiny red bugs can pose a problem, especially if you have an infestation in your home, in which case you may need to find solutions to repel ladybugs. But in the yard it's a different story. Ladybirds are a completely natural and effective method of pest control. As their diet consists of many pests that can cause havoc in your backyard, having ladybugs present can help get rid of aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies.

Aside from eating pests, ladybirds also feed on nectar. Although this is not their main source of food, they still carry a sufficient amount of pollen from one plant to another, which in turn helps to pollinate the plants in your yard. Here, we look at four ways you can attract these useful insects into your outdoor space. 

How to attract ladybugs to your yard: 4 simple methods

Our experts explain how ladybugs might just be your new best friend if you have an aphid issue in your backyard. 

1. Provide ladybugs with plenty of pollen-rich plants

As ladybugs feed on pollen as well as aphids, one way to attract them into your yard is by planting a variety of pollen-rich plants. 

Diane Kuthy, from How To Grow Everything, found that integrating specific plants not only serves as a natural pest control by inviting ladybugs, but also beautifies the space. 

‘Some of the most effective plants include herbs such as chives, dill, and fennel and other plants include dandelions, marigolds and geraniums,’ says Diane. ‘Their scents seem to draw ladybugs in droves, providing a dual-purpose approach.’

2. Avoid using pesticides and insecticides in your yard

Plant expert Resh Gala, author of Vegetable Gardening Made Easy, available from Amazon, says if you want to attract ladybugs to your yard, you should avoid using pesticides and chemical weed killers. 

‘Ladybugs are sensitive to chemical pesticides and generally avoid areas treated with chemicals,’ says Resh. ‘Instead, opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as homemade weed killers.’ 

Neem oil is another natural alternative, such as the Verdana organic neem oil from Amazon. It's pure, cold-pressed, and free of chemicals meaning it is safe to use around butterflies, ladybugs, and most other beneficial insects.  

3. Provide a form of shelter for ladybugs

Another method to attract ladybugs into your yard is by making an environment of dense, cool shrubbery for them to settle into. One way of doing this is by planting low groundcover plants, which provide ladybugs with a protective canopy from their own predators, such as frogs and small birds. Applying organic mulch from Amazon to flower beds can also help by providing ladybugs with an extra layer of protection.

A fun project for you to try at home is to build your own bug hotel for ladybugs and and other tiny critters, and place it in your yard. Ladybug houses can be built with relative ease by drilling small holes in a wooden box. You can then place lures inside your to attract new inhabitants, such as pine cones, sticks, leaves and bark. 

Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-built ladybird house, such as this one from Amazon. These constructions are best placed close to plants and other shrubbery in a sheltered spot. You might even want to provide a small, easy-to-reach water source, such as a very shallow bowl with a few stones in that they can climb on. 

4. Introduce plants that are attractive to aphids

Another way of introducing ladybugs into your yard is actually by introducing plants that are attractive to aphids. Ladybugs can consume up to 5,000 aphids in their lifetime and also prey on other small pests like mealybugs and small caterpillars, so are the ideal natural predator to have in your garden.

You might consider adding so-called decoy plants for your aphids to feed on. For example, by companion planting marigolds next to crops of beans, the aphids will feed on the marigolds first, thus protecting your beans. This way you can effectively protect your main plants, by offering aphids an alternative food supply. By intentionally luring aphids into your garden, the ladybugs will soon follow. 

FAQs

Do certain smells attract ladybugs?  

Ladybirds are usually attracted to flowers and herbs that have distinctive smells, such as cilantro, fennel, and geraniums. These are normally good choices for attracting ladybugs as they smell pungent, and their scent can carry on the wind.   

If you are still struggling to attract ladybugs into your yard, you can simply purchase ladybugs from Natures Good Guys on Amazon. This could be an easier and faster way to tackle an aphid problem, if you'd rather not wait for them to appear naturally.

The iconic crimson songbird, Cardinalis cardinalis, commonly known as the red cardinal, is a popular species found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States. It is so well-known and well-loved, that it is the state bird for seven US states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Red cardinals are medium-sized songbirds, typically measuring around 9 inches from beak to tail. The famed plumage color of the male red cardinal is bright, glowing red, with a black bandit-like mask around its beak. The female cardinal is similar in shape and size, but her feathers are typically brown with red hues displayed in the wings, tail, and crest. 

These songbirds are often found - or heard - in woodlands, gardens and parks with dense vegetation. For those seeking wildlife garden ideas, note that cardinals are typically drawn to woodland areas with thick shrubbery, which provides both food and protection. Here, we share advice from experts on trees, shrubs and flower bed ideas that cardinals are attracted to, and also provide some additional actions you can take to watch these songbirds flourish in your yard. 

How to attract red cardinals to your yard

Red cardinals are popular songbirds found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States. They are drawn to certain trees, shrubs and flowers as they seek both food and protection. 

By considering cardinals when making planting choices, and by taking wildlife-conscious actions in your borders, gardeners can help not only attract songbirds to the backyard and watch them thrive.  

Native trees and shrubs for cardinals 

'Trees and shrubs are the cardinal’s best friend,' says Tammy Poppie, a bird-watching expert from OnTheFeeder.com. 'Not only do trees and shrubs offer shelter and protection, but they also provide a variety of food sources such as berries, nuts and seeds.' 

They are particularly attracted to areas with hedging or dense shrubbery that provide both cover and protection. 'Branches also make the perfect perching spot for cardinals to survey their surroundings,' says Tammy, which is important for wary and territorial songbirds.  

As seen in the image above, 'the mighty oak tree is a favorite of cardinals and many other wild birds,' Tammy reveals. Indeed, the oak tree 'provides a variety of food sources such as nuts, acorns, and insects, but its dense foliage also provides refuge from the elements.' 

'Growing native shrubs and trees,' such as some of the best native dogwood trees, serviceberry trees and hackberry trees, 'is one way to attract cardinals,' says Tammy. Indeed, there is evidence to support this theory, with the National Wildlife Federation highlighting a study from 2015 that monitored how the Californian chickadee flew past non-native tree species to feed instead at a native willow oak tree. 'While this study focused on one breed of bird, the lessons learned can be applied to birds everywhere,' says Tammy. 

Native woodland plants, therefore, are considered to be popular with cardinals. Cornus nuttallii, or the Pacific dogwood, for example, is one planting option. It will grow well in US hardiness zones 7 to 9, 'tolerating some shade,' says Dr Ross Bayton, Director at Heronswood Gardens in Washington. 

This native dogwood 'produces white flower clusters in spring,' Ross continues, before going on to produce 'red berries in fall.' The wildlife value of native dogwoods is undeniably significant, renowned as some of the best plants for pollinators throughout the seasons. In the springtime, for example, they produce masses of blooms, and come fall, many birds feed on the berries as they stock up for the winter months. 

Flowers that attract cardinals 

While many trees and shrubs produce blooms that are appealing to cardinals, the flowers produced by several different perennials and annuals are also considered very popular with songbirds. Fortunately for gardeners, some of the best plants for birds are also some of the traditional garden favorites.

Flower preferences tend to differ between avian species. For example, flowers enjoyed by cardinals tend to differ from those flowers that attract hummingbirds. Cardinals are known to be attracted to sunflowers, verbena varieties and coneflowers, some of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. 

'Sunflower blooms are guaranteed to lure in cardinals with their abundance of striped seeds,' says Tammy. 'The cardinal’s beak is perfectly suited for the larger seeds that sunflowers produce.'

The native Verbena hastata, commonly known as blue vervain, is also a popular flowering plant for attracting cardinals. 'The foliage is coarse, but the tall spikes of purple-blue flowers are graceful and are adored by pollinators and birds,' says Ali McEnhill, plant expert and owner of the Old Dairy Nursery in the Hudson Valley. What's more, 'this tough, native perennial is extremely cold hardy, growing well in cooler zones.' Verbena plants are readily available from garden stores, such as this blue vervain from Nature Hills. 

Cardinals typically begin breeding in early spring, usually around March to June. During this time, male red cardinals will often be seen and heard tweeting as they seek to establish territories and attract a fellow cardinal to mate with. It can be a good idea to install a bird feeder, which can support red cardinals during the winter and early springtime as they prepare to breed. Keep feeders stocked with sunflower seeds, fat balls and suet, such as these suet treats for birds from Walmart.

Provide water for cardinals

'All wild birds need water to drink and bathe in and northern cardinals are no different,' says Tammy. 'One way to ensure that water is available in your yard is by installing a birdbath.' 

For those considering how to make a bird bath, there are many simple and easy DIY bird bath ideas to choose from. For example, using a plant pot saucer and refilling it with fresh water every few days is both quick and cost-effective. 

It is important to remember to position bird baths somewhere that gives songbirds a 360-degree view. When drinking and bathing, they are vulnerable to attack from predators, so it is best to place any bird bath somewhere raised and in an open position. In addition, for smaller songbirds, it is best to add layers of rocks to the bird bath to offer alternate depths of water and areas for birds to perch. 

Grow organically for cardinals

'While cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, in spring they switch to snacking on insects,' says Tammy. 'Adult cardinals eat insects during this time, and insects are exclusively what they feed their young during the breeding season.' 

For this reason, it is recommended to put the pesticides and herbicides away and consider permaculture gardening and organic approaches in the backyard. 

If you are keen to increase the number of birds in your outside space, why not plant a butterfly border? By incorporating plants that are known to attract butterflies, red cardinals will naturally be drawn to your borders as they seek to feed on caterpillars. 

The monarch butterfly, for example, uses milkweed as a host plant, laying its larvae on milkweed stems and leaves. Growing this low-maintenance plant is thus a good idea for those seeking to increase biodiversity in the backyard and in doing so provide additional food for red cardinals. 

Shop bird-feeding ideas

FAQs

Do cardinals migrate in the winter months? 

Red cardinals do not tend to migrate in the winter months, although they may travel far and wide if food becomes scarce. In the dark of winter, the glowing red plumage of the red cardinal is a spectacle to behold. To help songbirds in your yard during the winter, it is recommended that you provide adequate shelter, water and food. 

Encouraging red cardinals in your backyard is a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor. By incorporating native trees, shrubs and flowers, and by providing shelter and water, you can support songbird populations in your local area. 

If you are looking for more wildlife garden ideas, why not also consider installing one or two bat houses in your backyard? Bats are important pollinators for many plants and can help to keep mosquito levels down during the summer months. 

If creating a wildlife garden is one of your gardening goals this year, you might like to understand how to attract bats into your backyard. 

Bats are sometimes thought of as an unwanted and unruly pest when it comes to our homes. It is perfectly understandable why you would want to get rid of bats in the house or in the attic, but inviting them into your yard, however, could prove very beneficial. 

Bats are normally an indicator of a well-nurtured and healthy environment, so creating a backyard that is compatible for bats can bring massive benefits to your plants and the biodiversity within your outdoor space. 

We take a closer look at what these benefits might be, and how to begin enticing these nocturnal creatures into our yards.  

Why we should invite bats into our yards

There are many reasons why we should try and encourage bats to come into our yards. Not everyone is going to be a fan of these creatures, and they are oftentimes feared. However, they are usually docile animals which are not aggressive to humans, and their presence provides a large number of benefits.

Bats pollinate at night, much like butterflies and bees pollinate during the day. They are the only night time animal that aids pollination.

Dr Shannon Browne, wildlife expert and lecturer at Maryland university, says that 'over 500 different species of plants solely rely on bats for pollination', including the agave plant and the banana tree. 

Bats will help you manage and control unwanted and disruptive pests in your yard, as their main diet includes gnats, mosquitoes and flying insects. Having bats present means that these pests will be less likely to harm your plants, and you can cut down on the use of chemicals or pesticides you might otherwise use to get rid of pests. 

Bats also naturally produce amazing fertilizer that significantly helps your soil health and plant growth. Known as guano - 'bat excrement has high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium', says Lindsey Hyland, the founder of Urban Organic Yield. These three ingredients promote vibrant colors in plants, root growth and healthy stems. 

And if that is not enough to hand bats the formal invitation to your backyard, their natural habitats are becoming more and more scarce, which means our yards can play a vital role in providing safe havens for them and boosting their declining population. 

How to attract bats into your backyard

There are lots of simple ways you can make your outside space more attractive for these night loving creatures.

Make sure there is enough shelter

Making sure that there is adequate shelter is an imperative step when you are trying to entice bats into your yard. 

As bats are predominantly nocturnal animals, they usually spend their days sheltering in areas where they are less likely to be seen and exposed to the elements. 

Creating sufficient shelter using trees and tall shrubs will increase the chances of bats wanting to settle down and create a home. 

Another good way to attract bats into your backyard is to put up a bat house, such as this double chamber wooden bat home from Amazon. These are dark protected areas that will allow bats to feel safe in your space.  

Add some night flowering plants to your beds

A bat's main source of food is insects, therefore it is essential that you include insect-attracting flowers and plants in your backyard. These are usually scented, and will have an alluring effect on bats. 

There are a plethora of plants and flowers you could choose from. Some examples include evening primrose, white jasmine and sweet rocket. By planting these in raised beds it will help to distribute the smell around your yard and create an inviting area for prospective bats.   

Provide a source of water

It is often not easy for bats to find natural water sources, especially in dry, arid climates. This is why these animals are likely to be attracted to areas that have a water source available. 

The best way to provide this is in the form of a pond or small water feature such as this aquatic pond and waterfall kit available on Amazon. The sound of the running water will also attract the bats from far away as they have remarkably acute hearing.

Remove artificial lighting from your yard

A really effective change you can make if you want to attract bats into your yard is to remove any harsh or artificial lighting.

As bats are nocturnal animals, they depend on darkness and tranquility to promote survival and safety. They are unlikely to stay anywhere long term if there are too many bright lights in the space. 

FAQs

What smells are bats attracted to? 

Bats have a very strong sense of smell and they can smell from a long distance away. They are attracted to many botanical scents, including lavender, mint and thyme.  

If they find an area that caters for their needs effectively, bats will usually return to the same area every night. If you're looking for more ideas for attracting birds and other animals to your yard, you might be interested in planting one of the best hedges for wildlife.  

There are 23 types of woodpeckers in the US, including downy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. They are best known for the distinctive drumming noise they make with their beaks, and many, but not all, can be spotted from their bright red caps and black and white feathers. 

Unfortunately, some species of woodpecker are under threat due to habitat loss and pesticide use. In 2021, the ivory-billed woodpecker was declared extinct by The US Fish and Wildlife Service. Making your yard more wildlife-friendly is a good way to help support these feathered friends and your local ecosystem. But that's not the only benefit.

Rocky Trifari, a wildlife expert and operator of The Rocky Safari blog, notes how they also offer a natural form of pest control. Plus, they're simply fascinating to watch, he says. In fact, Rocky hails woodpeckers as one of his favorite bird species. 'The pattern on the wings is quite beautiful, as is the way they flap their wings while flying.'

Attracting woodpeckers to your yard

Although woodpeckers are beautiful and interesting birds, it's worth noting that they are noisy and can be destructive if they start drilling into the side of your house. Because of this, some homeowners actively seek ways to get rid of woodpeckers.

However, ensuring there are food sources and places for shelter in your backyard can discourage them away from buildings. You can also add deterrents, such as reflective streamers, to the areas you don't want them to be.

Generally, their drilling won't cause any real harm to healthy trees. In fact, they are more attracted to dead trees or those that already have a pest infestation.

1. Provide a suitable source of food

'In my personal experience, I’ve had the most luck attracting woodpecker species to my yard by providing suet,' Rocky says. However, he adds that you can also attract them with a variety of bird seeds, peanut butter, and unsalted peanuts.

Providing a variety of bird feeders can be incredibly helpful, he continues. 'Suet feeders that hang from trees seem to be a popular choice among many types of woodpeckers.' They also enjoy platform feeders and tube feeders, he says.

This Kingsyard recycled plastic suet bird feeder from Amazon is a good option, and features a tail prop area for woodpeckers to comfortably rest their tails as they eat.

Set your feeder up in a peaceful location away from your house or other exterior buildings. You may need to take steps to protect bird feeders from squirrels, such as installing a squirrel baffle.

Planting native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as cherries or blackberries, can also help to attract these birds, says Ben Team of FootstepsInTheForest.com.

2. Give them somewhere to shelter

'Nesting boxes and dead trees are excellent nesting positions for woodpeckers,' says Rocky Trifari. 'By having these locations available, you increase the odds that one may choose to make your yard their home.'

Nest boxes are best placed 8-12ft high, in a quiet spot. Add a layer of wood chips inside the box to provide nesting material. This BestNest classic woodpecker house, available from Amazon, has been awarded 'Amazon's Choice' and can be attached to a tree or a sturdy post.

'Even if the birds are not nesting, they still may choose to reside in your yard if you have a sufficient selection of native trees and shrubs,' Rocky continues. 'They like these options because they provide coverage for safety as well as comfortable perching spots.'

Top tip: Large nesting boxes can also be used to attract owls to your backyard.

3. Install a bird bath

Rocky says that a small bird bath or pond is a necessity for survival and could attract woodpeckers, as well as other birds and small animals who all need access to water for drinking and bathing.

Even a small water feature can be helpful. All will add aesthetic appeal and sensory benefits to a backyard, too, and will also attract dragonflies.

FAQs

As well as woodpeckers, why not welcome hummingbirds to your yard, too? Putting up a hummingbird feeder is a great way to attract them – and you can even make hummingbird food yourself in just a few simple steps.

Spotting an owl in the wild is, for most, a rare treat. From the tiny elf owl to the majestic great gray owl, these wondrous creatures soar from tree to tree after dark, filling the night air with their gentle hoot. 

There are multiple benefits to making your plot more wildlife-friendly for these birds. Firstly, they can help to reduce the number of insects and rodents living in your backyard, points out Ben Team, editor-in-chief of FootstepsInTheForest.com. This is ideal if you're dealing with a rat problem. 

As well as this, providing owls with a safe place to live helps to support the overall ecosystem. 'These animals are under threat from habitat destruction, widespread pesticide application, and vehicular traffic (they're frequently hit by cars while capturing food), so they can use all the help we can offer,' says Ben.

Attracting owls to your yard can also help people feel better connected to the natural world, Ben adds. 'It can spur a lifelong love of nature in your children, who often thoroughly enjoy seeing and hearing owls in their backyards.'

How to attract owls to your outdoor space

Try these expert tips to attract these beautiful birds to your yard.

1. Create a place for owls to shelter 

'Historically, owls would nest in tree hollows, stolen hawk nests, large rock crevices, and similar places,' says Ben. 'But, owls will sometimes utilize nest boxes attached to backyard trees.'

He highlights that you'll need to select the proper size nest box for the owls in your area – and place it in a suitable position. The ideal location will vary from one species to the next, so homeowners will need to do a little research on the species in their region, he says. 'That said, you will generally want to place the box on a large tree, near a branch that allows the birds to enter and exit easily.'

The screech owl or saw-whet owl cedar nesting box from JCs Wildlife Store at Amazon is well-rated.

Having plenty of trees in your backyard and leaving dead snags – trees that have died and are decomposing naturally – can also help create desirable habitats for owls, says bird expert Maren Gimpel.

2. Reduce light pollution

Maren recommends turning off outdoor lights at night to help attract these fascinating feathered friends to your property.  

Diana Ludwiczak, founder of BirdyBirdyBirdy.com, agrees. 'Owls prefer dark environments and bright lights can be disruptive to their natural behavior,' she says. If you still need some light for practical reasons, she suggests installing dimmer switches or motion-activated lights that are less likely to disturb them.

3. Consider their diet

'Owls are predators and their primary diet consists of rodents like mice and voles,' says Diana. These small creatures may already be present in your yard. However, you could also take steps to create a rodent-friendly environment by leaving brush piles, tall grasses, wood piles, and leaf litter, she says.

'If you do get visits from owls, please remember to avoid using all chemical rodenticides,' highlights Maren Gimpel. 'Owls that eat poisoned rats and mice will be poisoned themselves.'

FAQs

Owls aren't the only natural visitors you can encourage into your yard. Why not fill your garden with plants for pollinators, add a water feature to attract dragonflies, or put up a hummingbird feeder, too?