INSIDE & OUT
Outdoors
Gardening is for the birds Commentary by Holly Lindzy
Each morning for the past month I’ve watched cardinals, robins and catbirds devouring my serviceberry fruit, less than 10 feet from my seat on the porch. It’s been my favorite part of the day. Not only that, but I’ve also noted the hummingbirds back at my fuchsia, catmint and agastache. What fun! And there are several bird species that gather and flit in the burning bush hedge across the street. We see the same families from day to day and how they’ve grown. I love it! I think that’s why I’ve decided gardening is for the birds . . . sincerely. Used to be, I’d spend my mornings filling and refilling birdfeeders. I enjoyed putting out quality seed like safflower and thistle and watching the birds flock and riot over who’d be next. Before long, all the ruckus over thieving squirrels and empty feeders had me worn out. Not to mention somewhat broke. That’s why in recent years, I’ve taken to planting things around my yard specifically for the Shapes – Creating an outdoor space, but find that it seems to be disconnected from the rest of your home? Try using architectural connectors like overhangs, colonnades, and pergolas. - goodhousekeeping.com
birds to feast on so I can observe them in a more natural environment – and it’s much more economical. For example, my Black-eyed Susan is in brilliant bloom right now, but by the end of the summer it will be mobbed by finches reaping the seed. And its bee balm companion? The hummingbirds will be stopping at it until the end of summer. Come fall, I hope to find a bird’s nest in my Rose of Sharon. If I’m lucky, it’s a hummingbird’s. Gardening is so much more than just flowers. As much as I loved shopping at the Feed and Seed, I find it more rewarding to see the birds enjoy things naturally, as it was meant to be – squirrels and all. And, it gives me an excuse to buy more plants. Holly Lindzy is an Indiana accredited horticulturalist and advanced master gardener residing in Noblesville. Email your gardening woes (or wisdom) to hollylindzy@gmail.com.
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June 12, 2012 | 23