Bird-Friendly Garden Takes Flight at Park House

By Nate Tscheann, Director of Horticulture

As a middle schooler, I took an interest in birds and often checked out the same book about bird gardening from the library. I liked it so much that I convinced my parents to let me install a bird garden in the front yard.

Although I didn’t grow up to be an ornithologist, I have maintained an interest in birds and bird gardening which is why I’m excited about starting our next “garden-within-the Gardens” project; an ornamental bird garden around the Park House Event Center.

Rather than birdfeeders, this garden will use ornamental plants with berries, seeds, and/or nectar that attract birds, as well as plants that attract insects which are an important but often forgotten, part of a bird’s diet.

This new garden is funded by a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. It will replace the horsetail rush that has surrounded the Park House and includes two interpretive panel signs discussing bird gardening.

Removal of the horsetail rush can take some time, so look for the garden to be completed later this fall. In the meantime, check out our great new interpretive exhibit in the Children’s Garden highlighting nest boxes, aka birdhouse, of many different native bird species.

Colorful songbirds feeding on a birdfeeder .