It's simple: native birds, pollinators & wildlife depend on native plants for food, nesting & cover.
Native plants are well-adapted to survive their natural range.
FOOD Plants, shrubs and trees provide food as seeds, berries and nectar. Flowers attract insects at all stages of their life, essential protein for young developing birds. Water should be readily available throughout the year such as from a bird bath or shallow pond. Be aware to have berries that ripen at different times of year to provide food for migratory and overwintering species. You can also supplement your garden with seed, suet, or hummingbird feeders.
COVER is necessary all year to provide safety from predators and preening privacy with trees, shrubs, vines, brambles and grasses. Any feeders need cover as well.
NESTING Many songbirds nest in trees or shrubs. Different species nest at varying heights and in a variety of ways. You can provide nesting boxes as well.
- Plant species that will do best in your sunlight/soil conditions; more blooms & fruit will grow.
- Choose plants that bloom & set fruit during different seasons- to attract birds all year.
- Multiples of each species; Position taller plants in the back, shorter in front.
- Plants at varying heights will attract more variety of birds.
- Start a brush pile or "wild area": put twigs, branches, leaves in a corner of your yard.
Birds and wildlife benefit from an area to take cover, rest, & burrow.
- Spring Cleaning: wait to clear your garden beds until Spring. Birds get seeds & berries left on plants & insects hibernating in leaf litter. These "emergency foods" make a big difference for a small bird.
- DON'T use pesticides! For the health of your family, pets, ALL wildlife, our water, & yourself!
Native is always best. Native plants are 10-15 times more beneficial to our wildlife than nonnative.
It's ok to have an assortment of native and non-native plants in your garden or yard. Just be sure that any exotic plants are not listed INVASIVE: as these plants cause serious harm to our natural environment. BUT be cautious of certain 'cultivars', as some of these have been bred to have no nectar or are sterile. sterile = no fruit for wildlife!
or call Garvies Point Museum at 516-571-8010/11.
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