Often gardens are completely shut out from the rest of nature and are not the best for attracting local wildlife. Obviously, for some this is perfect but for others who may want to open their gardens up to the surrounding landscape and possibly attract birds amongst other wildlife, designing your garden in a particular way can help make this happen. One of the first things to do to achieve this is to map out the surrounding area and see how this can fit in terms of wildlife, look out for ponds and streams for example and see how these can complement your garden landscape.
In order to attract birds you will need to provide food, water and a suitable nesting area that has enough shelter. Providing for different species is necessary and planting a range of berry-producing vegetation can attract more varieties of bird. Plants that grow around the local area can also help in attracting indigenous species of birds, so this can also prove useful. Food will also need to be varied to match the seasons your garden goes through. In spring, for example berry-producing shrubs are the best while during the summer hanging several containers full of seed can prove more useful for attracting wildlife. Always make sure these feeders are full however, as often birds may become dependent on this method and having a fully stocked container can help keep the birds visiting.
Plants on the other hand offer a great source of shelter for birds. Evergreens and other shrubbery can provide good nesting areas as well as protection from the weather during the colder months. By planting several more dense shrubs, you can make your garden a much more hospitable place for wildlife, thus attracting many more birds. Finally, water is also a great way to attract birds and if there is a lack of a natural source around a birdbath can generally be very beneficial by offering something to drink from and bathe within. Be sure to keep it stocked regularly and if it freezes over during winter make sure to break the ice so it becomes accessible. » Read more: Creating Your Own Wildlife Garden
