Bird feeders aren’t the only way to invite your feathered friends into the yard so you can get a closer look. Adding plants that attract birds to your existing garden will result in winged visitors that come for the blossoms and foliage, the seeds and even the insects that are drawn to the same plants.

Know Your Zone
Before you choose new plants for your garden or yard, take the time to consult a gardening zone guide to be sure the varieties you’re considering are either native to or grow well in your area. Next, consult your field guide to birds to learn which birds are native to your region: what species are you most likely to attract, what species you can increase your chances of attracting, which birds remain year round, and which birds migrate through your region and when.

Plan Your Garden
You can either plan your garden around attracting certain species like finches or hummingbirds or go broader and select flowers and plants that appeal to wide range of birds. Each species has is naturally attracted to particular plantings. Some feed on plant foliage and stems while others are drawn to plant sap. Nectar, pollen, fruit, berries, nuts and seeds are all sources of food either for birds or the insects the birds eat.

Depending upon your yard, budget and the birds you’d like to watch consider planting a combination of annuals, perennials, native grasses and shrubs and even fruit trees. Not only will you create a sanctuary that designed for attracting wild birds, you’ll create one for you and your family to enjoy as well. Try to stagger your plantings so that something is always in bloom throughout the spring and summer to maximize the number of birds that come to feed.

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