Sonia
Do you want to turn your garden into a bid haven? Planting the right mix can transform your space into a vibrant sanctuary. From sunflowers that attract finches to lavender that lures insect-eating birds, each choice brings life and color. Here are 15 plants that are not only beautiful but perfect for welcoming a variety of birds.
Sunflowers
Who does not love sunflowers? These tall, bright flowers are not just pretty to look at; they are bird magnets, especially for finches and cardinals. Plant a few sunflowers in a sunny spot, and by late summer, you will see birds flocking to snack on their seeds. Just a heads up, sunflowers are super easy to grow from seeds.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are not only beautiful but also attract a wide variety of birds, including blue jays and American goldfinches. These plants bloom from early to late summer, offering a good source of seeds when most other flowers have finished blooming for the season. Moreover, they are resilient and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Black-eyed Susan
Similar to coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans are a hit with many small birds like sparrows and finches because of their seeds. These bright, yellow flowers can really cheer up your garden, and they grow well in most soils as long as the place gets plenty of sunshine. They are also perennials; they return year after year with the same zeal.
Sage (Salvia)
If you want to see some hummingbirds, sage is your go-to plant. These flowers produce nectar, which is perfect for attracting nectar-loving birds, especially hummingbirds. There is a variety of sage plants you can choose from, and nearly all of them have vibrant flowers that can make any dull corner of your garden pop with color and life.
Berry Bushes (like Blueberry and Raspberry)
Berry bushes serve a dual purpose; they provide tasty treats for you and act as a feast for birds like robins and thrushes. Planting a few berry bushes will not only decorate your garden with their lovely blooms and delicious fruits but will also attract fruit-eating birds. Remember, the more bushes you have, the more birds you are likely to attract.
Crabapples
Crabapple trees are fantastic for attracting birds. Not only do their flowers provide nectar in the spring, but the small fruits are loved by many birds during the colder months. The cool thing about crabapples is that they offer food over a long period. In addition, they are decorative with their spring blossoms and fall fruits.
Holly Bushes
Holly bushes are another great choice for year-round bird attraction. In winter, their bright red berries are not only a stunning sight against a snowy backdrop but also a vital food source for birds like thrushes and waxwings. The dense foliage provides excellent cover and nesting spots, making these bushes a real sanctuary for birds.
Native Grasses
Planting native grasses like switchgrass or bluestem can turn your garden into a haven for birds. These grasses are not just low maintenance, but their seeds are highly valued by many ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows. Additionally, the tall grass provides excellent cover for birds to hide from predators.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry, also known as Juneberry, is a real treat for both you and the birds. The early summer fruits are delicious and highly nutritious, attracting birds like cedar waxwings and robins. The trees also bloom with gorgeous white flowers in spring, making them a visually appealing addition to any garden.
Trumpet Vine
If you are aiming to attract hummingbirds, Trumpet vine is a must-have. This vigorous vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds who can hover and sip the nectar. Just be mindful of where you plant it, as it can be quite aggressive. It is perfect for covering up fences or trellises and bringing that area to life.
Dogwood Trees
Dogwood trees are fantastic for attracting birds due to their dense foliage and the shelter they provide. In the spring, they bloom with beautiful flowers, and in the fall, they produce berries that birds like robins and tanagers love to eat. The horizontal branches also make great perches for birds to rest and scout for food.
Penstemon
Penstemon, or beardtongue, is a nectar-rich flower that is particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These tubular blooms come in various colors, from bright reds to soft pinks, and they thrive in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure. Planting Penstemon can help create a colorful and dynamic garden scene that is constantly visited by buzzing hummingbirds.
Pine Trees
Pine trees are essential for any bird-friendly garden, especially if you want to attract finches, chickadees, and woodpeckers. These trees offer year-round coverage, making them perfect for nesting and shelter. Moreover, pine cones provide plenty of seeds during the colder months, making them a vital food source when food is scarce.
Cherry Trees
Both sweet and sour cherry trees are excellent for attracting birds. The spring blossoms bring in bees and other pollinators, while the summer cherries are a favorite among many birds, including starlings and grosbeaks. Aside from providing food, cherry trees also offer ample nesting opportunities in their branches.
Lavender
Lavender is not only wonderful for its scent and beauty but also for attracting birds, particularly those that appreciate a good insect meal. As lavender attracts a lot of insects, it becomes a natural feeding ground for birds. This plant is drought-resistant, and thrives in full sun, making it easy to care for while adding a splash of color to your garden.
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