Gardeners urged to plant 6 flowers that feed birds all summer long
If you're a fan of these feathery creatures, experts have shared the top flowers you need to plant to keep birds flitting about in your garden.
Birds are delightful creatures, filled with personality and unique behaviours that make them fascinating to observe. What's more, they also play a pivotal role in your garden's eco-system, as they contribute to key processes like pollination and seed dispersal.
One of the best ways to encourage them to your home is by growing plants that provide them with food and nesting materials.
Plus, given that bird numbers are dwindling in the UK, this is more important than ever. According to government data, bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023.
One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023, which is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which impact bird's food supply.
Luckily, garden design expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk has shared the six flowers you need to plant to make your home extra appealing for birds.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a summer favourite, as they instantly brighten up any space with their broad yellow leaves. The good news is that they also attract birds.
According to Calum: 'The many seeds packed at the centre of the flower heads provide nourishment that is rich in oil throughout the autumn for seed-eating birds such as finches and nuthatches.'
Honeysuckle
As well as providing berries, honeysuckles are a great source of shelter for small birds like thrushes, warblers, and finches. They will also attract insects during the summer months, providing a further food source for birds.
Rowan
Rowans are known to produce masses of creamy white flowers that entice birds. Calum advised: 'Depending on the species, you can expect your rowan tree to bear berries from late July through to November.'
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a flowering shrub which produces berries that attract birds such as blackbirds, redwings, fieldfares and starlings. Plus, Calum adds that the leaves will also attract caterpillars, which are 'an excellent food source' for baby birds during spring.
Ivy
Calum shared: 'Ivy is another plant which doubles up as a fantastic source of both food and shelter. The blackberries which appear in winter provide much-needed food for a range of birds, such as thrushes, starlings, jays, finches, and blackbirds.'
Holly
Holly berries will keep birds satisfied during winter, as they are enjoyed by birds such as song thrushes, blackbirds, and redwings. Calum added: 'Just make sure that you plant a female plant and a male plant close together, as only the female produces berries, but the male is needed for pollination.'
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