Posted on 03/05/2005 8:07:37 AM PST by sweetliberty
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As it turned out, the previous thread on this topic generated a lot of interest and several people recommended doing it as a regular thread, so here is the second installment.
How you go about creating a bird sanctuary in your yard, or outdoor space, will depend on a number of givens, some which can modified, and others over which you have no control. One of these is geographical location or climate zone. If you live in the Colorado Rockies, you are not going to attract Cardinals, no matter how many black oil sunflower seeds you put out, and if you're on a beach in Florida, it's a pretty safe bet that there will be no snow buntings visiting your yard, the cornucopia of insects notwithstanding. Of course, if global warming keeps encroaching on us, we may soon find Alaska overrun with Parrots and Flamingos, but, I digress.
Within any given area, there are a variety of habitats, so no matter what your specific location, it is possible to vastly increase the types and numbers of birds in your immediate environment by modifying your habitat to make it more bird friendly to a wider array of birds native to your region.
Another "given" is your available space. If you live in a cottage in the woods by a stream, you will obviously have a lot more options available to you than if you live in an urban apartment with nothing more than a small porch or balcony. Of course, I think the majority of us live somewhere between those extremes. The point is, even if you have nothing more than a porch, you can still make it bird friendly, thereby increasing your enjoyment of these highly entertaining creatures. If you don't even have so much as a porch, I would suggest moving!
The purpose of this thread is to share ideas for maximizing our outdoor spaces to make them appealing to birds and butterflies, to share our experiences and knowledge or expertise, photos and resources. The discussion is pretty free-flowing and may expand to include gardening, landscaping and related topics. The direction the thread takes will really be up to the FReepers who post on it. We can focus on a different topic every week or two, or just keep it open and casual, updating the thread periodically. The main thing is that we learn and have fun.
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This was in our local paper today:
April garden checklist
Mark Keaton
Here are some things gardeners need to consider during April:
Those who are interested in growing things edible yet ornamental may want to incorporate some showy vegetables in flowerbeds, such as ornamental peppers, eggplant and leaf lettuces.
Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as spirea, flowering quince, forsythia and azaleas once they have finished blooming. This is a good time to fertilize these shrubs, too.
Watch for cutworms which girdle newly planted vegetables during the first few weeks of establishment. Foil wraps will provide necessary protection; and for larger plantings, you can use the appropriate insecticide for protection. Speaking of worms, watch for cabbage looper and cabbageworm insects. These guys can be controlled by using Bt.
Onions are rapid growers and heavy feeders. To grow monster-sized onions, fertilize weekly with a water-soluble fertilizer and mix at half rate.
Most warm-season vegetables should be planted the middle of April unless you are prepared to do some frost protection if needed. However, hold back on planting okra and peppers until early next month. Soil temperatures are still too cold for these two warm-season vegetables.
Try growing cucumbers up on a trellis this year. This not only reduces space,but cuts down on disease and insect problems.
This is last call to divide and replant overcrowded summer- and fall-blooming perennials.
The older leaves of Southern Magnolia often look diseased this time of year. Winter brings out (makes visible) damage done by insects and possibly some disease organisms from the last growing season. Fortunately, old leaves are about to fall with new growth which is starting to push out.
Hummingbirds will arrive sometime later this month. Get feeders out, clean them up and hang them out in a week or two. Make a sugar mixture by using one part sugar to three or four parts water.
After Easter lilies fade, plant the bulbs in a sunny part of the perennial garden. Foliage may die back but will green up this fall and take off next spring. Don't expect blooms until late spring to early summer. Easter lilies are pretty reliable perennials if planted in a well-drained spot.
Summer bulbs such as cannas, caladiums, dahlias, gladioli and tuberoses can be set out now. Plant gladioli several times at two-week intervals for blooms throughout the summer.
When buying transplants, select ones with the most vigor. Rootbound transplants never will catch up with others, and chances are they may never produce. Example, a cucurbit that has developed beyond its first set of true leaves will not produce well if at all.
Encourage production of runners on newly planted strawberries by removing all flowers the first season. Also fertilize strawberry beds this August or September to encourage good bloom set.
Transplant and divide spring-flowering bulbs after foliage begins to die down. Spring bulbs need to be left undisturbed, including mowing, for at least six weeks after blooming.
During the next few weeks, gardeners may begin to notice strange-looking, often colorful, growth on leaves and new twigs of hardwood trees and shrubs. These growths are galls caused by either mites, aphids, midges, small wasps or pspyllids (jumping plant lice). Galls differ in size and shape depending on the type of insect responsible for them. However, the same gall insect will produce a very similar gall on different species of plants. Gall insects seldom cause serious damage, and therefore, control measures are not necessary.
Houseplants benefit tre-mendously from a summer vacation outdoors. Be cautious though — a change of environment is always a shock for any plant. Sunburn and windburn are the two most common problems, but rapid moisture loss, extreme temperature fluctuations and insects can be just as damaging. A shaded deck or patio is a good choice. Do not place plants in direct sunlight. Bright, filtered light is best.
For information on April garden checklist items, call the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service at 425-2335.
I thought of you this past week. There were so many Grackles coming. At one point, I looked outside and they were all over my yard. Everywhere. I thought. I know what Becky meant!
Hi Becky
When you get your camera fixed I'd love to see pictures of your garden. I worked outside today and the perennials are just starting to come up. I can't wait.
I know that Blue Jays and Crows will chase Hawks to try to get them out of the territory. Maybe nest robbing. Certainly, interesting to watch. Let me know if you figure out what the heck he's doing . :)
I'm going to do my Humming Feeder tomorrow. I may catch some going up North.
He's beautiful! Those are gorgeous shots. :)
Hi
I'd like to see your shot of the Grackle!
I'm really hoping to find someplace this weekend to fix my camera. My garden is really looking good. I only have a few more things that I really want to get. Some red Sylvia, Hummers love them, some caladiums, and either some rose moss or portulacca, or blue daze.
I think the grackles are finally thinning out here. I haven't seen any of the huge groups this week. But it has rained all day today.
Becky
I've had my hummerfeeder out now for a week, but haven't seen any yet.
Becky
Forgot to tell you, my first morning glory came up today:)
Becky
I am in the Dallas, Tx area and the earliest I've ever seen one here was last year when the little Ruby Throated beauty showed up early in the morning on April 14th.
Did the issue of nuisance birds ever come up? I have brown headed cowbirds at my feeders, and I'm assuming that they are about to drop off their eggs in some other bird's nest.
Here's one of my visitors:
Becky
wow!!!!!! what state are you in??
Hi Sweetliberty,
Thanks for the ping on the April checklist.
Up here in southern NH though, most of those tasks can't happen for another 4-6 weeks. (The snow finally disappeared today!) The crocus have been blooming for a few days. Still waiting for the daffs and tulips to bloom, so we have a ways to go to catch up with you!
I didn't know that grackles would kill other birds. They're detestable birds. I just wish they'd move on. There are not as many now as there were a couple of weeks ago, but there's still enough around to be a real PITA.
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