[BCNnet] Re: IBET A bird filled garden

[James Hoyt]

Hello all,

Thanks for Don's inciteful posting.

Here in Champaign-Urbana we have several small to mid sized gardens and
prairie restorations.

While out collecting seeds this fall I have noticed the birds also like
Rattlesnake Master, Purple Prairie Clover, and Cup Plant.

My experience with our Master Gardener site at the Champaign County Humane
Society has shown me that some good compost helps seed production. 

My feelings are that a well designed feeding station should have a border
area with native plants as a backdrop between the station and some
conifers and viburnum.

For more info on backyard gardening for birds check google for the
national wildlife federation's website.

Happy birding!

Jim Hoyt
Champaign Co. Audubon

On Thu, 30 Oct 2003, Donald R. Dann wrote:

> My front perennial garden is currently being overwhelmed by American
> Goldfinches.
> 
> In a relatively small area I’m seeing between 75 to 100 birds gorging on the
> seeds of Coneflower, Northern Dropseed, Ironwood, Beebalm, Mountain Mint,
> Blazing Star, Anemone, Hyssop, and several species of Milkweed, Aster,
> Goldenrod, and other native plants I put in to replace my turf grass two
> years ago.
> 
> During this time my conventional feeders aren’t getting half the attention
> the plants are.  Besides being this incredible bird magnet, the garden has
> required less watering, lower landscaping cost, no fertilizing, and many
> other cares which I had to give the old lawn; to say nothing of the fact
> that it’s been far more beautiful.
> 
> Donald R. Dann
> 60 Ravinoaks Lane
> Highland Park, IL 60035
> Ph/Fx: 847-266-2222
> Cell: 847-997-1011
> Email: donniebird@yahoo.com <mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com>

James Hoyt
Co-Steward: Parkland College Prairies
Volunteer Monitor: Urbana Park District Natural Areas
Champaign County Master Gardener: Native Garden Chair.
Champaign Illinois

888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
***************************************************************************
"The human culture is now considered to be a 'geologic force', and with
good reason. But if we are at a stage where our actions are to decide the
world's future, then surely we have reached a level where we can be held
accountable for the world's future." Durward L. Allen "Our Wildlife
Legacy"
***************************************************************************
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888