In the Garden
Ralph Purkhiser, Purdue University Master Gardener
The snow and bitter cold in recent days has driven me inside for most of my time. I still make it a point to visit the garden daily, if only for a few minutes. Often, my walks have been limited to the sidewalk connecting my driveway with my house. However, I can see a large part of the garden from that vantage point. Of course, most of the view has been that of a blanket of white. The quilt of snow seems to be stitched with the footprints of the wildlife that share my garden.
As I have often stated, my garden was designed as a place for wildlife. Even when the ground is covered with snow, taller grasses and flower stems offer seeds and shelter for birds and small mammals. Watching these creatures provides great enjoyment during long winter days. I am blessed to have a large picture window in my living room from which I can watch a large part of the garden from a warm, comfortable place. The Christmas tree has been removed from the window area, and in its place are some of my tropical and sub-tropical bonsai specimens and other potted plants to frame the space. A hanging pothos sends out vines to enhance the window valance. On each end of the window is a bird feeder attached with suction cups. These are filled with black oil sunflower seeds. In the area in front of the window are bird feeders of various types to accommodate the feeding habits of the birds who visit. A tall director’s chair gives me a comfortable perch for myself, and I have to force myself to relinquish that spot to get other work accomplished.
Feeding the birds is not something that I feel obliged to do, nor would I ever try to convince you that it is your duty to spend your hard-earned money to buy birdseed to offer to the wildlife. Sandhill Gardens provides enough food for many flocks of birds, even if I never put any additional food out. Even if you do not live in a garden designed for wildlife, feeding the birds is not necessary. In most areas, there are enough parks, gardens and wooded areas that provide the food the birds need. Bird feeding stations are really for the bird watcher. They serve to bring the birds close to the people who want to see them. I have heard some people lament that they have to find someone to fill the feeders when they go on vacations. This is certainly not necessary. The birds may leave the yard in search of food, but they usually return pretty quickly when the feeders are filled again when the resident returns.
At Sandhill Gardens, the birds usually ignore the feeders until the natural food sources are covered with snow. Only then, are they coaxed to come for the easy meals. They do then become accustomed to eating at the feeders, and will continue to do so as long as the feeders are filled. Since I spend more time out in the gardens during the warm months, I usually do not put food in the feeders to draw them to the window area after garden growth begins in the spring.
Besides food, birds need shelter and water. I recently acquired a heated birdbath that keeps the water from freezing. This certainly attracts a lot of birds. Again, this is something I do to be able to watch the birds. At Sandhill Gardens, there is a spring coming from the cave, and water is always available there. However, it is at the bottom of the cliff, and certainly not viewable from my house. Even in the winter, the water needs to be changed frequently to keep the water clean and safe for the birds.
Next week, we will discuss the types of food one may offer to the birds and the best types of shelter. If you provide these necessities, the birds will come. The really do bring me a lot of joy and entertainment.