I enjoy sitting on my patio watching a listening to the multitude of birds and butterflies that visit my garden. The best way to do this is with a variety of plants. Here are just a few that will attract birds and butterflies to your home!
Trees provide shelter as well as food sources for the birds.
Quercus, the Oak trees, provide nice cavity nest sites for many birds. When the acorns develop they also provide a food source for several species of birds, like the Downy woodpecker.
The fruit of the dogwood species, Cornus, is loved by Titmice, Cardinals and Blue birds to name a few. It also is a quick growing shrub that would easily provide screening for you and shelter for birds.
Serviceberry or Amelanchiers are one of the first tree species to bloom in the spring.; providing a nectar source for the early butterflies. But that’s not all, in mid June the trees are filled with luscious fruit favored by many birds. You’ll see Robins and Cedar waxwings gobbling them up!
Flowering perennials are your source for nectar lovers like Hummingbirds and butterflies.
Echinacea, Coneflower, provides nectar for butterflies and is a great seed source in fall/winter for Goldfinches and other songbirds.
Asclepias isn’t called Butterfly weed for nothing! Butterflies, particulary the Monarch love Asclepias. It is a host plant for the Monarch’s caterpillars. Birds will also use the soft downy feathers as nesting material.
Monarda, Bee balm attracts Hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant is super easy to grow!
Solidago or Golden rod is a fall bloomer. There are a multitude of butterfly species that are attracted to Golden rod! The seeds are also a favorite of Goldfinches and native sparrow species.
A water feature will also ensure that the birds and butterflies will hang around your property. Birds need fresh water and a place to bathe!
Now these are just few samples of plants to help you attract birds and butterflies to your garden. Want to create that perfect butterfly garden or add more plants for birds then contact us and we’ll get you on your way to a beautiful animal sanctuary.
