Feeding Birds in Cold Weather

Around here, we love to take care of our feathered friends. Personally, I love the sound of birds chirping in the morning to wake me up! Even still, when the weather dips, we have a tendency to forget about helping out the birds in our area.

Many birds stick around for the winter, and they can really use our help to make it through this cold weather. Birds are warm-blooded, and they require more calories in the winter than they do in the summer. The problem is that the bugs that they usually love to eat are either dead or dormant, so it's a challenge for birds to find their needed nutrients. If the birds are used to having a constant supply of food from you in the warmer months, it makes finding food in the winter even more challenging.

What should you be doing in the winter to help the birds in your area? Keep feeding them! They need foods that are high in calories and fat (I'm starting to think I'm a bird, because this sounds like my winter diet...) Try things like suet, which is very fatty and high energy, and things like peanuts and oil sunflower (we have great luck with Cole's Bird Feed.)

Different types of birds prefer different types of feeders, so you will want to have feeders on the ground, feeders on trees, and hanging feeders. The hanging feeders have a tendency to blow around more in this kind of weather, so only certain types of birds will be able to use them. In general, try to keep your feeders in a protected area that is relatively out of the wind.

Don't forget that the birds have lost a lot of the protection they normally get from trees. Bird houses can really be helpful this time of year. The birds don't want to be out in the elements, and they always need protection from predators. Make sure you keep them clean so you can help prevent the growth of parasites.

Birds are a wonderful addition to your landscape year round. They provide lively color, beautiful songs, and lots of entertainment. If you take care of them in the winter and become a reliable source of food, your yard is sure to become the new hot spot in your neighborhood for the best bird watching!

Watering Plants in the Winter

I always used to wonder if I should water plants in the winter. It's freezing, but the plants are still alive, so what should I do? Do I actually go out and water my plants in the winter?

The easy answer is YES, you should water your plants in the winter!

You don't have to water as much as you do during a summer drought or anything, but you definitely don't want your plants to totally dry out. You can water your plants any time the weather is above freezing, preferable above 40 or so. If the weather drops to freezing after you water, that's ok, it won't hurt the plants, but you don't want to water when it's freezing.

A good soaking every two to four weeks should do it. You want to make sure that your water gets down about 6" in the soil each time you water. That's typically about a half an inch to an inch of water. To measure that, place cups or bowls down where you are watering and water until you fill them to that depth. A slow, steady water is always best, no matter what time of year it is.

Obviously, if you are getting a lot of rain or snow, you don't need to worry about watering. Long story short, you are good for this January so far!

It's important to water all of your plants, but it's especially important to water any newly planted trees or shrubs, or any plants that are particularly exposed to wind or sun. Pay attention to any evergreen trees, as they are the most susceptible to winter droughts.

Don't forget after watering to take your hose off of the spigot. You don't want the hose to freeze and burst! If you have an automatic sprinkler system, make sure you aren't using it. You should have that winterized by a professional each October or so.

Have any more questions about winter watering? Just reach out to us, we are happy to help!

Bring the garden inside!

It's snowing right now, so we don't have any good information for your outdoor garden. So, what can we do to keep our hands covered in dirt during the winter? Bring the garden inside!

Are you aware of all of the benefits of having houseplants? Let's go over some, because it's pretty impressive:

1. Plants clean the air. They remove nasty stuff floating around like benzene and formaldehyde. In fact, one study found that 15 average sized plants placed in an 1800 square foot homed removed 87% of the toxins from the air in just one day!

2. Plants release humidity. 97% of the water you give to a houseplant gets released into the air.

3. Plants release oxygen. Not that you didn't know that already (third grade, right?) but it's great to remember.

4. Plants make us happy, calmer, and more optimistic. Personally, I like the bright and cheerful blooms. Some folks like the leafy stuff. We don't judge.

5. Plants make you smarter. Ok, they make your brain work better, but that's close enough for us. Plants improve your idea generation, mood, and more.

6. Plants reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Are you on your way in to buy some plants yet?

7.  Plants reduce headaches. This goes with air quality, but I found it important enough to make it it's own point. You are less likely to get headaches if you aren't breathing that stuffy, stale air.

In addition, certain plants have other positive uses:

Aloe - Break that bad boy open and apply it to burns. It really does work.

Eucalyptus - Clears congestion and phlegm.

Bromeliads & many succulents - Increase oxygen production at night. Put this in your bedroom to help you sleep.

Well, if you aren't convinced now to go get some houseplants, there's nothing more I can say. So just look at these gorgeous pictures!

Come visit us soon and shake off the winter blues with some beautiful houseplants!