This short video shows you how I prepare my pond for the long Ohio winter.
How to Install a Pond on Your Deck
This picture shows the overall steps you can follow to install a pond liner into your deck. Check out the pages below that explain how to do this.
Large Koi in Backyard Pond
This is the largest of my koi that I have in my backyard ponds. He's patrolling the area.
How to Choose Rocks for Your Landscape
Rocks and Stones
Rocks are perfect to use for pathways and retaining walls. They enhance the appearance of a pond's waterfall.
Rocks and stones will make any landscape design more interesting and pleasing to the eye. There are many kinds of stones to choose from.
Boulders
This is the tough part. If you find nice boulders, many times they are large and heavy and hard to transport. Believe me, I've found plenty of boulders I'd love in my yard but it's not gonna happen. There's just no way to haul them.
At the same time I have managed to get some very large rock into the yard. You need some manpower to do so and a good sturdy wheelbarrow.
Flag Stones
These stones are perfect for walks and patios. They are thin and smooth and come in various shades, sizes, and distinctive shapes. They are generally placed above a layer of sand. The flag stones can be adjusted to make a pleasing design.
River pebbles
When it comes to drier locations, river pebbles are the best choice since they help with water conservation. They can also be used as a decorative balance to a plantings. I use them in my small stream.
Other Tips in Choosing the Appropriate Rock
1. It stands to reason that the more space you have, the more rock you can use. Consider adding rocks into your garden for a unique and interesting layout.
2. Color is also a distinct feature in the landscape. I use mostly natural stone but when I see some nice colors like a white rock or blue running through it, as an example, I always find a way to add it to the landscape.
3. Porous rock is a better choice for a weathered look. They are receptive to growth of mosses and other plants like creeping phlox. Rock with moss on it is absolutely perfect.
4. Avoid using sharp rocks near the pathway.
5. For a more natural look, choose rocks that are of similar appearance, considering texture, color and form.
Utilize rocks in the best way possible. Use your imagination. This is one of the fun parts of landscaping. Remember always to make the area look as natural as possible.
Rocks are perfect to use for pathways and retaining walls. They enhance the appearance of a pond's waterfall.
Rocks and stones will make any landscape design more interesting and pleasing to the eye. There are many kinds of stones to choose from.
Boulders
This is the tough part. If you find nice boulders, many times they are large and heavy and hard to transport. Believe me, I've found plenty of boulders I'd love in my yard but it's not gonna happen. There's just no way to haul them.
At the same time I have managed to get some very large rock into the yard. You need some manpower to do so and a good sturdy wheelbarrow.
These stones are perfect for walks and patios. They are thin and smooth and come in various shades, sizes, and distinctive shapes. They are generally placed above a layer of sand. The flag stones can be adjusted to make a pleasing design.
When it comes to drier locations, river pebbles are the best choice since they help with water conservation. They can also be used as a decorative balance to a plantings. I use them in my small stream.
Other Tips in Choosing the Appropriate Rock
1. It stands to reason that the more space you have, the more rock you can use. Consider adding rocks into your garden for a unique and interesting layout.
2. Color is also a distinct feature in the landscape. I use mostly natural stone but when I see some nice colors like a white rock or blue running through it, as an example, I always find a way to add it to the landscape.
3. Porous rock is a better choice for a weathered look. They are receptive to growth of mosses and other plants like creeping phlox. Rock with moss on it is absolutely perfect.
4. Avoid using sharp rocks near the pathway.
5. For a more natural look, choose rocks that are of similar appearance, considering texture, color and form.
Utilize rocks in the best way possible. Use your imagination. This is one of the fun parts of landscaping. Remember always to make the area look as natural as possible.
How to Install Pond Liner In Deck Floor - Step 2
In part 1 I showed you the beginning stages for dropping a pond liner into my deck. I have to note that before I did anything, I moved the liner to different spots on the deck and sat outside and tried to decide which spot I liked best. The spot I chose was pretty much the middle of the deck but there was also a reason for that.
There are 2 joists that run parallel to the planks and they are about 2 feet apart. In between there are joists so first, I could knock out a cross joist without any worry of losing any support. Then I added 4 - 4x4's, 2 to each supporting joists to brace the deck for any additional weight.
The idea wasn't to have much weight on the deck itself as I was building a structure under the deck for the pond to sit on but I felt the precaution was a good idea.
Here is the support structure. You can see I nailed in a 2x6 to 2 - 4x4's. 1 on each side. Then I laid 2x6's across the braces and nailed them in place. I actually ended up adding a piece of plywood on top of the planks for more height.
The liner sits directly on the structure and the weight added to the deck itself is minimal.
Take your time on this step. It's very important to get it right.
Then I dropped in the liner. The tedious part came in that I had to cut each 2x6 to fit around the liner. I used longer boards than needed and cut off the ends once I had these in place. That made it easier for the numerous times I had to cut off a little more to slip under the liner.
This is what it looked like when I completed this step.
Now came the fun part. Adding the water and some rocks for a waterfall. I made some changes to the waterfall after I took this video but you get the idea. I change my waterfall setup in my backyard ponds from time to time. I mention in the video that I wanted to have a pond mushroom extension but after adding the waterfall, I decided I liked that best.
We went out and caught some mosquito fish and currently have a couple small koi in there until they grow big enough to move to my grandson's indoor pond.
This job takes some time but it's really not that expensive if your adding the liner to an existing deck. Just make sure everything is thoroughly braced, including the deck joists, before dropping in the liner and adding water.
There are 2 joists that run parallel to the planks and they are about 2 feet apart. In between there are joists so first, I could knock out a cross joist without any worry of losing any support. Then I added 4 - 4x4's, 2 to each supporting joists to brace the deck for any additional weight.
Here is the support structure. You can see I nailed in a 2x6 to 2 - 4x4's. 1 on each side. Then I laid 2x6's across the braces and nailed them in place. I actually ended up adding a piece of plywood on top of the planks for more height.
The liner sits directly on the structure and the weight added to the deck itself is minimal.
Take your time on this step. It's very important to get it right.
This is what it looked like when I completed this step.
Now came the fun part. Adding the water and some rocks for a waterfall. I made some changes to the waterfall after I took this video but you get the idea. I change my waterfall setup in my backyard ponds from time to time. I mention in the video that I wanted to have a pond mushroom extension but after adding the waterfall, I decided I liked that best.
We went out and caught some mosquito fish and currently have a couple small koi in there until they grow big enough to move to my grandson's indoor pond.
This job takes some time but it's really not that expensive if your adding the liner to an existing deck. Just make sure everything is thoroughly braced, including the deck joists, before dropping in the liner and adding water.
How to Install Pond Liner In Deck Floor - Step 1
At least half of it. The other half of the deck was slippery but no bad boards so I power washed them. This shows the boards once they were flipped (not nailed down yet) compared to the boards still needing removed.
I was sitting on the deck looking out at my ponds when I decided I would take one of the two pond liners I had downstairs and put it into the deck so it would be level with the floor. I built in one liner in my family room and we use it to house the smaller fish from our smaller pond over the winter. We start koi and other fish in our small pond and move them to the large pond once they are too big for the bass in the big pond to eat.
Bookmark my site if you're interested in seeing the final result. I have some other ideas for the deck floor as well. You'll want to see the final result.
How To Make a Super Easy Pond Filter
If you have a pond in your yard, you really should watch this video. This guys does a nice job of showing you how to make a cheap and very effective pond filter to help keep your pond looking clear. I incorporated his idea into my pond and it works. The only thing I didn't have was the bag of bio material he shows.
Gooseneck Plant
This is just one of the plants I have which are basically plant and forget. When I first put them in the ground, I watered them for maybe a week. Since then, I've done nothing.
When winter gets near, I use a week whacker and trim the plant to the ground. Otherwise my yard starts to look messy.
When spring comes around they start popping up and usually by the end of June or beginning of July they flower. The flowers attract bees and birds and butterflies and even hummingbirds.
Do yourself a favor and add some of the gooseneck to your landscape. I have some growing in sunny areas as well as shady areas. I spend time doing things to my pond and deck and have other projects always going on, so plant it and forget plants are the perfect plants in the garden or the general landscape.
By the way, they are easy to transplant.
Questions About Feeding Wild Birds
When is the best time to start?
Usually, whenever the weather is severe, birds will appreciate a reliable supplemental food source. In northern areas, start before the onset of cold weather so birds have time to find the feeder. I like to try to get food out starting around March. I live in Ohio.
When's the best time to stop?
Although you can feed birds year -round, especially with fruit and nectar, you can stop feeding seeds once a reliable supply of insects is available in the spring. Having said that, we all know we plan on putting seeds out during the spring and summer to attract birds.
Do wild birds need grit?
Birds have no teeth to grind their food. The dirt, sand, pebbles and grit they eat sit in their crop and help grind up their food. Adding grit to your feeder is helpful, particularly in the winter and spring. Crushed eggshells do the same thing, and in the spring have an added benefit: they provide birds with extra calcium for producing eggs of their own.
Can birds choke on peanut butter?
There is no evidence that birds can choke on peanut butter. However, birds have no salivary glands. You can make it easier on them by mixing peanut butter with lard, cornmeal or grit. Your birds will appreciate drinking water too, from a bird bath or trough.
Won't suet go bad in the summer?
In the winter, raw beef fat from the local butcher is all you need for your suet feeder. When temperatures rise, raw fat can melt and get rancid. It's safer to use commercially rendered suet cakes in the spring and summer months. Rendering (boiling) the fat kills bacteria.
How close to my window can I put a feeder?
Birds will come right to your window. Sometimes it takes a while for them to overcome their initial reluctance, so be patient. Don't worry that a feeder on the window will cause birds to fly into the window. Birds fly into the window because they see the reflection of the woods. Window feeders and decals help break up the reflection.
This hummingbird feeder hangs on a friends deck right outside the window.
My neighbor tried one of the bird houses you put against the window so you can watch the babies inside the house. It never attracted any birds.
However, outside my upstairs window their is always a nest and new baby birds during the spring and summer. So just try things for yourself.
Add Hostas to Your Landscape
I use to plant lots of flowers and plants every year because my wife enjoyed them. She was in a wheelchair so little things like sitting in the backyard and enjoying the flowers and birds meant a lot to her. Maybe a year after she died about 5 years ago, I tore out the flower garden because it was hard to sit on the deck and look at them.
Once I started making changes to my landscape, I decided there were some plants I wanted in the front and back yard. I'm still not into working hard to keep flowers, so I decided there were a couple plants I would use that were low maintenance and would return every year. Day Lillie's and Hosta's and Goose Neck are the ones I found that fit my needs. I'm sure I'll add more as time goes by.
I'll discuss the other plants in future posts, but right now the focus is the Hosta. There is a large variety of Hosta and I won't even attempt to get into that. If you go to your local garden store or many hardware stores, you'll find bulbs of different variety. Look at the pictures and decide which ones catch your eye.
Most hosta plants will thrive in shady places, but check the instructions as some may prefer a lot of sun. Mine always seemed to do well whether they had lots of sun or minimal sun or pretty much whatever. They just simply grew.
They would go dormant in the winter and usually once the spring came around they were the first plants I would see starting to emerge. They grow very large over time if you let them or you can easily split them and plant new ones. Once you begin doing this the only reason you might buy more is if you want a different type flower.
Yep. Hosta's do flower. They get large stems and really perk up the area. Check the pictures when you buy the bulbs and you'll be able to add a variety to your garden.
Because most of the hosta plants do well in shady areas, many people plant them around trees. They add a nice touch. If you choose to do so, just don't plant them too close to the tree roots.
One thing I need to point out is that the roots of hosta plants tend to become tangled. When you are planting the bulbs, whether new ones from the store or some you have split from a large plant, untangle the roots first and point them in the direction they are naturally pointing. Dig a large hole and plant them with the crown showing above ground. Fill the hole loosely with the dirt and don't pack it down.
The only thing I do when winter is approaching is to cut the dead leaves from the plant and I remove the flower stems.
Once I started making changes to my landscape, I decided there were some plants I wanted in the front and back yard. I'm still not into working hard to keep flowers, so I decided there were a couple plants I would use that were low maintenance and would return every year. Day Lillie's and Hosta's and Goose Neck are the ones I found that fit my needs. I'm sure I'll add more as time goes by.
Most hosta plants will thrive in shady places, but check the instructions as some may prefer a lot of sun. Mine always seemed to do well whether they had lots of sun or minimal sun or pretty much whatever. They just simply grew.
They would go dormant in the winter and usually once the spring came around they were the first plants I would see starting to emerge. They grow very large over time if you let them or you can easily split them and plant new ones. Once you begin doing this the only reason you might buy more is if you want a different type flower.
Because most of the hosta plants do well in shady areas, many people plant them around trees. They add a nice touch. If you choose to do so, just don't plant them too close to the tree roots.
One thing I need to point out is that the roots of hosta plants tend to become tangled. When you are planting the bulbs, whether new ones from the store or some you have split from a large plant, untangle the roots first and point them in the direction they are naturally pointing. Dig a large hole and plant them with the crown showing above ground. Fill the hole loosely with the dirt and don't pack it down.
The only thing I do when winter is approaching is to cut the dead leaves from the plant and I remove the flower stems.
Landscaping Without Plants
When you consider changing your landscape, sometimes it's not all about adding plants. In fact, it might be desirable not to at times.
My daughter rents a small house she rents and she works at trying to make the front yard look nice. The problem is she would try to plant perennials along the driveway and they would seem to never grow. Whether it was the way the sun hits that area or whatever, they just didn't grow and she would end up wasting her money.
She came up with a solution. I bought her solar lights and she put them along the driveway. She added black mulch. This time though, instead of adding plants, she added flags. She spaced them between the lights and the result transformed her driveway. She no longer has to water the plants constantly and she has received compliments for her layout.
You can see how this borders her yard and the flags definitely catch your eye when you drive down the street.
The same goes for the front of the house. Using a little imagination she took a sore spot and transformed it using mulch and a bird bath and lawn decorations. You can see one of the hostas, which I will be discussing in another post. Hosta is a terrific plant that you can basically plant and forget and a single plant can be easily divided as it grows so you get free plants.
Once the rose of Sharon shrubs blooms (it had gotten out of hand so she had it trimmed before I took this picture),
Before I leave her house, I want to show you one other project she did. Around back she added lights to her awning. Check out the ambience. These lights cost about $30 and immediately added charm to the backyard.
Does this give you any ideas? It doesn't matter if you live in a rental property or have a small house and a small budget. Use a little imagination and see if you can transform your landscape.
Birds in the Backyard
If you like birds and you're providing them with a birdhouse of trees or bushes and water, be prepared to attract plenty of birds tom your yard.
Sometimes you walk outside and find a nest with baby birds like this one my friend found right outside her door.
These are baby robins and it will be fun watching them grow. I have a bird house right outside my back door and we get baby birds 3 or 4 times a year. I was lucky one time to be watching as a baby bird flew for the first time. It's fun watching the birds feed them as well.
I came across this baby blue jay one time while doing some work in the yard. I had to keep the dog away from it for a few hours but it eventually was able to leave.
I like watching the birds taking a bath in one of the ponds. It's easier than having a bird bath because I don't have to add water regularly. There have been ducks visiting the pond as well. There use to be a male and female duck every spring. They would stay for a couple of weeks.
Unfortunately once we got a dog, they stopped coming.
Be prepared for critters to visit your yard. If you have a garden, you'll need to set up some fencing to keep them out of it.
These are baby robins and it will be fun watching them grow. I have a bird house right outside my back door and we get baby birds 3 or 4 times a year. I was lucky one time to be watching as a baby bird flew for the first time. It's fun watching the birds feed them as well.
I like watching the birds taking a bath in one of the ponds. It's easier than having a bird bath because I don't have to add water regularly. There have been ducks visiting the pond as well. There use to be a male and female duck every spring. They would stay for a couple of weeks.
Unfortunately once we got a dog, they stopped coming.
How to Build a Terrarium
A terrarium lets you bring the outdoors indoors. You're limited only by your imagination.
This terrarium was built by my grandson and it cost us nothing (aside from already having the aquarium so figure in that cost).
My sister and brother-in-law have a large vacation property and his woods are loaded with plants and moss. We got moss (you can see the outdoors moss garden I'm building here Moss Garden ) and a small fern. When he first added these things it was pretty flat. There wasn't much growth. In a matter of about 2 weeks the fern has taken off. You can see there are other small plants and vegetation growing as well.
To make the terrarium, he put down a small amount of dirt at the bottom of the container and then added some sticks and rocks from our backyard. He mixed in moss and added the fern to complete the project. When you start your terrarium, begin adding dirt and rocks and moss and sticks and plants where you think they look good and move things around until you get the desired effect.We spray this daily and I have it sitting by my picture window for sunlight.
His plan is to get a screen for the top and add some poison dart frogs. You can do that or simply set the terrarium up for looks only.
I'll put up a picture when things grow more.
In another post, I'll show you the way he set up a turtle tank. It's a different type of terrarium with water and rocks and plants.
This terrarium was built by my grandson and it cost us nothing (aside from already having the aquarium so figure in that cost).
My sister and brother-in-law have a large vacation property and his woods are loaded with plants and moss. We got moss (you can see the outdoors moss garden I'm building here Moss Garden ) and a small fern. When he first added these things it was pretty flat. There wasn't much growth. In a matter of about 2 weeks the fern has taken off. You can see there are other small plants and vegetation growing as well.
To make the terrarium, he put down a small amount of dirt at the bottom of the container and then added some sticks and rocks from our backyard. He mixed in moss and added the fern to complete the project. When you start your terrarium, begin adding dirt and rocks and moss and sticks and plants where you think they look good and move things around until you get the desired effect.We spray this daily and I have it sitting by my picture window for sunlight.
His plan is to get a screen for the top and add some poison dart frogs. You can do that or simply set the terrarium up for looks only.
I'll put up a picture when things grow more.
In another post, I'll show you the way he set up a turtle tank. It's a different type of terrarium with water and rocks and plants.
Moss Garden Landscape Updated
My grandson and I gathered more moss this weekend, along with a few interesting plants. I managed to get everything into my new moss garden area in time for some good rainfall.
This is still a work in progress but I thought showing the next step might be beneficial to you. Generally I find I never have a completely finished work. There always seems to be something new to add.
We're trying to figure out how to add a water feature that fits into the blank area, as that is a cement pad. I have a few ideas but nothing solid yet. Another idea is to figure out a way to make that open area look like a pond.
The concrete pad is throwing a curve in the project but there always seems to be something you need to work around or tie into the landscape.
Moss Garden
I used to have 5 rose bushes in this small area. I put them in for my wife and, out of respect for her, I continued to tend to them for the past 5 years after she passed away. Even though I hate rose bushes and they would literally hurt me. I was always scratched up.
Here is my new project in the beginning stage. I tore out the bushes and decided to add moss. There's just a small amount but my grandson and I plan to gather more in the next couple weeks. In order to plant moss, you dunk it in a bucket of water and then press it firmly on the ground. You won't hurt it so don't be afraid to apply pressure.
As this area becomes filled with moss, I will post updates. I'm considering adding a Hosta as they are so easy to grow and require hardly any maintenance.
As this area becomes filled with moss, I will post updates. I'm considering adding a Hosta as they are so easy to grow and require hardly any maintenance.
Landscape for the Birds
Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements, and these may change as the bird matures and as the seasons change. Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, or flowers that will provide the fruits, berries, grains, seeds, acorns, nuts, or nectar.Water
You can probably double the number of bird species in your yard by
providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get
lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing, or moving.I'll tell you what. To me, a pond is a must. The sound of the water, the water plants, the birds taking baths and showers under the waterfall, the squirrels and chipmunks getting drinks; I say put in a pond and do your gardening around it.
Butterflies are also attracted to water and the sound of water. It is too cool to have a bunch of butterflies in your backyard.
Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (including hollow ones), shrubs, tall grass, and bird houses provide excellent shelter. I throw twigs and branches I've trimmed into piles in our yard and we find rabbits and chipmunks and other wildlife love these piles.A word of caution. If you do this and decide to burn them at a later time, seperate the pile first so no baby animals perish.
Diversity
The best landscaping plan is one that includes a wide variety of plants. This helps attract a greater number of bird species. We've noted that plants for butterflies have attracted himmingbirds, and vice-versa. Remember, birds don't read books and may like some plants that the books don't say they like.Experiment.
You're trying to make the yard attractive to you as well as to the birds. Have some fun!
Four Seasons
It's even more important to keep the feeders full and water available in the winter months when the plant life has died. Feed these birds and wildlife during the winter months and they will reward you by hanging around in the nice months.
Arrangement
Habitat components need to be properly arranged. Consider the effects of prevailing winds (and snow drifting) so your yard will be protected from harsh winter weather.Let me make a note here. We didn't follow these guidelines. We planted where we wanted to, checking only to see if our plants needed shade, sun or a combination. If the plants died, we bought new ones. No rocket science here.
Protection
Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality. When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their accessibility to predators.You also should be cautious about the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. They should be applied only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions.
Hardiness Zones
When considering plants not native to your area, consult a plant hardiness zone map (they are in most garden catalogues). Make sure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification of your area. Most plants have this info listed when you purchase, as well as telling you how much sun or shade is best.Landscaping for the birds will be as rewarding as anything you have ever done.
Monarch Butterfly
The monarch has some of the most gorgeous colors you will ever find on a species of butterfly. This particular butterfly is commonly called the milkweed butterfly because they are commonly found eating this variety of plant. This is also the location where most Monarch butterflies lay their eggs.
The majority of Monarch butterflies are found in North America.
Monarch butterflies migrate and follow the same pattern year after year. They move to warm climates including Florida, Texas, and Mexico during the winter months. You will see them doing so in very large groups. You will have to look close though as you can easily mistake them for a bunch of autumn leaves! This is because the Monarch butterfly adapts to the environment and blends in for protection.
It always seems exciting to see them return to the garden each year. I've noticed they seem to spend a lot of time on my Gooseneck plants.
When Should I Start Feeding Hummingbirds
They see red and so the possibility is when you put the feeders up early, they may be passing by, see them and stop to feed. Many people say that when that happens, they are likely to decide to make your area their home.
Obviously you have to be aware of freezing overnight temperatures as it's possible your drink could freeze and break your feeder. I think I pulled my feeder in twice last year but, again, it was well worth it as I had a lot more hummingbirds.
When to Begin Feeding Birds
When To Start Feeding Birds . . . FAQ's
When's the best time to start feeding birds?
There is no best or worst time. Start whenever you want to. The birds can use your help in the very early spring when their natural seed sources are scarce. In general, whenever the weather is severe, birds will appreciate a reliable supplemental food source.When's the best time to stop?
If you enjoy feeding birds, there is no reason to stop. You can do it year-round. Feeding the birds throughout the summer will not make them "lazy," or "dependent." If you keep your feeding station clean, there's no reason for you to stop feeding suet, sunflower, millet, fruit and nectar.Is it best to stop feeding hummingbirds after Labor Day?
There is no evidence that feeding hummingbirds after Labor Day will keep them from migrating. In fact, it may help a weakened straggler refuel for the long haul. Leave your nectar feeders out until the birds stop coming.How long does it take for birds to find a feeder?
Sometimes it can seem like forever. It may take more time for birds to find window feeders than hanging or pole-mounted feeders. If you're impatient, start with a feeder full of hulled sunflower. If that doesn't get their attention, wrap aluminum foil around the top of the feeder hanger. Sometimes all it takes is the reflection of light on the foil to catch their attention.
My feeder is full of seeds. I haven't seen a bird in months. Am I doing something wrong?
When birds desert your feeder, it may be simply that a lot of natural food is available nearby. Or something may be wrong, such as your seeds are spoiled or your feeder contaminated. Throw the seeds away and wash the feeder. Take a look at where your feeder is placed. Be sure it's not vulnerable to predators.Can birds choke on peanut butter?
There's no evidence that birds can choke on peanut butter. However, birds have no salivary glands. You can make it easier on them by mixing peanut butter with lard, cornmeal, and/or grit. Your birds will appreciate drinking water too -- a bird bath or trough.Do wild birds need grit?
In the winter, you may see flocks of birds along roadsides after the snowplows have passed. They're after the grit. Birds have no teeth to grind their food. The dirt, sand, pebbles, and grit they eat sits in their crop and helps grind up their food. Adding grit to your feeder is helpful year-round, but particularly in the winter and spring. Crushed eggshells do the same thing, and in the spring have an added benefit. They provide extra calcium during nesting season.Won't suet go "bad" in the summer?
In the winter, raw beef fat from the local butcher is all you need for your suet feeder. When temperatures rise, raw fat can melt, and get rancid. It's safer to use commercially rendered suet cakes in the spring and summer months. Rendering, boiling the fat, kills bacteria. And yes, it's okay to feed your woodpeckers year-round. They will visit your feeders all summer long, and they'll bring their babies.What is hummingbird "nectar"? Do hummers need nectar fortified with vitamins and minerals?
Hummingbird nectar is nothing more than table sugar and water. You can make your own by adding 1/4 cup of sugar to a cup of boiling water. Hummers eat insects for their protein. There is no evidence that these tiny birds need vitamin and mineral supplements. There is also no evidence that adding red food coloring to nectar will harm the birds, but it probably is not necessary to attract them. Just put your feeder near red flowers. Please remember, sugar water will ferment when left in the hot sun. Fermented nectar is deadly. Do not put out a feeder if you are not willing to clean it at least weekly, preferably twice a week.How can I avoid bees at my hummingbird feeder?
Bees are usually a problem only in hot weather. It's inevitable that bees will visit your hummingbird feeder. Little plastic bee guards may help keep them from getting nectar but it won't stop them from trying. Don't take the chance of contaminating your nectar by putting vegetable oil around the feeding portals. The safest solution is to add a few small feeders away from where people are likely to be bothered by bees.How close to your window can you put a feeder?
Birds will come right to your window. Sometimes it takes a while for them to overcome their initial reluctance, so be patient. Don't worry that a feeder on the window will cause birds to fly into the window. Birds fly into the window because they see the reflection of the woods. Window feeders and decals can help break up the reflection.
If you find a bird that has hit a window, carefully pick it up and put
it in a box or a large paper bag. Put it in a dark, quiet corner of your
house for a couple of hours. If the bird recovers, take the box or bag
outside and just let it go. If the bird comes to, but seems injured, call
your local wildlife rehabilitation center for help.
I bought some cracked corn coated with a red dye. Is it safe to use?
The red or pink coating is capstan, a fungicide used on seeds meant for planting. If you buy a bag of cracked corn or other seed treated with capstan, return it to the store. It can kill horses, other mammals and wild birds.I bought a bag of sunflower seeds early in the spring. Over the summer I noticed first worms, then moths. What can I do to keep the bugs out?
It's natural for moths to lay their eggs in sunflower seeds. The eggs lay dormant as long as the seeds are stored in a cool dry place. In the summer, seeds get hot and the eggs hatch.
The best way to avoid this problem is to buy seeds in smaller
quantities, or store your seeds in a cool, dry place. It also helps to know
where your retailer stores the seed. An air conditioned storage unit is the
better choice.
Insects will also lay their eggs in burlap bags. Don't buy seeds in
burlap bags. Don't buy seed in paper and plastic bags with patched holes.
That may be a sign of insect or rodent infestations.
Attracting Butterflies
Butterflies in Your Backyard
Besides certain plants, basking rocks and a source of water will be a must. Moist sand, earth or mud make great watering holes.
On the left is a photo taken by one of my friends, Pete Sorg. He came home from work, saw this monarch and went into the house and grabbed his digital camera. Guarantee you'll be doing the same thing once you get your plants blooming.
You should avoid using insecticides as butterflies are insects. You worked hard to attract them. Don't kill them off.
Planting a wide variety of plants that bloom from spring to fall will provide a source of nectar for the adult butterflies
.
Remember, many of your plants will attract butterflies, but many adults prefer red, yellow, orange and purple flowers.
Place flat rocks throughout your garden in the sunny areas. This will provide a place for them to warm up in the morning before flying. The rocks will provide a basking site for butterflies to raise their body temperature. Butterflies are most active on warm, sunny days.
Provide bird baths or other shallow sources of water so the butterflies can drink.
Check to see what type are most prevalent in your area. Monarchs are found in almost all areas across the U.S., and are the most recognized. Adult Monarch butterflies eat nectar from flowers. Flower nectar consists of about 20% sugar, which gives the Monarchs energy. Flowers that have lots of nectar are, of course, what Monarchs prefer. But you'll see them land on all kinds of flowers to take a sip.
The Monarchs butterflies find flowers by site, but they decide if its worth eating through taste receptors that are on their feet! They suck up the nectar through a long tube-like mouth.
The Monarchs butterflies find flowers by site, but they decide if its worth eating through taste receptors that are on their feet! They suck up the nectar through a long tube-like mouth.
Provide the habitat components necessary for each of the four stages of the butterfly life-cycle to insure greater use by butterflies and a complete habitat; include host plants on which to lay eggs and chrysalises, caterpillar food resources, and nectar-producing flowers for adults.
| Some caterpillar host plants would be milkweed, thistle, clover, spicebush, goldenrod, butterfly weed, parsley, apple and passion flower. Butterflies frequent wildflowers as well as cultivated annuals and perennials. The three most important floral characteristics that attract butterflies to a flower are a good supply of nectar, a blossom with large petals so that the insect can perch while feeding, and flower color. Butterflies seem to investigate purple flowers first, the yellow, pink and finally white. |
Experiment and see what works for you. As I suggest throughout this site, you're planting for yourself as well as for the birds, butterflies and wildlife. If you have a plant you like, plant it.
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