Sounds of the Garden

When it comes to landscape design, most people think of flowers, shrubs and trees. They think about size and shape, color and texture, formal and informal. Few consider sound! Sound can be one of the most pleasurable parts of any one's garden.

A strategically placed bird feeder or bird bath can attract many different song birds. The delightful songs of birds will surely put a smile on your face.

Whether light and dainty or sharp and bold, the melodic tones of wind chimes create a sense of peace and harmony.

Nothing is more soothing that the gentle sound of running water. Adding a garden fountain is easy to do and the sound is so relaxing.

When planning your garden, there are lots of thing to consider. Don’t forget sound!

Want to Attract Hummingbirds? Here's Lucy!

Let me splain...

If you enjoy watching Hummers, the perennial Crocosmia Lucifer is a "must have" in your Hummingbird garden. The spikes of flame red trumpet shaped flowers bloom for 3 or 4 weeks in mid-summer. They love full sun and are easy to grow in zones 5 thru 9. In the colder climates, mulch them heavily after the ground has frozen or just dig them up and replant them in the spring.





As the flowers begin to open, I guarantee the aerial acrobats will be lined up to feed!

Quit Bugging Me!

Tired of those nasty garden bugs? Try attracting bug eating birds!

Some colorful birds that are big insect eaters:

Orioles eat grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars.

Cardinals enjoy stinkbugs, leaf hoppers and beetles.

Bluebirds like moths, grasshoppers and crickets.

Creating a bird friendly landscape is easier than you might think. Birds need water, cover and food.

Water: Birds need water to drink and to bathe. Consider adding a birdbath or fountain to your garden retreat. A water feature will no only attract your feather friends, but also give you an excellent opportunity to add a unique sculptural feature.

Cover: Birds need cover for protection and to nest. Shrubs and small trees provide natural cover and a strategically placed birdhouse can provide the perfect home for your birds to raise their families.

Food: Even insect loving birds enjoy a bit of variety. Plants with fruits or berries will help keep your favorites returning year after year. A bird feeder filled with the right seeds can also help.

Attracting birds to your garden or yard is one way to help stop many garden pests from bugging you. Enjoy the sights and sounds... Try bird friendly!

Rudolph’s Garden Wish List

Southeastern Michigan may only see reindeer at Christmas, but the population of their cousin - the white tail - seems to be steadily increasing. Deer may be attractive creatures, but they can devour your garden in minutes.

There are many so-called deer deterrents. Some common ones include: human hair, garlic, blood meal, fences, flags, noisemakers, and sprays. Unfortunately, many are a hassle and most are seldom effective.

One popular method of deterrence is to avoid planting flowers that deer love to eat. Some plants at the top of Rudolph’s wish list: Clematis, English Ivy, Daylily, Vinca Minor, Hosta, Trillium, Tulip, Violet, Rose, and Hyacinth.

Plants Rudolph tends to avoid: Columbine, Bleeding Heart, Foxglove, Coneflower, Lamb’s Ear, Ageratum, Snapdragon, Dusty Miller, Foxglove, Black-Eyed Susan, Marigold, Pachysandra, Coral Bells, and Daffodil.

Selecting the right plants can go a long way to dear-proofing your garden. However; when it’s a matter of survival, undernourished deer will eat almost anything!