If you are carefully cultivating a garden and wish to help your readers attract more birds to their gardens than just those that come to feeders, this blog post is for you. With the right plants, your garden can become a bird magnet. Read on for a friendly, North American-style guide to which plants attract birds, and how to make your garden a year-round haven for them.
1. Build a Natural Habitat with the Right Plants
Feeders are great—but native plants are the real bird-attractors. According to the National Audubon Society, planting natives can support more insect life (which baby birds need) and provide natural food and shelter for birds all year long.
House your feeder business clients and readers should consider:
Trees with big benefits: Oaks and pines host hundreds of caterpillar species and provide seeds, cover and nesting sites for birds.
Shrubs and berry bushes: Serviceberry, dogwood and elderberry provide berries for birds in fall and winter.
Seed- and berry-producing perennials: Plants like coneflowers and goldenrod give birds seeds when insect food is low.
Pro tip for your readers: Encourage layering—tall trees, medium shrubs, and smaller plants. Layered vegetation gives birds places to forage, hide from predators, and nest—all in one yard.
2. Keep Water in the Mix
While planting is key, don't forget water. Birds need more than food—they need hydration and bathing spots, too. Even when plants produce plenty of seeds and berries, water can make the difference between “visited once” and “regular guest.”
Here are actionable tips for your readers:
Install a shallow birdbath or a water feature with a gentle dripper or fountain. Movement = attraction.
Choose materials and placement that stay clean and refill easily.
In colder regions, suggest adding a bird-bath heater or quick-refill in winter so water doesn't freeze.
Place water near plants and feeders—so birds can hop between food, water and cover with ease.
By coupling native planting with water access, your readers turn a simple feeding yard into a full-service bird stop.
3. Provide Safe Spaces to Rest, Nest & Hide
Birds won't stick around unless they feel safe. Your blog can suggest how to turn garden space into bird-friendly shelter and nesting habitat.
Ideas to share:
Leave some “messy” spots: A fallen branch, brush pile or deadwood chunk can serve as insect habitat and bird cover. Native plant articles frequently stress leaving leaf litter, logs and natural ground cover.
Plant dense shrubs or native evergreens: These give birds hiding spots from hawks and cats and serve as roosting locations.
Use native vines or climbing plants: These add vertical shelter and bird pathways.
Recommend nest boxes or drilled tree logs as optional—especially helpful in suburban yards with fewer natural cavities.
Encourage readers to minimize pesticide use: Healthy insect populations support nesting birds, and pesticides reduce that support.
A Simple Seasonal Plan for Your Readers
|
Season |
Plant / Garden Tip |
Why It Works |
|
Early Spring |
Plant shrubs and trees now for late-season berries & cover |
Gives plants time to establish before heavy bird use |
|
Summer |
Add flowering perennials like coneflowers, goldenrod |
Attracts insects → supports insect-eating birds |
|
Fall/Winter |
Let seed heads stay; leave brush piles and water running |
Seeds & shelter pivot when feeders may go empty |
Final Thoughts
If your readers want more birds in the yard, they should think beyond the feeder. By choosing native plants, offering water, and creating safe shelter, they'll build a garden that welcomes birds naturally—often even when feeders aren't out.
Your blog speaks directly to feeder-lovers by helping them create a habitat that keeps birds around, come sunshine or snow. Make your readers feel empowered and the birds will feel at home.