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Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, pollinators and birds to our gardens has become a significant gardening activity. Much like their natural habitats, our gardens can become an important source of food, water and shelter. However, it means more than just adding a few plants that produce their favourite foods, as well as nectar and pollen.

Providing even a small habitat involves creating not only multiple food and water sources but also a safe environment with shelter from extreme weather and ways of escaping predators. Diversity is the key and can be achieved by having a few deciduous trees, some evergreens, a number of grasses and a variety of flowering shrubs and perennials that bloom in sequence over an extended period of time, even into winter. Numerous sources of water, especially shallow birdbaths and small ponds are very important, too.



Grassy areas also play a role. Lawns with clover and wildflowers are a source of worms for birds, and the clover and wildflower blooms provide food for butterflies. Berries are often missing in today’s gardens, which is unfortunate because they not only add fall and winter colour, but they can also provide a significant food source for the birds that stay all winter.

Berried pyracanthas and cotoneasters can be used as fences, wall coverings and even ground covers. The red or gold berries of the deciduous holly (Ilex verticillata) are the number one favourite berry that birds absolutely love. As an added bonus, the attractive stems .

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