In Defense of Goldenrod

 Whew! I was afraid that with a title like that, NO ONE would ever read this post. Thanks for checking it out anyways. Goldenrod, genus Solidaster, plays a vital role in our Pennsylvania ecosystem and I want to encourage everyone to plant some on their property. Yes, on purpose.

First off, I know what you're thinking and NO, goldenrod does not affect your allergies. At least, not any more than any other flower. You see, in nature, goldenrod grows alongside ragweed which is far less conspicuous. So the rag weed, which is wind pollinated, does all the damage while the goldenrod gets all the blame. Don't let your allergies keep you from planting this important flower!

Why is goldenrod so important? In Pennsylvania, over 120 species of butterflies and moths benefit from it either as a food source or a place to lay eggs. So you're automatically supporting a bunch of native pollinators.

Also, all those butterflies laying eggs creates lots of caterpillars. Yes, I know you don't like caterpillars but not all of them are bad. In fact, they provide essential food to our song bird population. In his book, "Nature's Best Hope" Doug Tallamy points out that even se
ed eating birds like chickadees and finches need soft food to feed their young - hence, caterpillars. In fact, they need thousands of them. Planting native flowers, like goldenrod, will provide lots of food for songbirds in your yard. 

Finally, goldenrod also makes a lovely filler flower for fall bouquets. Most florists will have it shipped in from out of state to include in fall arrangements but you can grow your own in your backyard. 

Perhaps you're worried that any goldenrod plants will look like weeds to your neighbors but a thoughtful planting mixed in with other flowers like sunflowers and asters can create a beautiful autumn display. 

I hope this post has gone a long way towards dispelling goldenrods bad reputation. Please do consider buying some plants at a local native flower nursery to support both pollinators and songbirds in your area. 

Cheap Ways To Attract Birds To Your Yard

In writing this post, I'm supposing that everyone already knows the benefits to having birds in your yard - they eat bugs, they're indicative of a healthy eco system and they're just so fun to watch. You don't need to be convinced to attract birds but you may wonder how to do it without breaking the bank. Recently, I stopped by a specialty store just on bird watching but it was so incredibly expensive that I didn't buy anything. Apparently, lots of rich people enjoy birds too. However, if you are not one of them, then this post is for you.

Feeding

Gold finches on cone flowers.

The first thing people think about to attract birds is to put a feeder out. However, you can spend lots of money on a feeder and then spend tons of money keeping it full. It may surprise you to know that I only have two small feeders in my yard with no intention of putting up more. A small suet cake feeder can cost you only a few bucks and I don't spend more than $1 per refill. Despite it's size, I've seen large and small woodpeckers on it as well as chickadee's, titmice, nuthatches and many more birds. The other feeder I have is a small humming bird feeder that cost only a few dollars and the refills I can make myself.

You can, of course, make your own bird feeder out of anything from a milk carton to wood, to whatever strikes your fancy. You can also grow your own bird food. Sunflowers grow readily from seed and perennials like thistle and cone flowers attract many birds with their seeds.

Water

Unless you are lucky to already have a water feature of some kind in your yard, then adding a bird bath is a great way to attract more birds. My big advice here is to wait for sales or clearance items. Don't buy anything cheap that will blow away in the next storm. I recently found a great bird bath for only $23 on clearance. Of course, it's a one time purchase that can attract birds for years to come. You'll want to put it out someplace near your hose to make is easy to keep filled.

Housing

Bird houses come in all shapes and sizes but a simple, sturdy bird house doesn't have to cost more than $10 and will last for years if you clean it out during the winter. Bird's don't need anything cutesy, just the right size and shape. Perhaps that's a great post for the future...

Plants

By far, the biggest thing you can do is install bird friendly plants. Almost any plant can provide great nesting spots, protection from predators and shelter from storms. Keep in mind that evergreens will provide cover for birds all year round. Some plants, like holly's and other bushes with berries will also provide food. What I love about these plants is that you buy them once and they live for a long time. If you focus on buying native plants, then you will increase the likelihood that they will succeed in your yard.

Avoid Pesticide

Ok, so this picture wasn't taken in our yard. Ha!

Any kind of pesticide or harsh chemicals put on your yard or garden will drive away any kind of wildlife. Your efforts to create an organic, natural environment will result in birds feeling comfortable in your yard.

So, that is my whole approach to attracting birds. Have you had success or failure in your attempts to watch birds at home? Feel free to post about it in the comments below.