Attracting pollinators and other native wildlife to the yard is a key point of interest for many gardeners. Both urban and rural gardeners delight in watching bees, butterflies, and birds flutter from one flower to another. That is why many of us plant and grow small sections or entire gardens dedicated solely to this purpose.
You can both feed and enjoy birds in the garden using a bouquet of deadhead cuttings, which is especially helpful to them during the fall and winter months.
What is a Bouquet Buffet for Birds?
This type of “buffet for birds” is attractive to wildlife, as well as looking beautiful. To begin the planning process, learn how these types of bouquet buffets work in the landscape.
Many species of backyard birds can be drawn to the garden. Sunflowers, zinnias, and even certain types of berries are just a few examples of plants attractive to wildlife. Rather than immediately deadheading spent garden flowers, many gardeners prefer to leave them for seed. Once the seed has formed, use the cuttings for birds. This can attract a wide array of feathered friends; especially as cooler weather arrives.
How to Deadhead Flowers for Birds
Feeding birds with deadheaded materials will assist them as they work to consume much-needed nutrients for winter or upcoming migrations. The decision to deadhead flowers for birds not only makes a difference in the overall usefulness of the garden but also renews interest in a space that is otherwise slowing at the end of the season.
While the concept of planting flowering plants specifically for birds is not new, many have given the concept a unique twist. Rather than simply leaving old blooms on the plant, consider collecting the stems and bundling them into a bouquet. These bouquet buffets can then be hung from a tree or porch, where they can easily be accessed by feeding birds.
Bouquet buffets can also be situated near windows, where the activity may be easier to watch while indoors. Larger individual blooms, like sunflowers, can also be arranged this way or you can simply leave the flower heads near a frequently used perch.
Creating a buffet for birds will not only enhance the garden experience but can also improve the overall health of visitors to your yard. By reducing the need for bird feeders, we can help prevent the spread of different diseases that can impact certain species of birds.