The Birds and the Bees

When you grow your garden with lots of trees, bird feeders aren't needed. Native trees and shrubs provide a year-round food source. Plant smaller native trees such as Simpson's Stopper and others to create a dense informal hedge and understory. You will be amazed at the birds you will attract that way.

Bees love flowers with many blossoms. Look at this Liatris; it has hundreds of tiny blossoms for bees to collect nectar and pollen from. Basil flowers are especially attractive to them. Let some of your basil flower and go to seed. The bonus is that you can collect the seed and plant more. Food for everyone! That's the plan.

It's been so very dry for summer. I have had to hand water my container plants daily to keep them alive.

Over the years, I have worked hard to eliminate as many containers as possible so that they can root more deeply in the ground and reduce watering needs.

Make it a goal to plant your trees and shrubs in the ground, and leave the pots for smaller things, like herbs. If you're like me, you tend to collect more plants, so I make sure that I get them right into the ground. Every season they can develop a good root system is less watering you have to do next year. Eventually, the shrubs and trees should need very little to no water.

Trees and Shrubs make the best sources for native bees and honeybees, too! Check out my post on The Bees Trees.