At Home: Landscaping for the birds

Watching birds in the yard is a great way to brighten a cold winter day. The same trees and shrubs that provide summer color and screening can attract feathered friends all winter long. Song birds such as cardinals, waxwings and others will flock to feast on berries from trees or shrubs.

Wondering what to plant? Here are a few great options for attracting birds throughout the winter:

Viburnum: These hardy shrubs grow in shade or sun with many varieties to choose from. Some as small as 5 feet or as large as 15 feet tall will produce white flowers in the spring that turn into colorful berries humans can eat too, if the birds don't get them first. Popular varieties are:

Blue Muffin Viburnum: This compact variety stays about 5 feet tall and wide with bright blue berries that follow spring flowers.

Redwing Cranberrybush Viburnum: This is great as a screen, growing to 10 feet tall with a bright red fall color and berries which will last well into winter.

Dogwoods: These trees produce an abundance of berries that appeal to over 40 kinds of birds. Pagoda or Kousa Dogwood are beautiful blooming trees that stay 15 to 25 feet tall. A dwarf Red Twig Dogwood like Baton Rouge stays 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with white berries on bright red stems.

Flowering Crab: Popular for spring blooms, many varieties hold fruit into the winter, providing a great food source for birds. Try Prairiefire, Royal Raindrops or Profusion.

Don't forget the evergreens: Spruce and Junipers offer a double benefit, providing shelter as well as a food source from pine cones and berries.

--

Forever Green's trained, certified and experienced staff creates landscapes that suit your needs, reflect your lifestyle and blend with the environment. Visit the garden center for plants, supplies and advice for DIY projects.

125 Forevergreen Road, Coralville; (319) 626-6770 | Forevergreengrows.com