Thanks for this - I've just taken down my bird feeders. Can you give us a little teaser on the crab apples? I'm just about to buy one. Are most cultivars equally good for birds or should I look for one in particular. I'm looking for something quite small
Hi Louise, I need to think about recommendations a bit more before giving them (and check in with some garden owners) but I’ve mentioned some of my faves here: https://www.wildway.info/p/crab-apples-asters-fuchsia-and-fungi In terms of tree size it comes down to the rootstock- so be sure to check that before ordering.
Thanks for this, Jack. I haven't put out bird feeders for some years now after finding they attracted mice and rats. My terrace house is attached to a narrow small garden which I have left somewhat wild and I have blue tits and robins nesting along with resident blackbird, a myriad of visitors I can hear but not always see, too. I garden organically so aphids are left for the birds and they do a good job of cleaning up. The cleaning of the water bowl is something I must be more vigilant about.
I read that you can still put out fat balls/similar, which are also useful (high moisture content) for parent birds to feed fledglings, when caterpillars etc are scarce. Plus live mealworms, of course.
Thanks for this - I've just taken down my bird feeders. Can you give us a little teaser on the crab apples? I'm just about to buy one. Are most cultivars equally good for birds or should I look for one in particular. I'm looking for something quite small
Hi Louise, I need to think about recommendations a bit more before giving them (and check in with some garden owners) but I’ve mentioned some of my faves here: https://www.wildway.info/p/crab-apples-asters-fuchsia-and-fungi In terms of tree size it comes down to the rootstock- so be sure to check that before ordering.
Thanks for this, Jack. I haven't put out bird feeders for some years now after finding they attracted mice and rats. My terrace house is attached to a narrow small garden which I have left somewhat wild and I have blue tits and robins nesting along with resident blackbird, a myriad of visitors I can hear but not always see, too. I garden organically so aphids are left for the birds and they do a good job of cleaning up. The cleaning of the water bowl is something I must be more vigilant about.
Aphids are so great for small birds, sounds like you are already making a wonderful home for so much wildlife
Excellent (as always). And thank you.
I read that you can still put out fat balls/similar, which are also useful (high moisture content) for parent birds to feed fledglings, when caterpillars etc are scarce. Plus live mealworms, of course.
Thanks Shirley