While my wife and I are avid bird feeders, we have just begun creating and planting bird gardens. Bird gardens can consist of Annuals, Perennials, Evergreens, Shrubs, Trees and Groundcovers. From zinnia seeds to crabapple trees the possibilities are almost endless.

The first item is to research the birds that frequent your area. For example, if finches and buntings are common visitors to your area but maybe not your backyard, you can plant bachelor's button (Centaurea cyanus) as these birds love the seeds. You can sow seeds or plant transplants every four weeks for a season long bloom. 

For the best berry plants, again that is determined by which birds you are wanting to attract. The american cranberry bush (Viburnum trilobum), is a magnet for robins, thrushes, bluebirds and many others. Black currant (Ribes nigrum), a twiggy shrub up to 6 feet tall first displays clusters of greenish white flowers followed by edible black fruits. Robins, mockingbirds, jays and many other birds flock to this plant in the fall.

Crabapples (Malus spp.), small to midsize trees that are under 20 feet tall are perfect for the human eye appeal as the profusion of spring flowers brighten up any yard. Then, in the late fall when the crabapple fruit is set, it will attract robins, bluebirds, waxwings, carolina wrens, mockingbirds and many more birds. Some great varieties are the 'Prairiefire' as it is a disease variety and is hardy to Zone 4. The 'Dolgo' also has disease tolerance and is hardy to Zone 2.

If these ideas have you yearning to give bird gardening a try, there are many books available on the subject and many websites list plants that are bird magnets.

Happy Birding!