THE PERFECT PAIRING

Learn the best ways to use an abundance of blooms to attract more birds and beautify your feeder space

- BY MONICA CARDOZA

THERE ARE FEW CHEERIER SIGHTS THAN THAT OF LIVELY, COLORFUL birds visiting backyard feeders. That is, until your gaze moves to the brown patch below. However, by planting around it, you can create not only an eye-catching flower garden, but one that supports birds' diets. "Plants that provide seed and nectar-filled flowers are a great way to not only beautify the area, but also supplement the food you provide with feeders," says horticultural expert Melinda Myers. "Plantings are rich with insects, which some 96% of North American terrestrial birds eat as part of their diet."

Embrace the Brown Patch

Use the area directly beneath the feeders as a template for where not to plant. Leave the ground bare, or cover it with pavers or smooth mediumsized landscaping stones. This setup makes for easy cleanup using a rake, broom or wet/dry vacuum, which is an important part of ensuring bird health.

The buildup of fecal matter, as well as wet, moldy seed hulls beneath feeders can lead to respiratory distress in birds, and bacterial diseases, says wildlife biologist Todd Schneider of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "We recommend raking every couple days if you have a lot of feeding going on. It reduces the volume of those disease organisms, especially if there's lots of moisture." Experts also recommend wearing gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling fungal spores.