The Garden – A Home for Birds and Co.

Owning a garden not only benefits oneself and one's soul, but it also provides a home and protection for various garden inhabitants who like to settle in domestic gardens. Birds, in particular, are among them.

Since living space is becoming increasingly scarce not only for humans but also for birds, these small flying artists rely on the help of people. When trees and entire forests are cut down to make way for new houses, birds lose their nests and homes in and on the trees.

If you love your garden, you should do everything you can to ensure that small birds and other inhabitants feel just as at home as you do. Giving birds a sense of home works primarily through protection and food. For many years, animals and plants have benefited from each other. Birds help distribute the seeds of plants, allowing the plants to survive. And in the process, birds also feed on pests before they can harm the plants. In return, plants provide fruits and berries, which are valuable food for the birds. And where better for a bird's nest than in a spacious treetop? Animals and plants need each other – this applies not only to birds but also to insects like bees and bumblebees, and shy animals like hedgehogs and others.

The garden is set up, but somehow no little chirping birds are showing up? This could be because other gardens are more attractive to the birds. Generally, the more native plants you offer in your garden, the more native birds will settle and feel at home. Of course, you don’t have to give up your beloved exotics. Creating food sources for birds can start with a wildflower meadow, which will also attract bees and other pollinators who benefit from the food. Some bird species, in addition to worms and other insects, also feed on seeds that can be found in a wildflower meadow, even into the winter. Trees and shrubs that provide food for the birds can also be beautifully integrated into flower beds. For example, holly (Ilex) looks beautiful in any season.

Everyone needs a place to find peace and relax, right? The same goes for birds in the garden. A birdhouse can provide birds not only with peace but especially protection, which is crucial for keeping smaller birds safe from larger predators. Birdhouses are also very decorative and come in various styles, from the classic wooden box to larger bird villas. Birdhouses and feeding stations can even be made with just a few simple materials, such as milk cartons and glass jars. What’s clear is that the more food and protection birds have in a garden, the more likely they are to settle there and, most importantly, feel at home. Especially in winter, protection and food are crucial for small birds.