Two Garden Shrubs for Bird Safety and Success
Two vegetation options that cater to avian inhabitants in a garden, simultaneously deterring feline intrusion:
Ready to make your garden a haven for feathered friends? Listen up, folks, as we uncover two awesome shrubs that'll do just that. Wildlife enthusiasts are all about the sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn, and here's why!
Let's face it, we all love having some birdies in our gardens with their lovely melodies. But it's our job to keep 'em safe when they're around, particularly from pesky predators like cats in urban environments. So, let's do them a solid and check out these bird-friendly plants!
At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, charity SongBird Survival showcased a bird-friendly garden, complete with sweet briar rose (priced at around £1.99 at Dobies) and cockspur thorn (typically available for £7.90 at Amazon), two plants that offer both food and shelter for our fine feathered friends.
Why Go for Sweet Briar Rose and Cockspur Thorn?
"Sweet briar rose produces nectar-rich flowers and red hips that serve as a crucial food source for birds, while its dense growth offers a secure spot for nesting birds," explains Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival.
"The cockspur thorn, on the other hand, offers white spring flowers, red berries, and thorny branches that provide secure perching and nesting opportunities. Its thorns also deter common predators such as cats and larger birds, creating a safe haven for smaller birds in the garden."
These two shrubs are top-notch picks for birds due to their versatile benefits, including food, shelter, and protection. They're the kind of plants birds would happily take refuge in out in the wild, too!
Time to Plant?
Ready to give your garden the bird-friendly boost it needs? "You can plant a cockspur thorn now, while the temperatures are still mild," says James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers.
"Early spring or early autumn is the best time to plant cockspur shrubs, avoiding any weather extremes. The mild weather in September or October is perfect for planting cockspur before the winter takes over. The same goes for briar rose, which thrives when the ground is still cool and moist. So, early to late spring is a terrific time to incorporate these plants in your garden."
With summer just around the corner, it may be too late to plant cockspur and sweet briar rose as the plants may struggle to establish themselves. Instead, mid-to-late September, when the weather cools off a bit, is ideal for planting these beauties and ensuring their survival – and your garden birds' future thriving!
Kezia Reynolds jumped on board with us as News Writer in September 2024, after graduating from City, University of London with a bachelor's degree in journalism. After two years working on women's weekly magazines, Kezia's here to keep you updated on the latest home news, deals, and trends – so you never miss a thing!
References:
[1] "Best Time to Plant Spring Flowering Shrubs." HomeGuide
[2] "When Should I Plant Roses for Spring Blood?" The Old Farmer's Almanac
- Incorporating the sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn into your garden would not only beautify your home-and-garden lifestyle but also provide a sanctuary for various bird species due to their ability to offer food, shelter, and protection.
- If you're planning to add these bird-friendly shrubs to your home-and-garden, it's advisable to plant the cockspur thorn now or in early autumn, while the temperatures are still mild, as suggested by gardening expert James Ewens.
