• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Desert-Garden-for-Birds.jpg

Desert Garden for Birds

I’ve just about given up trying to cultivate in the alkaline soil of the Utah desert where I live. What will grow in these dry and windy conditions? I’d especially like to plant fruit- or nut-bearing trees that will attract birds.

Start with a visit to your local nature center or state park. Look at the plants that are growing and thriving there with little or no help from people. Many of these facilities provide lists of suitable plants for your area, their attributes (including bird appeal) and local sources. Here are just a few drought tolerant garden plants that also attract birds. Several shrub roses, firethorn (Pyracantha), cotoneaster, New Mexican privet (Forestiera noemexicana), rubber rabbitbush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), fernbush (Chamaebatiaria millefolium) are a few shrubs to consider. Don’t forget to add annuals and perennials. Many have flowers that attract hummingbirds and seeds that attract other types of birds. Cosmos (a self seeding annual), hummingbird trumpet (Zauschneria arizonica), beardtongue (Penstemon), gayfeather (Liatris), and yucca can add colorful blooms to the garden and food for the birds. For more information on plants for your area visit the Utah Native Plant Society website www.unps.org or the Utah Heritage Garden website www.wasatchgardens.org

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


Feb. 3, 2024
Washington County Builders Assn.   Home Building & Remodeling EXPO
West Bend, WI

Feb. 9 - 11, 2024
PBS Wisconsin
Garden and Landscape EXPO

Madison, WI​​​​​​​

Feb. 16 - 18, 2024
NARI Milwaukee
Spring Home Improvement Show

West Allis, WI

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to win a Corona Tools XSeries Pro Bypass Pruner, Leather Scabbard, and Sharpening Tool

ENTER NOW