• slide
  • 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 Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW