Although a garden may look beautiful there is a dimension missing if it is not fully alive with visiting wildlife. There is nothing like bird song in the morning (unless it is waking you too early!) and it is a true joy to sit out in the evening, comfortable on your patio chair and watch a couple of birds enjoying the food you put out for them. It is great if you have kids too and they will delight in helping you make your garden a delight for visiting birds. Just one word of caution, if you get a lot of wildlife do not leave your new patio cushions out overnight as you might very well find them spoiled by bird droppings in the morning. That is not such a delight!

1. Feed the Birds

Put special bird food out to encourage different varieties of birds and use special feeders so that the larger birds cannot take all the food meant for the little ones. Make sure you do this all year as your “visitors” will start to rely on you and a source of food and pay you many return visits.

2. Water is Vital

An attractive bird bath makes a welcome focal point for a garden and if you place it at a slight distance from your patio furniture you may find that birds will still use it while you are in the garden.

3. Grow the Right Plants

If you grow shrubs and trees with berries around your patio you will attract more wildlife to your garden. Also, grow flowers and plants which attract insects as birds will then visit to feed on the insects. Leave the seed heads on plants and let the birds have their share before you tidy up the flowers.

4. Beware of Cats

If you have a cat (or a regularly visiting cat) keep all bird tables and baths out of reach.