Remember our wildlife!
Birding is a favored hobby among American people. Your yard can be a
natural magnet for all kinds of birds by supplying special treats of food,
water, safe places to nest and a few other necessities this season. Enjoy their antics and activity during snowy
days. This can give you a real feel good
sensation.
Feed the birds hi-energy foods like black oil sunflower
seeds, tree nut pieces and suet, which give birds more energy per ounce
consumed. One need of wild birds often overlooked by consumers in cold weather
is the need for ‘open water.’ The main
reason they need water is to help keep warm. Birds fluff out their feathers so
they can better capture a ‘layer of air’ that acts as heated insulation. Matted, dirty feathers can’t be fluffed
out. Therefore, by offering food and
water, dozens of your feathered friends will soon add brilliant flashes of red
and blue, gray and white, across the snow, and you’ll hear their melodious
songs as the sing “Thanks” to you for helping them survive.
Let’s turn thoughts to the indoors as there are many
things that can be done there.
Houseplants should have the dust washed off their leaves on a regular
basis during winter. This allows the
leaves to gather light more efficiently which will result in better growth,
especially since there is less light available this time of year. Set the pots of humid loving plants on trays
filled with pebbles and water. The pots should set on the pebbles, not in the
water. As the water evaporates, it replenishes moisture into the dry air
normally found in our homes during winter.
This is great especially for orchids and ferns.
Indoor plant insect population is a problem that needs to
be checked on regularly during the winter as well. Dry home conditions are perfect for insect
incubation cycles. Washing the plants
regularly will greatly cut down on this problem. Organic remedies, such as Insecticidal Soap,
for controlling insects are readily available and safe for indoor use.
Time flies fast, so enjoy this winter preparing for
spring and we will “See you in the garden”.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
