By
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
HAPPY
NEW YEAR!!!! We truly welcome 2019! If you can tolerate the cold weather, there
are several things that you can do this month in your landscape that will
lighten the load for the rest of the season. The main item is pruning or thinning
of our woody ornamentals. Deciduous trees such as maples, oaks, ash, etc., can
be pruned at this time. Interior, broken, or crossing branches should be
removed now while you can see exactly what you are removing.
Now,
I want to mention “bird feeding.” It’s hard to say who benefits more from
backyard bird feeders, the birds or the people who feed them. Hang different
types of feeders at different heights and near enough to your house so you can
watch the birds at relatively close range.
It
is important to provide unfrozen water for the birds throughout winter. Put
your birdbath in an open area, but near some trees or bushes to permit a quick
escape if predators approach. Birds will visit regularly once they discover it
is a safe and steady source of fresh water. Open water in freezing weather will
attract as many or more birds, as a well-stocked feeder! Besides for drinking,
birds use water to help keep them warmer in winter. By cleaning their feathers
and grooming them with natural oils, our feathered friends are able to help
insulate their bodies from cold. You can keep water thawed with a submersible
heater placed directly in the water. Heated birdbaths are also available.
Birds
appear to be homeless in winter, which makes people wonder where they go at
night. In general, they choose to roost in the same kind of places as they
build their nest during breeding season. Some birds will use the same roosting
spot every night unless predators disturb them.
Visit the nursery often as the greenhouse is a great place
to spend some time during dreary days of winter. In addition, new houseplants
will be arriving weekly!
Time
flies fast, so enjoy this winter, do an analysis on your landscape and prepare
for spring projects… and we will “see you in the garden”.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
