The presence of birds, bees and butterflies can add another layer of life to a garden. These animals and critters are generally attracted to plants that produce pollen, nectar and seeds, so planting flora with these elements in mind can encourage them to make a visit. Below we’ve highlighted five plants that you may consider planting if you wish to bring more flying wildlife to your garden:
Birds of Paradise
The bird of paradise plant (also known as the Strelitzia) has a gorgeous flower that resembles a bird, but that’s not where the connection ends. These colourful plants are actually a member of the banana family! They’re easy to grow, thrive in warm and tropical climates, and require birds for pollination. Birds of Paradise can make fantastic a low-maintenance addition to a garden as they don’t shed leaves and, once established can handle going without regular watering.
Banksia
If you wish to attract more birds to your garden, look no further than the gorgeous Australian-native banksia. The flower of the banksia produces plenty of nectar, which nectar-feeding birds love, as well as seeds for birds such as cockatoos to eat. The banksia popularly comes in red and yellow flower variants, which are two colours native birds are particularly attracted to when it comes to flowers. There are 173 different species of Banksia, and the trees grow best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Bottlebrush
The bottlebrush is another plant that produces high quantities of nectar, making it a bird favourite. This Australian native is known for its distinct bushy red flowers and is often found growing in areas that are prone to flooding. Bottlebrushes are a low-allergen plant and can tolerate both drought and flood conditions. These plants thrive in full sun and most species are tolerant of frost.
Fennel
The fennel plant attracts bees and butterflies through the pollen its flowers create. Not only is fennel a favourite of insects, it’s also a versatile herb that can be added to many dishes. Fennel grows tall, and it’s not uncommon for a plant to exceed five feet in height, so keep that in mind when picking a spot to plant it. Fennel is part of the carrot and parsley family, and can be grown from seed in a sunny location.
Lavender
Lavender produces high-quality pollen and is notoriously easy to grow. Bees and butterflies are both commonly found flying around these plants collecting pollen. Its strong scent also deters pests and unwanted insects such as the white-fly. Lavender are a pretty hardy plant and can be grown in poor quality soil. They are also usually evergreen, although may struggle during frosts or in particularly damp areas. Lavender can also be harvested for hanging in bunches, and the dried flowers can be made into sachets for cupboards and drawers.
We’ve only just scratched the surface of plants to grow for attracting birds and other flying critters to your garden! Jim’s Gardening can also help you choose from hundreds of plants to create a gorgeous garden that brings extra life to your garden! Just call 1300 975 430 or Book Online.
