Homes & Gardens
WINTER IN THE GARDEN
Gardening is like housework – it is never actually “done” and never quite “finished”.
However, at this time of year discretion is as important as determination. Digging ground that is sodden simply impacts the soil and does far more harm than good. Walking on frost-covered lawns can damage the grass and leave unattractive brown footprints
One thing that is essential at this time of year is caring for wildlife. Birdbaths, ponds and other sources of water can remain frozen for days on end and so providing fresh water on a daily basis is very important.
Food and shelter can also pose major problems for wildlife during the winter – especially in “over-tidied” gardens. Days are short so there is less time for birds and wildlife to hunt for food. Gardeners can help by providing food on a daily basis – and at a regular time; birds quickly develop body clocks that tell them when to arrive for their share of the goodies. Foods that have a high oil or fat content are ideal during cold weather – for example, suet mixed with seeds or fruits, black sunflower seeds and peanuts.
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It is best to avoid the netted fat-balls as bird claws can easily
become trapped in the mesh and it is much better to use the feeders specially designed to hold fat-cake and fat-balls. You should also ensure the feed containers are located in sheltered spots out of the prevailing wind and well away from prowling cats. Stale bread – but not mouldy bread – can be fed but it should be soaked first as dry bread swells in the stomach.
Smearing fat on the trunks of old trees and then fixing nuts
into crevices will attract nuthatches, woodpeckers and other species. They will have a field day extracting the nuts – and watching their antics will be very entertaining. Some birds prefer to eat on the ground, so it is a good idea to sprinkle some seeds on the ground – and an apple cut in half will delight blackbirds and robins.
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