HOW MUCH DO
WE LOVE BIRDS?

We are all in on birds this year.

Yes, we carry bird seed, bird houses, suet, hummingbird feeders and nectar, etc. but we also have some fun bird-related stuff for people too!

• Bird decor including bird pattern textiles, planters, and hanging stained glass birds.
• Bird activities for kids including a bird sticker activity book, matching games, a bird house building kit, and a build and paint bird feeder. And don't forget that you can also drop by and create a bird seed pinecone. More on that below.
• Sustainable bird feeders. Feed the birds, with sustainability in mind! New bird feeders are made of coffee husks and straw. Our hummingbird feeders are made with recycled glass. The DIY suet cake activity uses recycled plastic. And ready-to-use hummingbird nectar is available in recyclable cans.
• New shapes and sizes including bird seed wreaths, bird seed houses, and bird seed hearts.

Bird feeding tips

• We don't recommend feeding birds all year round. It's not necessary. Birds are good at finding food most of the year. We're just helping them when the ground is covered and seed sources are less available.
• Place your bird feeders in areas that are safe from predators, but ensure that you can view them from your window so you can enjoy the birds!
• We carry a variety of different seeds that attract a variety of different birds. Don't feed the birds human food. It's generally not safe.
• It's vital that you keep your bird feeder free from mold and disease. Clean or wipe down your bird feeder with a dilute bleach solution every few weeks. Discard soggy, moldy, or sprouting seeds.
• When you come in for bird seed, note the birds that are currently around your house. That will help determine what kind of seed to get.

Need a quick activity for the little ones?

Come in to build a Pine Cone Bird Feeder. These are quite simple, using a cone, some almond butter, and bird seed. This should take only about 5-10 minutes. $5 gets you two cones. Plus it's a lot less messy when you make them here!

WHAT'S GOING ON?
 

If you've dropped by lately, you may be wondering what's happening to the south of the entrance.

Don't worry, no new construction, nothing being torn down either. We are simply addressing some of the puddles in the southern part of the property and also doing some reorganizing to make the area much more shoppable. Frankly, it may not look like much but to us it's really exciting.

At this time of the year, we're always looking for something fun, stimulating, encouraging, and to be honest, warm to do. Here are a few ideas.

• Buy some seeds - It may be surprising that seeds sell really well at this time of the year. Why? It's the promise of spring, people like to get their favorites before they sell out, and perhaps the colorful pictures are cheery when the days are so gray.
• Add a few splashes of color - You can add primroses, hellebores, and other winter color to your planter boxes. Or you can ask us to make a little pot of color for you. Just give us a call.
• Don't forget winter-y aromas - We almost don't want to mention this, as we are running low on stock because they are so popular, but sarcococca is a super fragrant plant to add to your garden. It will make itself known when fragrance comes out. We also have a limited supply of daphne odora and witch hazel. (We should be getting more in stock soon.)
• Create a Fairy Garden here at the Gardens. Okay, you might get a little chilly for this one. For $25, you will get a pot, soil, three starter plants and fairy dust. This activity is available any day, however, reservations are required.
• Paint flowers from the comfort of your home. We carry a watercolor workbook that is selling suprisingly well.
• Walk the nature trail. You'll get cold for this one too. Our trail is always open for a quick walk. At this time of the year, it's a little wet and cold, but there are still some little forest figures here and there.

PROTECT YOUR PLANTS
INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

It's cold outside.

• Rake fallen leaves into garden beds to create a layer of protection for plant roots. Cedar or fir boughs work too.
• Broadleaf evergreens that are tender to temperatures freezing temperatures (e.g. Hebes, Ceanothus, Winter-blooming Camellias) should be covered with floating row cover fabric. If you don't have fabric, old sheets, blankets, burlap, etc can add protection.
• Put your potted plants under covered areas, such as porches, house eaves, or into the garage.
• Snow is a good thing, as it provides insulation, but shake it off of your woody plants to prevent the breakage of limbs.
• If your house is drafty, you may want to move some of your indoor plants to a less drafty spot. Ensure that your houseplants are getting enough humidity, as houses are typically very dry during the winter months.
• During cold periods, do not fertilize your plants, as you do not want to encourage new growth that can be damaged by freezes.