One of the delights that a gardener can enjoy is observing the birds that visit the garden. By selecting plants from certain plant groups and planning plants that will have a variety of heights, flowers and structure, an environment can be established that will encourage birds to visit the garden. In addition to providing the delight of their songs, birds in the garden can also assist in the reduction of pests as they feed on caterpillars and insects.
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This will lead to a reduction in the use of chemicals required to maintain control over some of the pests that inhabit gardens. The average backyard is quite adequate for creating a bird-friendly environment. Birds will enjoy a wide variety of plant types, but native plants will produce flowers that are most attractive to them as they are native birds enjoying their natural feed.
Plants that produce nectar rich flowers will attract honeyeaters, which come in a variety of sizes. Grevilleas, either of the natural occurring forms or the many modern hybrids, produce flowers that are nectar rich. The presence of the sweet smelling nectar is very evident on a warm, calm evening. The sticky nectar can also be felt by placing fingers in the flowers (make sure that no bees are present as they also enjoy the feed). Banksias, melaleucas and callistemons (bottlebrush) also produce large amounts of nectar.
In addition to producing nectar, many of these plants also have sharp foliage, which provides a safe haven for the birds for feeding as well as nest-building. If you can encourage friends or neighbours to also grow some native plants, then this will encourage even more birds to visit.
As well as attracting native birds to the garden, the inclusion of some native plants in your garden landscape will also encourage other native animals, such as frogs, insects and butterflies to your garden. The inclusion of a permanent pond, complete with native reeds, grasses and groundcovers around it will further enhance to garden.
Some varieties of birds will spend most of their time in a garden, while others will appear at certain times of the year. This is often because they come when specific plants are in flower. Including a variety of plants that flower throughout the year will ensure different birds visit. It is interesting to observe birds that come at certain times of the year, year after year, somehow finding their way to the same food sources every time. An ordinary backyard containing a variety of nectar-rich flowers, surrounded by yards mostly devoid of native plants, will still attract the birds.
TRY VIREYAS
Many gardeners will be familiar with the large flowers that cover rhododendron plants during spring. A cool climate is generally required for successful growth; therefore, they are not a common sight in local gardens.
However, there is a variety that will produce the long, tubular blooms, in a wide range of colours in this area. These plants are vireyas, otherwise known as tropical rhododendrons. Tropical rhododendrons originated in South East Asia, the Philippines and tropical areas of Australia. Extensive hybridization has produced plants that produce beautiful colours and that are suitable for growing in local gardens. With growth height varying from prostrate forms through to plants that reach 4 metres, varieties can be selected to suit most garden positions and requirements. Colours include pink, white, red and lavender, which can be found in traditional varieties, but also extend to yellows and oranges. Some varieties are also perfumed.
Vireyas have certain requirements if they are to be grown successfully.
A good level of moisture should be maintained, although the soil must remain well-drained.
A position with good natural light is preferred, including some direct sun light, although exposure to strong afternoon sun may result in burnt foliage. A position of light shade is also suitable.
Plants prefer reasonably stable temperatures.
Vireyas can be grown in garden beds that have been enriched with organic matter. Containers and hanging baskets are also suitable for appropriate varieties.
Regular pruning will help achieve a bushy plant, resulting in a more attractive plant that will carry a good display of blooms.
Autumn through to winter and early spring is the main flowering period for vireyas, although some flowers can appear at most times of the year, if growing positions are suitable. Selection of a plant in bloom will ensure the preferred colour is obtained.
Selected varieties might include: “Carillion Bells”, producing red-pink flowers; “Hallowed Gold”, with rich orange-yellow flowers; “Robert Bates” with soft pink flowers; and “Simbu Sunset”, producing orange tubes with yellow centres.
Rhododendron lochiae, and R. notiale, with trusses of deep red tubular flowers, are both native Australian varieties, originating in north-east Queensland.
MEALY BUGS
Some indoor plants may not look very healthy because they are being attacked by pests that are often difficult to locate. Mealy bugs fall into this category and evidence of their presence is small fluffy white balls, usually down near the base of the plant. As mealy bugs take plant juices from the plant’s stem, the leaves become limp in appearance. Treatment of these pests is difficult. However, a cotton bud, soaked in methylated spirit, can be placed onto the bugs with a gentle twist used to remove the pest. Plants will require regular checking to keep the mealy bugs under control.
