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Hello Great Gardeners,
Did you know that February is National bird feeding month?
Today, more than 50 million Americans put out a billion pounds of bird feed each year. In fact, according to Wikipedia about one in three adult Americans feed wild birds in their backyards. The relaxing hobby that helps people feel more connected to nature is now known as the second most popular hobby in America. Gardening is listed as the number one hobby.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, hit reply. I would love to hear from you. Have a great-gardening day.
Sincerely,
Holly
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A backyard habitat that includes evergreens for shelter and berry-producing plants for food is an excellent beginning for attracting birds. However, nothing is quite effective as providing bird feeders and food around your backyard, especially in fall, winter, and early spring.
Different birds eat different things, so it helps to provide a variety of food choices.
- Black Oil Sunflower: Is meatier and higher in oil content than striped sunflower seed. It also has a thinner shell making it easier for birds to crack open.
Favorite of American Goldfinch, Cardinals, Chickadees, House Finches, Blue Jays, Sparrows, Titmice, Towhees, and Mourning Doves
- Nyjer: High oil content makes this an excellent energy source for active birds.
Favorite of American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finches, and Mourning Doves
- White Proso Millet: Slightly sweet and high in protein.
Favorite of Juncos, Towhees, Cardinals, Doves, Finches, Sparrows, Wrens, and Pigeons
- Safflower: High in protein and fat.
Favorite of Chickadees, Juncos, Titmice, Cardinals, Purple Finches, and Blue Jays
- Suet: High energy food, especially valuable in cold weather.
Favorite of Chickadees, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Bluebirds, Blue Jays, and Cardinals
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Tube feeder
If you hang just one feeder, this should be it. Choose a model with metal ports around the seed dispensers to deter squirrels. Hang it at least 5 feet off the ground, and 3 feet (or 30-plus feet) from a window to avoid bird collisions.
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Seed types: black oil sunflower, mixed seed, safflower, peanuts
Birds: Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, goldfinches, siskins, purple and house finches
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Hopper feeder
With these feeders you can keep an abundant supply of seed dry and ready for visiting birds. The weight of the arriving birds triggers the release of seeds. Position this feeder on a pole about 5 feet off the ground, or hang it from a tree branch.
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Seed types: safflower, sunflower, cracked corn
Birds: attracts all the species that visit tube feeders, plus larger birds like cardinals, jays, grackles, red-winged blackbirds
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Suet feeder
Hang suet in mesh onion bags or purchase a cage feeder. You can make your own suet “pudding” by grinding suet and adding seeds. Create homemade suet feeders by packing the mixture into the crevices of large pine cones.
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Seed types: suet and bird puddings
Birds: woodpeckers, titmice, nuthatches, chickadees; occasionally wrens, creepers, warblers
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Thistle feeder
These feeders make seed available only to small-beaked finches. Hang them from a tree or place on a 5-foot pole near other feeders.
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Seed types: nyjer (a.k.a. thistle) seed
Birds: goldfinches, redpolls, pine siskins
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Ground feeder
A simple screen-bottomed tray that typically sits several inches off the ground or on a deck. Some have covers to keep out snow; others may have wire mesh to keep out squirrels and large birds like crows. Place at least 10 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a chance to escape predators.
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Seed types: mix of cracked corn, milo, millet; also sunflower seed, mixed seed, wheat, oat
Birds: doves, juncos, sparrows, towhees, goldfinches
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Ice-Covered Trees? What to do and what not to do!
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Here is a good article from Alpine Tree about what to do and not to do when it comes to ice on your trees and shrubs.
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Boston Fern Hanging Basket
10 Inch
Pre-Order now through
March 1st
For Sale Price Of
2 for $30
(Regular $21.99 each)
For pickup between
April 10th - 16th
(Subject to change)
We will call you at the beginning of April to schedule a pickup date.
Click Here To Pre-Order
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From bumbleberryfarms.com
The Berry Best Breakfast Buns
For the buns:
1 c. of warm water
3 1/4 c. of flour
1/4 c. of sugar
3 tablespoons of softened butter
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons of orange zest
1 and ¼ teaspoons of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
For the Blackberry Filling:
1 c. of berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
1/4 c. of sugar
2 tablespoons of butter
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
For the Icing:
1/2 c. Bumbleberry Farms Cinnamon Stick Honey Cream Spread, melted
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Begin the dough by mixing all dough ingredients together in a large bowl. With the help of a paddle mixer, combine ingredients.
2. Shape it into a ball and put it in a glass bowl, brushed with cooking oil. Cover bowl with a dish towel and allow to rise for 1 hour (away from sun light).
3. While dough rises, prepare the berry filling by placing ingredients (listed above) in a small pan; bring ingredients to medium heat and allow to simmer until thick. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Coat a baking dish or cookie sheet with butter to prevent buns from sticking.
5. After dough has doubled in size, roll out on a floured surface to a 15"x15" square.
6. Spread filling on square, coating well. Note: be sure to leave about 1/2" uncoated edge on all sides;
7. Roll dough into a cylinder; With the help of a sharp knife or dough cutter, divide dough into 12 equal slices; Place slices (cut side down) in baking dish.
8. Cover dish and allow dough to rise for another 45-60 minutes.
9. Bake 350 degrees for 22-30 minutes until golden brown.
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Wilson's Garden Center
10923 Lambs Ln.
Newark, Ohio. 43055
740-763-2873
740-763-2874 (Fax)
office@great-gardeners.com
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February:
Monday - Saturday:
8 am - 5 pm
Closed Sunday
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We are a family owned and operated garden center specializing in plants that thrive in Central Ohio
For more information about our store please
Visit Our Website
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