Winter time is a great time of year to enjoy some backyard birding.

Firstly, because there is a bigger lack of natural resources at this time of year birds are more apt to search out feeders for supplemental nutrition.

Also, because a lot more shrubs and trees have lost their foliage, it is much easier to look at and enjoy all those backyard visitors.

Having said that, we thought you might like to know what some of the birds are that you are looking at. So here’s a short list of some of the more common ones you are likely to see at your feeder at this time of year.

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Of course it goes without saying that the site you are on at this very moment is, without doubt, the single most useful site to ever grace the bohemoth that is the World Wide Web.
If, however, by some minute chance, you don’t find the info you need here we thought you might like to know a couple of sites that we use here at the garden center from time to time.

• What’s That Bug – You could spend hours on this site looking at all the bugs they have on file, and the chances are there’s a photo and description of the one you’re trying to get identified!
• NC State Plant Fact Sheets – Yes, yes, you’re a Duke fan, we know, but there’s still some really useful information here, and because it’s produced in our state you know it’s pretty accurate as far as cultural information goes.
• Cornell Bird Search – Cornell’s department of Ornithology has a superb resource for trying to figure out what that bird was that you just saw.
• If All Else Fails

Got a favorite we should know about? Let us know, we would love to check it out.

Okay, I don’t know about the rest of you, but this weather is driving me crazy!!  It’s too early for spring planting, yet we have days that are warm enough to wear flip-flops and t-shirts.  But then we have days when it’s cold and rainy, and all you want to do is stay in, and the idea of moving to Florida sounds good.  The best way I know of to get rid of the winter blues is for you to come visit us. 

This time of year it’s pretty quiet around here.  We are bringing in new items, restocking shelves and cleaning up.  Basically this is our time to get geared up for spring.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t have anything for you to buy.  This is the best time to bring some new plants into your house and brighten things up.  I don’t care what anybody says, I think plants put off an aura that automatically makes you smile.  Plants also provide more oxygen in the air which makes it better for your health.  You just have to remember to water them correctly and talk nice, or else they will turn on you.  It’s also a good time to come see us to buy gifts when you need a present or to make yourself feel better, or both. We are getting new stuff in all the time.

We are fully stocked on bird seed and feeders, and it’s time to start thinking about planting your spring garden.  Most of the seeds are in, and the onion sets arrived this week.  So when you find yourself staring out the window praying for spring, jump in the car and come see us.  We’ll at least make you smile and forget it’s still winter!

It’s hard for most people to imagine shrubs and trees showing color and/or interest in the cold Winter months, but it is possible with the right choice of plants.
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Don’t you just love having a hearty meal when it’s cold outside? So do the birds! It’s important to keep them well nourished, especially at this time of year, when it becomes much harder for them to find food sources on their own.

Of course different birds have different ideas of what constitutes a good meal, so it’s important to provide the correct food for the type of birds you are trying to attract. (more…)