The Wild Garden

Well, this was an accidental "hub", as it were, since I didn't realize I was starting an article for hubpages. However, there is much I can share with those who would like to start a hobby, like back yard birding, which is what Wild gardening is all about.

I do not live in my own home at this point and so do not have such a wonderful thing happening in my backyard, but I did for many years, it brought me great rewards in many ways, as I started it because my Mom could no longer get around and it was a way to bring the "world" so to speak, to her.

We began our humble little backyard sanctuary with a tray bird feeder. Ours was not nearly so fancy as this converted party tray, and Dad had soldered it to a rod and base, so it stood on the ground where we could bring it near the back window. However, there are many inexpensive alternatives that you can find, as well as purchasing some lovely feeders that are not particularly costly. Be sure that if you cannot put a cover over it so the birds can feed on dry seed, that you use one with a screen bottom so the rain water simply flows through and drains off the seed. The seeds will not be hurt by the water, as long as they are not soggy from standing in water. Also, seed gets moldy if it sits too long in moisture.

Another simple addition to your back yard if you wish to start slow is a bird bath. This can be a shallow bowl on a stand, it does not have to be fancy, as long as you keep it fairly clean, the birds will love it. Many folks think they have to go out and get all sorts of fancy equipment when they start a new hobby, but that is simply not the case. When you are finished with a milk jug, cut out the sides in a smooth fashion, and hang it on some wire from a branch, make sure all the wire is tucked, so you don't hurt yourself when you refill it, and you have a birdfeeder the birds will completely enjoy!

Now, one of the neatest things you can do, if you are allowed to plant in your plot of land, and yes, I am presuming you may be an apartment dweller or trailer park dweller, (I am not making fun of that, I lived in one for many years!) your bird friends would enjoy a trailing vine of perhaps Morning Glories, or Honeysuckle. The Morning Glories are easier and less expensive to work with than the honeysuckle, but either will bring your bird friends and the household a great deal of enjoyment.

I must warn you, this particular pleasure is addicting. Once you get started you will find yourself wanting to do much more. Start slow, and let it grow! It is also the "interest" that got me into drawing the little "Wild Ones" that I so enjoy. I love doing the colored pencil work, which is how I became friends with robertsloan2, enjoy!