Your Oasis in the Desert
© Valerie Adolph
Imagine yourself in the desert with sand and rock all around and nothing to eat or drink as far as the eye can see. There's nowhere to rest for a few minutes, just bare inhospitable territory.
That's how birds and insects feel in a city. We have filled our cities and towns with concrete and metal, with asphalt roads and roofs thrown in. We have made them a desert for other little creatures, especially for the insects and birds who used to be at home there. If you live in a city or town it's up to you to provide the oases that the butterflies and birds crave. Don't ever think that, because you only have space for a couple of tubs of flowers, it's not worth bothering. After all, what difference will it make?
It will make the difference of a tiny oasis in the desert. To a tired, thirsty traveller in a thousand miles of sand one palm tree and a tiny pool of water could make the difference between life and death. The same with your tub of flowers. And if you have room for a bird bath or a tiny pool of water, so much the better.
Butterflies especially appreciate plants that have a long season of flowers - almost any of the annuals, such as petunias or zinnias are great. Perennials such as dianthus, yarrow and coneflower work well too, as well as butterfly bush, if you have the space. Butterflies love the warmth of a deck or patio and like to linger in a sun baked spot to soak up some rays.
Birds would appreciate a small tree if you have the space; somewhere to rest for a moment and check the territory around for food or danger. If the tree has berries or nuts in season, so much the better. If you have a wall, you could trellis a vine up against it and give birds and insects shelter for the winter. My own house plays host to hundreds of lady bugs each winter - I have no idea why. But in the autumn they collect on the walls and the deck in huge numbers. They hibernate, sometimes in the house (the ceiling of the guest bathroom is a particularly favoured spot - they gather there en masse and are quite the conversation piece) and sometimes in sheltered spots outside. In spring they awaken, gather energy from the sun and fly away.
Go To Page: 1 2
