[Guest submission by Cindy Ahern through the Show Off Your Wildlife Garden feature]
This tiny jewel in my garden is what sparked my interest and love for wildlife gardening. Ten years ago, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird checked me out…up close and personal, inches away from my face. The excitement and joy I felt from meeting this tiny bird prompted me to research and build a habitat to attract them to my yard.
The flower beds on my front lawn have replaced grass and some overgrown, out of control hedges.
I am a wildlife gardener living in a suburban neighborhood near Philadelphia with a little less than half an acre of property. Since I started to convert my grass for habitat gardens, I’ve been able to attract many species of birds, mammals, herps, butterflies & other insects to my property by providing them a chemical-free oasis with plenty of food, shelter, water, and safe hiding places.
[Cindy's beautiful wildlife garden was featured in the Ecosystem Gardening Showcase. Check out the amazing critters who make their home in Cindy's garden habitat]
Show off Your Wildlife Garden–we’d love to see what you’ve got, so pick your favorite photo of your habitat garden and get the chance to be published at Ecosystem Gardening
© 2010, Carole Sevilla Brown. All rights reserved. This article is the property of EcosystemGardening.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Carole Sevilla Brown
Cindy, I loved reading this because a similar experience with a hummingbird a decade ago was what sparked my own interest (which turned into an obsession and eventually a career!!) in attracting them to our gardens….the photo of your habitat garden could be in my own yard! What kind of sign do you have hanging there, is it an NWF bird habitat sign?
Ellen
Ellen, the sign is the PA Audubon Bird Habitat Recognition program, now in it’s third year and picking up steam. Mine was the first in the state to become certified!
Cindy