While we are stewards of the land, we are also stewards of the native animals that call it home. And birds, with their declining population, need our help to keep them flying high in our shared environment. Our responsibility is to protect their home, provide them with food, and minimize the threats they face.

When I realized there was someone else who shares my deep passion for birds AND gardens, and that she wrote a whole book on making bird-friendly gardens, I knew I needed to meet and befriend her immediately. So in this episode, Jen McGuinness, aka Frau Zinnie, talks all about optimizing our gardens for our birds.

If you follow me on social media, you know that I'm a crazy bird lady. I think Frankie, my parakeet, knows that this episode is special because he’s especially loud behind the scenes.

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:29] How Jen became a plant/bird lady
• [08:08] What is Jen’s gateway bird?
• [09:31] What does bird-friendly gardening mean (beyond the bird feeder)?
• [13:17] How will a bird-friendly garden help you and your garden?
• [14:12] What is a native plant?
• [15:26] Bring the soothing sounds of summer to your loved ones with Wind River Chimes
• [17:01] From balconies to backyards, grow your best garden yet with Gardener's Supply Company
• [18:37] What do birds eat?
• [23:07] What are the 4 major flight paths used by migratory birds?
• [28:48] What can we put in our gardens to help birds build nests?
• [31:41] Should you add a nesting box to your garden?
• [33:28] Nourish your plants and attract birds with safe, organic Espoma products.
• [35:27] How should you set up your bird baths?
• [40:36] How should you create a bird-friendly feeder setup in your garden?
• [45:02] How to choose bird-friendly native plants for your growing zone
• [54:28] What are some easy DIY projects to attract birds to a small balcony/garden plot?
• [57:53] Where can you find Jen and her book?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Ep 220: How to Make a Tiny Meadow in Your Yard with Graham Laird Gardner
• BirdCast
• Merlin Bird ID
• Birdsy
• Bird Buddy
• National Audubon Society
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
• The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees, by Doug Tallamy
• Bird-Friendly Gardening, by Jen McGuinness
• Micro Food Gardening, by Jen McGuinness

For Jen's tips on how to attract more birds to your garden,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Jen:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Gardener's Supply

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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