Backyard Birders Garden Kit

There has been a 30% decline in bird populations in this country since 1970, and that’s a big deal. Read more about it here in this NJ Conversation Association Article. But sitting around feeling sad gazing out at your bird feeder simply isn’t going to do it, so plant some native shrubs, keep your trees, kindly tell your neighbors to reconsider pesticides, and consider this kit. Our first edition of the Backyard Birders Native Garden Kit features five native species recommended by the Audubon Society for our region.

Foxglove Beardtongue - Penstemon digitalis

Blooms: May-June

Height: 2-3 feet

This early blooming wildflower provides nectar for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. This selection has maroon foliage and pinkish-white flowers. Purplish green rosettes will form an evergreen groundcover around the base of the plants.

Anise-scented or Sweet Goldenrod - Solidago Odora

Blooms: July - September

Height: 4 feet

This fragrant, tough goldenrod not only is a host plant to many pollinator species and a critical nectar source for native bees, it attracts and supports finches, chickadees, mockingbirds, waxwings, cardinals, grosbeaks, wrens, warblers, orioles, vieros, woodpeckers, nuthatches, crows, jays and thrushes. So you see why it’s a must for this kit. Oh, and one more time for those who might be new here: Goldenrod does not cause allergies. That is a myth.

Anise Hyssop

Blooms: July - September

Height: 2-4’

The purple spikes of this fragrant flower draw bees, butterflies and other pollinators like hummingbirds. Plants thrive in sunny well drained sites. Birds will also eat the seeds left on the stalks.

Black-Eyed Susan - Rudbeckia Fulgida

Blooms: August - October

Height: 2-3’

A low maintenance, resilient perennial Black-Eyed Susan species that blooms from late summer through fall, and produces seeds loved by finches, jays, crows, vireos, waxwings, chickadees, titmice, thrushes, cardinals, and grosbeaks. It’s also host plant to many butterflies and moths.

Bee Balm - Monarda 'Jacob Cline'

Blooms: June-August

Height: 2-4 feet

A major pollinator magnet, attracting native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Unlike some Monardas, this variety is resistant to powdery mildew. After the bloom period ends, the seed heads look great as structural elements through the fall and winter. This vibrant hummingbird magnet is a must-have in any sunny habitat garden.