Birdscaping With Native Plants

We talk with author Mariette Nowak about birdscaping and why native plants outperform typical ornamental landscaping for feeding and sheltering birds. We share practical ways to start small, choose high-value plants for different habitats, and avoid common backyard threats that undo your hard work. 

• how birds and native plants support each other through pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control 
• why non-native landscaping can reduce insects and “starve” birds 
• the idea of going beyond the bird feeder to support more species 
• how Mariette selects 50 high-impact plants across key habitats 
• woodland winners for caterpillars and nesting support, including oaks, cherries, and willows 
• hummingbird planting strategy across the seasons, plus insect-supporting shrubs 
• shrubland standouts like dogwoods, chokecherry, hawthorns, and junipers 
• container “porch prairie” ideas for small spaces and renters 
• winter support through shelter, evergreens, long-lasting berries, and seed-rich grasses 
• reducing window strikes, keeping cats from hunting, and limiting pesticides like neonicotinoids 
You can find in the show notes, you can find the links to Mariette’s wonderful books 

Links

Book - Birdscaping for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region

Podcast Episode - Second Nature with Doug Tallamy 

ABY Page - ABetterYard.org/podcast

Learn more about getting your own Rebel Garden at ABetterYard.org.