Life is a Garden | South Africa |

Peter Rabbit knew a thing or two about the tasty treats that could be found over the wall in Mr McGregor's garden! They certainly tasted better than the meals his mom could provide. The taste of our food is vitally important to us, but have we ever considered how important it is to our pets or the wildlife that may visit our gardens? You would be surprised to know that even insects prefer one type of plant to another. Put out a choice of two or three pieces of fruit in the garden, and watch with amazement which is favoured by foraging birds.

You may argue that some of us may have a sweet tooth, and others prefer savoury dishes, and thus it would be wise to conclude that tastes do differ. This is an all important factor when it comes to providing 'meals' for the birds that visit your garden. By this I mean the fruit, nectar and seed producing plants that may be found there, and not the boring 'bread and butter' bird seed you may graciously provide. For them, variety is the 'spice' of their lives, and fresh seasonal produce is top of the 'menu'.

As our towns and cities ever encroach on natural vegetation, it is only fair that we should reciprocate by providing birds and wildlife with shelter and food. Their contribution to our life is a garden where they are just at home as we are.

To start the process, you will need to provide shelter and safety (just like our own needs). This is best done by planting dense trees and large shrubs. Fast growers like the wild pear (Apodytes didimata), white elder (Nuxia floribunda) and the water berry (Syzygium cordatum) are great for quickly providing shelter and rooting. The sweet thorn (Acacia karroo), fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea) and Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) are great thorny trees that provide extra security for nesting birds. Prune low growing branches to discourage cats from gaining access to the rest of the tree. Consider also providing nesting material. Various palms and grassy plants are perfect for making nests.

Fruit and berries provide most birds with moisture and nourishment at the same time. While we can't always provide a regular supply of these ourselves, by planting a variety of shrubs and trees we can do so naturally. Include trees like dune current (Allophyllus natalensis) with its glowing coral red fruit, the golden crossberry with is mauve daisy flowers, the white milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) with its majestic deep green foliage and the white ironwood (Vepris lanceolata) with its wavy foliage.

One of the key bird attracting plants you cannot leave out is the magical tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida), known to the Zulu people as 'bird beer'. The nectar from their flowers is so sought after by nectar loving birds, you could consider it fine wine for the birds' meal! The bright orange flowers curiously appear on the bark of the tree. Once pollinated, they turn into sweet black berries which fruit-eating birds guzzle.

Yes, besides a birdbath, some birds just adore plants with long tubular flower (as these often contain much nectar). As many nectar loving birds are colour blind, you will find the most attracting flowers appear in shades of red, yellow or orange. Take for instance our aloes, the wild pomegranate (Burchellia), clivia, the lion's ear (leonotis), the crane flower (strelitzia), the coral tree (erythrina) and honeysuckle (tecoma). Plant some of these to add colour to your garden, and at the same time provide a sweet 'sip' to passing birds.

The best way to attract more wildlife is a garden filled with 'gourmet' treats, 'vintage' nectars and a secure place to roost or nest. Visit your local garden centre today, and roll out your own 'a la carte' garden or 'deli' with aplomb, and wait for all the patrons to arrive. They won't forget to 'tip'!

- By Allan Haschick