May Newsletter 2023
April 28, 2023
The Case For Native Plants
I get asked a lot of questions from my customers wanting advice about attracting more birds to their feeders. Their questions usually start out with “The feeders aren’t very busy” or “Where did our favorite songbirds go?” and “What’s going on?”
I have shared in the past about the major study, published 2019, about the steep decline in songbird numbers over the past 50+ years. A staggering loss of billions of songbirds was documented. The loss of habitat was identified as the number one reason for the decline.
Here is a question for you – Can your yard become a sanctuary for year-round and migratory species of songbirds? Can your yard become prime real estate for nesting songbirds? Can your yard be a safe and healthy haven for caterpillars, bugs, toads, frogs and bats?
The answer is YES! By becoming a better steward of nature and reintroducing real native plants back into our landscape, we all can create pathways for plants, birds, insects and all of nature to expand their habitat so they can rebuild their numbers.
We are talking about bringing back the life at the very point where energy from the sun grows the vegetation that feeds the bugs. This is where the protein is created to feed the baby birds – 90% of the food needed for baby birds comes from the protein of caterpillars, flies, spiders, bugs and insect larvae! We do this by reconnecting the native plants with the very insect communities that have evolved together for millions of years.
This is why we have begun this next exciting phase of our business. Terra Depot Native Plant Nursery. We now grow and sell native perennials, shrubs and trees. From butterfly weed, asters and goldenrods to viburnums and willow, all are native to our region of NE Ohio. Our plants will help you bring back the key food source for our native butterflies, moths, pollinators and other insects, all vital to a healthy food chain and ecosystem.
Here is a link to our Spring 2023 Plant List.
The nursery is open now and we will continue to bring in plants throughout the spring season.
Mothers Day
How do you say “Thanks Mom, we love you!”?
Let me give you a few suggestions:
A Terra Depot Gift Certificate
A Burley Clay hand painted Bird Bath, the beautiful bluebird decoration is so sweet
A Garden Statue, maybe the Butterfly Girl!
A Classic Aspects Hummingbird Feeder — easy to fill, easy to clean and delightful to watch!
By the way, all these gift ideas are “Made in America” great quality items meant to last!
Year Round Feeding
Let’s talk about feeding birds year round. We have mentioned before the horrific decline in songbird numbers. Some folks think feeding the birds in summer isn’t necessary. We would suggest that feeding a high-quality and clean seed mix provides a needed cushion to maintain the health and vigor of our current populations but also to encourage their ability to rebuild their numbers.
Providing a quality seed blend, keeping feeders clean and water sources refreshed can be very helpful and rewarding.
Our Spring Hours:
Thursday and Friday 10am – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 4pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Need a presentation?
Need a presentation for your church group? Would your garden club like to hear more about native plants? Topics range from native plant landscaping, creating songbird habitats, to agricultural food safety for home gardeners and farm market producers. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to give a presentation to your group. We can tailor the talk to your interests. Contact me at 330-988-0304 to schedule.