There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of birds in the garden. Their songs drift through the trees, soft and familiar, filling the morning with life. At VanZylStead, our garden isn’t just for growing food — it’s a shared space, and the birds are part of the family.

Over the years, we’ve learned that when you create a space that welcomes birds, everything else in the garden starts to thrive too. The plants grow stronger, pests stay balanced, and the air feels just a little lighter. Here’s how we’ve turned our garden into a haven for feathered friends — and how you can too.

1. Planting for the Birds

If you want birds to stay, you have to give them a reason to visit. That starts with planting what they love — food, nectar, seeds, and shelter.

Nectar Feeders:

• Aloes, Cape honeysuckle, wild dagga, and red hot pokers are magnets for sunbirds.

• Salvias, lavender, and wild basil keep them busy long after the veggie patch quiets down.

Fruit Feeders:

• Wild olive, karee, guava, and mulberry trees offer food for fruit-eating birds like bulbuls and mousebirds.

• Figs are irresistible (you’ll have to share a few!).

Seed & Shelter Plants:

• Let some of your herbs and veggies go to seed — birds love feasting on the dried heads of sunflowers, amaranth and wild dagga(lion’s ear).

• Shrubs and creepers like plumbago(blousyselbos), num-num, and trumpet bush give them safe places to hide and nest.

Planting in layers — tall trees, mid-level shrubs, and ground covers — creates a natural habitat that makes birds feel safe and at home.

2. Add Feeders and Water

Even a small garden can become a bird sanctuary with a few thoughtful touches.

• Feeders: Hang seed feeders under trees or near shrubs to give birds a safe spot to feed. You can make simple feeders from upcycled bottles, pinecones rolled in peanut butter and seed, or wooden trays with drainage holes.

• Water: A shallow bowl or birdbath is often the first thing that catches a bird’s attention. Keep the water fresh and change it every few days. If possible, place a few stones inside so smaller birds can perch safely.

• Shade & Safety: Keep feeders and baths near natural cover — birds like to drink or feed where they can dart away if needed.

We refresh our birdbath every morning, and it’s become part of our daily rhythm. There’s always a robin waiting nearby for the first splash.

3. Build Natural Habitats

Birds need more than just food — they need safe nesting and resting spots.

• Nest boxes: Mount a few wooden boxes in quiet, sheltered corners of the garden.

• Tangles and thickets: Leave some natural “mess” — a pile of twigs, a patch of tall grass, or a corner of dense shrubs provides excellent nesting material and insect hunting grounds.

• No chemicals: Skip the pesticides and let the garden find its balance. Birds rely on those insects to feed their chicks.

The more natural the space feels, the more likely birds are to stay. Don’t worry if things look a little wild — birds love it that way.

For bird seed, feeders, and water baths, visit  Elaines Birding

4. The Reward

Once your garden starts to buzz and sing with life, you’ll notice the difference. Birds aren’t just decoration — they’re part of the garden’s heartbeat. They help with pest control, pollination, and even spreading seeds.

Watching a sunbird hover at a flower or a dove bathing in the birdbath brings a sense of peace that no chemical spray or perfect lawn ever could.

At VanZylStead, we’ve come to believe that a garden alive with birds is a garden that’s truly thriving — one that gives back as much as it grows. Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, you can create a space that birds love. It doesn’t have to be big — even one feeder or a small flowering shrub can make a difference.

Happy Birding Friends

Tash & Family

 

For more gardening tips, local plant guides, and natural garden ideas, explore our VanZylStead eBooks — designed to make your gardening journey easier, greener, and more rewarding, one feathered friend at a time. Get your copies here