Even in the stillness of winter, your garden can play a vital role in supporting local wildlife. With a few mindful choices, you can create a haven for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects throughout the cold months.
Leave a Little Wild
When tidying up your garden this fall, resist the urge to cut everything down. Seed heads from plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses provide natural food for birds. Standing stems and leaf litter also offer essential shelter for overwintering pollinators and insects. By leaving a few areas undisturbed, you’re helping sustain the life cycle of the very creatures that make your garden thrive in spring.
Provide Food and Water
Winter can be a tough season for birds and wildlife to find nourishment. Keep a bird feeder stocked with high-fat seed blends and install a heated birdbath or shallow dish to ensure access to fresh water. Position feeders and water sources near shrubs or trees for natural protection from predators and harsh winds.
Plant with Purpose
Native plants are one of the best ways to support the ecosystem year-round. Town & Country Nurseries proudly features the American Beauties Native Plants line—species carefully chosen for their ability to attract and sustain pollinators and birds. Native shrubs such as winterberry holly, viburnum, and chokeberry produce colorful berries that serve as critical winter food sources.
Create a Garden That Gives Back
Your garden doesn’t have to go silent in winter. By planting native species, leaving seed heads, and offering food and water, you’re helping sustain the balance of nature. Visit Town & Country Nurseries in Haddam to explore American Beauties Native Plants and discover how small changes today can make a big difference for the wildlife that calls your garden home.
