Fragrance in flowers is such a desirable attribute that it’s a perennial complaint of many gardeners that modern varieties of various plants, particularly roses, lack all or most of the fragrance of the older varieties. This is demonstrably untrue of many varieties, of course, yet there is a good deal of truth in the generalization. Some varieties are certainly much less fragrant than the ‘old-fashioned’ roses and a few seem to lack detectable fragrance, but, on the whole, a good modern variety will number fragrance among its qualities. Much depends, of course, upon the individual sense of smell, coupled with the ‘scent memory’ which all of us possess to some degree. It is, in fact, usually well developed and most of us are readily and instantaneously reminded by present scents of past incidents, places, and persons, and although the actual vocabulary of scent is limited, it is usually possible for us to describe a scent fairly accurately by comparing it with another. Thus it is quite usual for us to say that a flower has a lily-like fragrance, or that it smells like new-mown hay.
5 Best Ways to Protect Birds in Winter
03.01.2024 - 12:03 / balconygardenweb.com / Raul Cornelius
Winter presents unique challenges for birds – food sources become scarce, and they find it really hard to find a warm place. To make sure these winged wonders are safe and sound, here some simple yet effective strategies you can implement.
During the colder months, the biggest challenge for birds is to find a good food source. Setting up bird feeders in your garden can significantly aid in their survival.
Keep them at places where they are protected from snow – hanging them by the window is the best option where they are safeguarded under a cantilever.
Regularly refill with seeds, suet, and nuts, which are high in energy and assist in keeping the birds warm through their metabolism. Also, keep the feeder full in the evening time, where most of the birds need the most energy.
Birds like sparrows are not used to feed directly from feeders – for them, add in some leaf litter where they can find insects and grubs. Also, avoid over-cleaning your garden to provide this natural food source.
It will also be a good idea to scatter seeds, fruits, or mealworms directly on the garden for ground-feeding birds.
Another vital measure to protect birds in winter is offering them a water source that remains safe from freezing. It’s beneficial to use a bird bath heater, or place it in a sunny spot to prevent the water from freezing.
Do remember that maintaining hygiene is crucial; clean it regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
To keep themselves warm, birds look for a refuge in places like dense foliage, brush piles, or birdhouses. Install them at a secure location where they are safe from drafts along with cats and other animals – do not forget to add warm materials like wool pieces and straw inside.
Grouping up some plants together near
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Anyone in search of planting ideas for their garden in the colder months is spoilt for choice when it comes to sources of inspiration. Up and down Britain there are sterling examples of gardens planted for winter interest: Cambridge University Botanic Garden boasts one of the earliest; Wakehurst Place is home to one of the more recent; then there’s Bodnant, Dunham Massey, the Savill Garden – the list goes on. One thing they have in common though is that they’re all quite large, and gardeners could be forgiven for feeling they need a separate ‘winter area’ or hefty acreage to create anything worthwhile in their own plots. Not so, says David Jordan, senior gardener at Anglesey Abbey, who cares for its well-known Winter Garden and has a host of winter plants to recommend that will easily integrate into your existing garden.
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