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02.09.2023 - 05:21 / irishtimes.com / Fionnuala Fallon
Could you please help to settle an argument between my friend and I about whether it’s a good idea to feed garden birds? My friend is of the opinion that they’ll survive just fine without our help, and that feeding them only increases the risk of spreading disease. RS, Dublin
Your friend is not alone in questioning the benefits of feeding garden birds. Some experts argue that it’s interfering with the process of natural selection where only the strongest, healthiest birds are naturally capable of surviving harsh winters, with the result that wild bird populations artificially supported by human intervention are beginning to reflect that declining health and vigour. On the other hand, many argue that well-stocked garden bird feeders providing a wide range of high-quality food can play a positive role in helping to sustain and support species of garden birds under threat from the loss of their natural habitats and dwindling food resources in the wild.
The thorny subject of natural selection aside, there are also real concerns about garden bird feeders and bird tables helping to spread avian pests and diseases such as trichomonosis (a parasitic disease that finches and chaffinches are particularly susceptible to).
While expert opinion is divided on the subject, some also fear that these bird feeders and tables could potentially help the spread of bird flu or avian influenza, the disease rapidly spreading among species of Irish waterbirds and some birds of prey including gannets, guillemots, whopper swans, greylag geese and peregrine falcons with often deadly results. As winter approaches, and different species of waterbirds start to congregate together in large numbers at wetlands around the country, that rate of spread
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Q: I don’t know the name of these trees but they seem to be dying, with casting of leaves getting worse and worse. Can you help? BMcW, Co Donegal
Tiny objects are everywhere, as you see tiny toys, houses, and gardens, but have you also seen some tiny vegetables and fruits? If not, you need to search them and look at these plants as they have a very Instagrammable appearance which you will absolutely adore. There is something fascinating about looking at small objects, and no matter what you see in a small dimension, you will feel happier, especially if these are represented by cute and tiny fruits and vegetables that you don’t have the opportunity to see every day. Growing something in your garden will always be a satisfying process, as you can watch how your plants transform, and you will also be able to taste them once your plants are harvested. But we think it is funnier to grow plants in miniature and try something new from the usual alternatives you find on the market. And if you thought that they don’t have the same nutritional benefits because of their small look, you are mistaken, as even if they are so little, they still give plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Looking for interesting, unique and unusual plants to grow in your garden? Something that will amaze each visitor who comes to your house and make your garden an oasis of beautiful and different greeneries? While sometimes it is good to grow the normal flowers and vegetables that are considered by the majority of people, you can always spice up your garden with some out-of-the-ordinary plants that you will have more fun growing. And if you want to make a change, you need to know that you are not limited to those old and boring choices you find in supermarket stocks. Although experts recommend growing what you like to eat, how do you know you will not find something amazing if you don't try it in the first place?
Biodiversity and sustainability have become buzzwords in horticulture of late. Encouraging wildlife, using items in a sustainable manner and reducing our waste is crucial for a healthy garden and planet – but for many of us, working out how to do this can feel overwhelming. Here’s my simple steps to starting your journey to a more sustainable and wildlife-friendly growing space…
Scope creep is something that can sneak up on you when you are working on a project in the garden. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it is often used in project management to describe when the scope of a project alters over time and is not properly defined or controlled.
Sparrowhawks are one of the most agile birds of prey in the UK. They evolved to nip, dive and swerve around trees to hunt in forests, and this means they’re also well-adapted to hunt amongst the buildings in our urban centres. I’ve seen them several times in my garden in urban Cambridge. Either perched on my fence, streaking across in a blur, or, on one memorable occasion, swiping a Starling from the bird feeder and plucking it on the ground.
If you look up garden ruins or follies in the dictionary, you will be told that they are ‘costly ornamental buildings with no practical purpose.’
Q: I have an unknown plant in my garden. I’m not sure if it came in on the wind or bird feeder. I first noticed it two years ago. It never flowers, it self-seeds and it grows to about 110cm. Please advise any details on its name and care. Hopefully it is not some invasive weed. DD, Co Dublin
When not in flower, it’s fair to say dahlia plants rarely command a second glance. In fact, to the uninitiated, they could be easily mistaken for potatoes, not that surprising when you consider that these two fast-growing, frost-tender tuberous species share a surprising amount of common ground regarding their geographical range in the wild and their fondness for a certain set of growing conditions that includes a rich, moist but free-draining soil in full sun or light shade. But the comparison ends there. Unlike potatoes, which are valued solely as a tasty food crop, dahlias are generally prized for the otherworldly beauty of their often large and vividly colourful flowers.
In an age where sustainability and environmental consciousness are paramount, integrating solar panels into your garden emerges as a smart and responsible choice. These innovations not only enhance your garden’s aesthetics but also align with your eco-conscious values.
In an age where sustainability and environmental consciousness are paramount, integrating solar panels into your garden emerges as a smart and responsible choice. These innovations not only enhance your garden’s aesthetics but also align with your eco-conscious values.