Migratory Birds Like Native Berries Best | Audubon

“Even when fruits of invasive plants are abundant, migratory songbirds seek out native berries, according to new research. Birds are after native berries, according to a study published in Biological Conservation in January.

But that’s not the only reason to choose one fruit over another: Previous research has found that native fruits are more nutritious than their invasive counterparts."

 

Our Favourite Garden Blogs..... | Sitting Spiritually

The Blackberry Garden
Leicester-based ‘amateur and somewhat obsessed gardener’ Alison Levey opens the gates to her own garden, as well as inspirations and things about gardening that make her happy.
Her Instagram is definitely worth a follow to:  Instagram @blackberrygarden

Dig Delve|
Dig Delve features the writing of garden and landscape designer Dan Pearson and includes stories about gardens, horticulture, plants, landscape, nature, food ...all with stunning photography by Dan’s partner Huw Morgan.

The Patient Gardener
Helen Johnstone is the Patient Gardener and she says, “the title ‘Patient Gardener’ is quite aspirational as I’m not a particularly patient person… You will find that my posts are my own thoughts and ramblings mainly about my garden, my trials and tribulations as well as my triumphs.”

The Anxious Gardener
David Marsden writes about his life as a full-time, working gardener in East Sussex, England. He tends two, large private gardens and shows them, and their wildlife, through the seasons.

Sally Nex
A garden writer based in Somerset, in the glorious countryside of the south-west of England.

Mr Plant Geek
Mr Plant Geek is Michael Perry, who brings over 18 years of experience in the horticultural industry to his blog … if you’re looking for shortcuts to gardening success, his blog is where to find uncomplicated tips – ‘I’m here to clear the fog, and help people enjoy easy gardens again!’

The Middle-Sized Garden
Alexandra Campbell uses her blog to cover everything from how to use a garden fertiliser, growing vegetables, and how to improve your pruning. Do you have a middle-sized garden? If your garden is bigger than a courtyard, but smaller than an acre, this is the one for you.

The Curious Gardener
Caleb Melchior describes himself as “a plant geek, writer, and designer. I believe in presence - being close, paying attention”

 

Plant Your Shade Trees Wisely.

Today's chore was featured in The South Bend Tribune out of South Bend, Indiana, on this day in 1952.

"Don't plant your shade tree so that It shades your neighbor's yard Instead of your own.

If you set the tree on the eastern border of your property, it will shade your neighbor's yard instead of your own garden during the hottest part of the day, in the afternoon.

...Consider your plantings as a permanent investment in beauty and comfort that is worth real thought."

 

Botanical History On This Day

1838 Asa Gray Resigns from the Wilkes Expedition, pivoting toward an academic career that would ultimately establish American botany at Harvard and deepen transatlantic scientific ties.

1949 Dr. Melville Thurston Cook was rescued in Alaska, surviving a plane crash with his wife and pilot by living on 90 dozen eggs—and naturally collecting specimens.

1977 Decorating with Plants, a House Beautiful presentation by Ethan Allen and Elvin McDonald, who famously advised: “Take a plant to cope with everyday stress.”

1983 Navasota Ladies’ Tresses Halts Road Work, as the tiny rare orchid Spiranthes parksii stopped a $15 million Texas highway project to protect an endangered species.

1988 Roy Lancaster on Orchid Smuggling, warning that elite collectors were driving rare Chinese orchids—like the Golden Slipper Orchid—into extinction.

Unearthed Words

A trio of summer meditations—from Thompson’s brazen July skies, to Mary Oliver’s frog in her “satiny skin,” to Surrey’s celebration of summer’s return. Check out Poems for Summer

Grow That Garden Library™

Read The Daily Gardener review of The Flower-Powered Garden by Andy Vernon

Buy the book on Amazon: The Flower-Powered Garden

Today’s Botanic Spark

1966 The Peruvian Black Roses of Bewitched, a memorable episode in which rare black Peruvian roses robbed Samantha of her powers—and Aunt Clara brewed up an unforgettable antidote.

Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener

And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.