When we sat down to plan out this episode, Steve asked, “So what kind of wildlife are we talking about here?” Good question. As it turned out, we decided to focus mainly on plants that attract a plethora of birds to a landscape. So rest assured—this isn’t a podcast about how to get more deer and voles to show up. We briefly touch on some general principles for attracting feathered friends before launching into descriptions of specific plants that are loved by birds of all sorts. Holly Scoggins then shares a hilarious story in expert testimony about her battle (and eventual peace) with birds on her blueberry farm in Virginia. Listen now to be educated—but mostly amused! 

Expert testimony: Holly Scoggins is an associate professor of horticulture at Virginia Tech University.

DANIELLE’s PLANTS

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis, Zones 4–8)

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida, Zones 5–8)

*cultivar ‘Appalachian Spring’ is anthracnose-resistant

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)

Lemony Lace^® elderberry (Sambucus racemosa ‘SMNSRD4’, Zones 3–8)

STEVE’s PLANTS

Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata, Zones 3–9)

Black and red chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, Zones 3–9 and A. arbutifolia, Zones 4–9)

Giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima, Zones 4–9)