Create a winter bird garden

Winter in the garden is a quieter time, but it’s also a great chance to help local wildlife through the chill. While your garden rests, you can support the birds and creatures that rely on it.

Providing food, shelter, and water will give you a chance to connect with nature in ways you may not get in the warmer months, whether it’s watching birds flock to your feeder or seeing how plants and insects thrive in the cold.

Provide food

Winter can be a tough time for birds to find food, as natural sources become scarce and the cold makes it harder for them to forage. Filling feeders with bird seed is a kind way to help fuel them over the cooler months, while they provide you with plenty of backyard entertainment! Discover the Tui Range of Bird Feeders and Seed here >

Offer shelter

Providing shelter is another way you can support wildlife through winter. Dense shrubs or trees create natural shelter from wind, frost, and rain. Planting hardy natives such as kōwhai, rata, or koromiko hebe, offer shelter and provides food for nectar feeding birds.

Create water sources

Birds still need water in winter, but it can be hard for them to find in the frosty months especially in parts of the country that get snow. Get crafty and make a bird bath out of a shallow dish with stones to provide a stepping stone for small birds. Make sure to change the water regularly.

Support insects and pollinators

Insects like bees and ladybirds are still important for the health of your garden in winter. Let a few of your autumn planted veges go to seed or pile up leaves in a corner to provide natural shelter for beneficial insects. You could try planting winter blooming flowers like Tui Wildflower Mix in an unused area and see what comes up!