For the Birds

Birdhouses are as much garden art as bird habitat. From plain to fanciful, these birdhouses and feeders are a dual delight, giving fly-by guests food and shelter, while accessorizing the garden.
 

• The key to enticing birds to take up residence is to give them the things they need to survive — a safe location, a landing spot, clean water, fresh food, shade and a bird’s eye view of the garden. In return, birds will help rid your garden of plant-eating insects.
   
• Wood is the best material for birdhouses. Avoid pressure-treated lumber; when wet, it can emit vapors that are poisonous to birds. To give your birdhouse curb appeal, paint or stain the outside of the house, but not the inside — the fumes can be harmful. Avoid using creosote as a preservative.
   
• To make a platform bird feeder, hinge a wooden cabinet door to the windowsill. Save space by attaching it with a drop hinge that lets you raise the ledge to offer food, then lower it flat against the wall when not in use.
   
• To make a charming, vintage-looking feeder, bolt a Mason jar to a cut-glass candy dish and hang from a chain. The Mason jar holds the birdseed, while the candy dish gives birds a place to perch and dine.
   
• Hummingbirds are attracted by flower nectar. To make your own, add one part sugar to four parts boiled water. (Be sure and boil the water to retard fermentation and change the nectar every few days.) Hummingbirds like red, so select a red feeder — dying the nectar red can make birds sick. Deter ants by rubbing Vaseline® on the hanging wire.
   
• According to legend, butterflies wing your wishes to the heavens so they can be granted. Extend hospitality to these flighty friends by placing a shallow bowl or staked butterfly feeder in a sunny spot. Cover the bottom with pebbles, to give the butterflies a spot to rest, and pour nectar over top. You can add salt water and a bit of soil instead of nectar, to create a mud hole that gives butterflies the minerals and nutrients they need.