Wildlife in our gardens in Winter
Kate opened up the Forum with a recent article by Bunny Guinness who advises that flat, table type feeders and houses are a death trap to birds as they spread disease.
Members contributed advice such as food placed under shrubs with a barrier of twigs will allow blackbirds access rather than wood pigeons, an old table with logs and water is good for large birds, cage type feeders let little birds feed and keep out other wildlife. Other tips included hanging feeders with fishing twine or from washing lines, greasing poles or installing a baffle over feeders to deter squirrels and thinking about where to place feeders, perhaps from a tree with nearby shrubs for birds to feel safe. Maggie brought the ultimate in bird feeders, a hanging Flutter Butter (other brands available).
We discussed how our plants can feed the birds with their berries and seed heads and provide nesting materials.
Display Table
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| Dorothy’s Iris reticulata ‘Joyce’ |
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| Dorothy’s vase has various Hellebores, Crocus, Solanum Capsicastrum, Primula, Cyclamen coum, Pulmonaria and Snowdrops |
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| Maggie brought Tinue ‘Eve Price’, Viburnum bodnantense, Vinca, the purple stemmed Sarcococca hookeriana and a Snowdrop from Sue G. |
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| Kate’s brought scented plants: Sarcococca, Viburnum bodnantense, Hamamelis mollis ‘Arnold’s Promise’. Snowdrop ‘Savannah’ and Skimmia. |
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| Norma’s seedlings of cactus ‘Golden Barrel’ which came from Derek |
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| A few of our late blooming Hyacinths which were expected to flower at Christmas: Linda and Dorothy’s blue ones, Maggie M’s white, Norma’s yellow and Marjorie’s still to flower. |
There will be a seed swap with refreshments on Saturday morning 1st March between 10 and 12 at OPAL, 55 Bedford Drive, Cookridge LS16 6DJ. All welcome.
Next Meeting: 7th March - Friday Forum AGM followed by talk from Lineham Farm about fundraising.
*This will be at our new venue St Chad's Parish Centre, Otley Road, Leeds LS16 5JT*
