I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to gardening, I’m a novice. I spend time in my backyard puttering around with plants, flowers, bird feeders, and bird food because I have an interest; I’m certainly no expert! I happen upon things that work mostly by accident.
Many years ago I put 2 dogwood shrubs in my side yard garden hoping that they would provide a bit of natural privacy along the fence line between my yard and my neighbors. Little did I know that they would provide shelter and food for many birds. Both dogwoods have grown taller than my 6-foot fence and are loaded with lots of white berries. Nearly every species of bird in our backyard likes them and they attract visits during migration from Cedar Waxwings, Yellow Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos.
Right now, we are enjoying an early annual visit from a pair of Yellow Warblers and a Red-eyed Vireo who are at a near-constant stage of feeding off the berries. At this rate, there may not be any left for the Cedar Waxwings – they better hurry. 
yellow warbler | copyright PaulasGardenPatch.com
red-eyed vireo | photo copyright bill schmoker | schmoker.org
Another benefit of placing these 2 shrubs in my side yard is that they are right outside my kitchen window. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and I get an up-close view of their antics. I also have several feeders in this area making this one of my favorite spots to birdwatch year-round.
All this enjoyment from adding shrubs that I thought would provide only beauty and maybe some privacy. That’s how things usually go in my yard, by happen-stance, how about yours?
Don’t you love when this happens? I planted a butterfly bush below my deck; now I can enjoy butterflies, bees, and hummingbird moths every day by looking down from the deck. Serendipity!
I wish I could get a butterfly to flourish. We’re just a zone too cold for it to winter-over plus I have too much shade. But I do love them.
it truly is amazing what certain plants attract to the yard!
So true! It always surprises me.
Oh, I do need larger windows in my kitchen!!!!
I would love a large, atrium-type window in mine. Hubby and I have talked about it for years so I could see better and keep some herb pots there. But they are a bit cost-prohibitive.
I’m behind on reading fellow gardeners’ blogs. Looking forward to catching up soon! Thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment.
Yes, me too….I have had only moments here and there to read all the wonderful blogs…..and busy with back to school stuff…seriously, my kids need some school clothes!!!
Well, guess we should be thankful for busy days with kids and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. Only too soon will we be putting our beds to sleep and then we’ll be cooped up inside… -:(