“Bluestar,” Amsonia tabernaemontana.
Native plants are for the birds
Unlike people, birds don’t have housing safe from predators or reliable medical care, so their numbers need replenishing each year. A nestling can’t run or fly and escape danger. It can only grow fast in secrecy.
Your garden can become a haven of food, shelter, and good nesting sites for bird and the insects they depend on for food, according to the Orange County Audubon Society. Both birds and insects are in steep decline due to habitat loss and the wide use of pesticides.
If you’re worried about a yard overrun with insects and half-eaten plants, birds will take care of that and bring balance to your garden.
Where to begin? A good place is Audubon’s Native Plants for Birds online guide at https://ny.audubon.org
Meanwhile, we’d like to suggest you start by planting “Bluestar” (Amsonia tabernaemontana). It is true-blue (not lavender or even purplish) 15”-18” tall perennial which blooms with sky-blue flower clusters from May through June. It’s hardy, likes sun and part shade and is fairly deer-resistant. In the fall, it produces a second show with bright gold-amber autumn leaves.
If you’re ready to dive into native plant gardening, check out https://ny.audubon.org/conservation/getting-started-native-plants.
For more information, visit info@orangecountynyaudubon.org.