Bryony Angell

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An Inspired Garden: Bringing birds to your backyard

Last weekend I visited a friend's city garden on a crisp, bright afternoon. Spring has definitely arrived in the PNW, and in this yard in particular, the signs of life are not just the plants.

This garden is designed for birds, and everywhere you look are touches intended for attracting them: fruiting shrubs, insect-attracting trees, water features, nest boxes and layers of trees, bushes and ground cover from high above my head to waist-level to beneath my feet. 

The owner is a landscape designer by profession, and his artful attention to details like outdoor furniture, sculpture and even the view into his home give this property a special enchanted atmosphere. There are little corners all around for sitting and watching the feathered visitors, while having a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine. 

I write about this garden on the Seattle Audubon blog, and you can learn more about how to plant and landscape for birds there and in the listed resources.  This here post is simply to share more of the photos from that magical afternoon.

Shallow pond to attract songbirds and migrants.

A tucked-away spot to watch birds.

Puffin coaster on a side table.

The owner's backyard studio.

Birdie touches throughout.

Little cuties soon to occupy this box?