Winter in the Garden

This winter while you are snuggled up warm and cozy with a cup of cocoa, please do not forget our wildlife friends. In many parts of the world it has been a long dry summer with little rain or too much. Here in Texas we have had drought followed by torrential rain. This means that there is little food out there for the critters. It was brought home to me when I went looking for pine cones to decorate with. Usually I have many - this year I found only one! The trees are bare and there are few acorns too.

These family crafts are fun to do and help feed our winter wildlife in the garden.

Pine Cone Treats

If you can find some pine cones this is an easy treat to make.
Take peanut butter and put a blob of it on a paper plate. Roll pine cones in the peanut butter. On a separate plate pour out some bird seed and roll the coated cones in it. Tie with yarn to the tree limbs close to the house and watch the birds!! Maybe some squirrels too!


Pop Bottle Feeder

Take a the label off an empty plastic pop bottle. Cut out a large oval hole on both sides about half way up. This way the birds can get in out of the snow or rain to eat. Heat up a large nail on the stove, holding with a hot pad and pliers - kids, get Mom or Dad to do this! Use the heated nail to put drain holes in the bottom and at the top for a hanger hole. Then string some beads on yarn and run it through the top hole. Fill with bird seed.

Don't forget to keep the feeders filled and to provide ice free water!


Recycled Christmas Tree

Instead of throwing out that cut Christmas tree, why not put it to good use after the holidays. If you don't use tinsel (harmful to birds), you can set it out for a bird feeder! First, take off all decorations. Then make some popcorn garlands, pine cone treats, cut oranges,etc.. Put it out in the back yard and you will have a lovely tree feeder.