One of the many advantages of owning a garden is being able to care for and maintain it to your liking. Many gardeners do this by pruning their plants in the fall or winter, but some have learned that leaving their gardens alone until spring can also have its benefits.
Pruning, or cutting off dead or injured parts, is often promoted to keep plants well cared for and healthy. It also helps future growth. However, in the r/NativePlantGardening subreddit, a Redditor shared that they leave their garden only to help another species.
“These guys are why I didn’t pull cut back or pull until spring,” the the original post read next to a video of a small slate-colored bird hopping and eating among the brambles. “I love you!”
The birds featured in the video were quickly identified as juncos in the comments.
“One of my favorites. Cute little winter derps,” a comment answered.
The junco, a small member of the sparrow family, is a ground feeder, which means it likes to eat seeds or millet from the ground, according to Travis Audubon. Juncos are too known known like “snowbirds”.
Construction sites with native plants can help attract these birds. This natural way of feeding wildlife not only brings joy, but also protects the species.
As a wildlife expert John Griff (@griffwild) explained in a TikTok video, feeding wildlife native plants it is safer for animals and humans. Otherwise, the animals will be too comfortable with humans and lose their natural defense.
If you want to attract more wildlife, you can grow native plants, which have adapted to thrive in their local areas. These plants are also more economical because they are easier to maintain. They do not require fertilizer or scythe, and they require minimal pest management. Also, their water needs are lower than those of non-native plantsresulting in cost savings.
So, if you like cute birds and want a garden that is easier to manage, try to grow native plants and not prune them until spring – you don’t even need a feeder.
“I have 5 feeders, but these pigs prefer the dirt. They also seem to like the pine straw a lot! the OP sharedelated with his winter company.
“We wish we had them around in the winter, but they only migrate over the course of a few weeks. Funny little guys,” another person said.
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Insightful piece