Get your holiday pics with Johnson's Grinch this weekend.
Hello, again!
It’s a busy week at the garden center. Our fresh cut Christmas trees have arrived from New Mexico, North Carolina and the Pacific Northwest. Our fresh cut greenery, wreaths and garland for decorating for the Christmas season are here as well. Our winter foliage plants from Florida have arrived, with color to enhance your indoors for the winter. Bring the kids in to check out our new carnivorous plants!
With all of the decorating going on, it’s easy to forget about the birds that frequent our landscapes year-round. One of the most important things for our feathered friends is to keep a fresh water supply available for them. With our sprinkler systems turned off, water can be scarce for birds. This winter, try using one of our Bird Bath De-Icers. There's no better way than fresh, open water to attract wild birds in the winter! This de-icer is durably constructed of cast aluminum and features a thermostat that only operates when needed.
To go along with your de-icer, use a Pirit Series IV Heated Hose. This thermostatically controlled hose turns on when outside temperatures are below 45°F, making it safe and effective for use around the house. We have Black Friday pricing on the hose now! Regularly $269.99, now $39.99 while supplies last.
Feeding birds is one of the easiest ways to enjoy wildlife. Different species prefer different foods, and offering a variety greatly increases the number of winged visitors to your yard.
Black Oil Sunflower: The most popular seed among Kansas birds. Cardinals, chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, and even the occasional nuthatch flock to it. Its high oil content provides essential energy, especially in winter.
Sunflower Hearts/Chips: A no-mess option ideal for patios and decks. Because the shells are removed, almost every bird will eat them, and there’s very little waste.
Nyjer (Thistle): Loved by goldfinches, siskins, and redpolls. Offer this in a special fine-mesh tube feeder to keep the tiny seed from spilling.
Safflower: A favorite of cardinals but less attractive to squirrels and starlings, making it a great choice for busy neighborhoods.
Peanuts: Shelled or in-the-shell peanuts attract woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches. High in protein and fat, they’re especially valuable to birds in cold weather.
Suet: Perfect for winter feeding in Kansas. Suet cakes or plugs draw woodpeckers, wrens, and even bluebirds when temperatures drop.
Offering several styles of feeders helps ensure all birds find something that suits them.
Tube Feeders: Great for sunflower seeds and sunflower hearts. Smaller ports discourage larger birds, giving finches and chickadees a chance.
Hopper Feeders: These house-style feeders hold more seed and attract a wide range of species such as cardinals, titmice, and woodpeckers.
Platform/Tray Feeders: Ideal for peanuts, cracked corn, and mixed seed. They attract ground-feeding species like juncos, doves, and sparrows.
Nyjer Feeders: Specially designed mesh tubes or socks with tiny openings to dispense thistle seed.
Suet Feeders: Wire cages or tail-prop styles that make it easier for woodpeckers to feed. With the right mix of food, feeders and habitat, your yard can become a year-round bird haven, full of color, song and life. For more information go to Johnson's Birding page at Johnsonsgarden.com.
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
P.S. - Be sure to come by this weekend for a photo op with Johnson's Grinch. Bring your camera for a free photo at Johnson’s East on Saturday or Johnson’s West on Sunday. Our Grinch will be here both days noon-3pm. Our Living Ornament Bar will be open for walk-ins too.
