![\"\"](\"http:\/\/farm1.static.flickr.com\/191\/524777838_08d9ba2add_d.jpg\" "\\"Bird")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Attracting wild life and birds in particular is achieved by providing food, water and safety. Your bird-bath has provided the central issue, water, and your plants can help in the other two areas. There is no need to sacrifice colour or the ability to grow flowers for cutting if you choose wisely.<\/p>\n
Aiming for a Cool Effect<\/strong> Other Plants and Tips<\/strong>
\nVebascum bombyciferum the Mullein has yellow floral spires on grey green foliage and lots of seeds later in the year.
\nLamb’s Ears or Stachys byzantiana have mauve flowers with hairy grey leaves.
\nYarrow is easy to grow and Achillea Moonshine is the lacy leaved variety I would go for to add to the grey leaved scheme.
\nGrass is popular with birds and Fountain Grass ‘Pennisetium alopecuroides’ produces late summer floral spikes and winter seeds.
\nWhite flowering Rosa Nevada has pale green foliage and the Foxtail Lily Eremurus stenophyllus has white racemes.<\/p>\n
\nBirds will be attracted by insects who visit flowers like Thyme, Sedum, Sweet Rocket (also called Hesperis matronalis) and Heather.
\nBackground plants can overwinter insects in Virginia creeper and Ivy and also provide nesting sites.
\nA mixed hedges provide a place of sanctuary.
\nSee also Gardening for Birds on Gardeners Tips<\/a> or Trees and Shrubs for Birds<\/a>.
\nPurchase a good mix of plants of varying heights including some low lying creepers for the edges.
\nFor plants in the shade read<\/a><\/p>\n