As summer wears on, it's tempting to cut back flowers that have stopped blooming. But gardening experts say you may want to wait.
The dried seed heads on many popular flowers become a natural food source for goldfinches, sparrows and other garden birds – meaning you can attract more feathered visitors without ever refilling a bird feeder.
"So many native flowers provide food for overwintering birds—as long as you leave the flower heads and let the seeds ripen," says Elise Howard, gardening expert and author of Plant This, Not That
"Resist the temptation to cut back your native grasses, too. Their seeds will feed birds and provide protective habitat and cover, too."
Below, Elise shares her top picks for flowers that provide plenty of seeds and have stems that will stay upright, which are perfect for perching.
Echinacea
Also known as coneflowers, these tall plants have large, cone-shaped, spiky seed heads. Once the purple petals fade, the spiky seed head becomes a favourite snack for goldfinches. Leave the stems standing through autumn and winter for the biggest benefit.
Rudbeckia
Elise recommends black- and brown-eyed Susans, which have tiny dark cones that are the perfect size for sparrows, finches and other small birds.
Asters
Asters' colourful blooms are a favourite of butterflies and bees in late summer and early autumn. And in the winter, their fluffy seed heads are a food source for finches and other birds.
Goldenrod
"Not all goldenrod species are well-behaved in home gardens, but the ones available at plant nurseries will work well," Elise says. Let their seeds dry and you'll see plenty of goldfinches and sparrows.
It might be tough to leave the garden looking a little scraggly all autumn and winter, but a flower that looks finished to us is often just getting started from a bird’s perspective.
Summer gardening edit
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Lisa Cericola (she/her) is a writer and editor who specializes in travel, food, and culture. A South Florida native, Lisa lived in New York City for 15 years and now resides in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama. She has been an editor at Southern Living and Food Network Magazine and writes for numerous publications including Garden & Gun and Late Checkout. When she’s not working on a story, or planning her next trip, Lisa is likely making and selling small-batch olive oil granola at her local farmers market.
