A good garden will provide the basics for birds and insects and other small animals – food, water, shelter and a place where they can raise their young safely.

Birds eat a variety of seeds, fruit and nectar. They also eat the bugs and some small animals that thrive in a healthy garden.

The garden wildlife drink water in ponds, water features, planters or wherever water may collect after a rain – or even sprinklers. Birds, insects, and garden critters are provided with shelter from the heat, rain, snow, and predators. The healthy garden is also a safe place to raise their young.