Friday, September 12, 2025

409 Bird-Friendly Gardening

Farmer Fred interviews garden writer Jen McGuinness, author of "Bird-Friendly Gardening," who highlights the urgent need for creating habitats for declining bird populations in North America. Jen shares her personal journey of transforming her Connecticut lawn into a wildlife habitat, overcoming skepticism from neighbors, while promoting eco-friendly gardening practices. The discussion covers bird photography, the significance of incorporating water and native plants in gardens, and strategies for preventing bird-window collisions. Jen offers practical advice on optimal plant choices and maintenance. She also addresses challenges like invasive species and provides resources from her book to help gardeners of all levels create welcoming environments for birds. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net (https://bit.ly/3tnEh9K) . Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629) .    (https://bit.ly/4gWOeBQ) Now on YouTube (https://bit.ly/40mPeZ3) (audio)  Cover Photo: Black Hooded Oriole (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! (https://www.justgiving.com/page/fred-hoffman-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM) “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com/)   By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here (https://smartpots.com/shop) to start shopping! Book - Bird-Friendly Gardening (https://amzn.to/4pjkZOc) Jen McGuinness, FrauZinnie.com (https://frauzinnie.blogspot.com) All About Farmer Fred:    GardenBasics.net (https://bit.ly/3tnEh9K) “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com/) Farmer Fred website (https://bit.ly/3xLZ1KN) :  http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog (https://bit.ly/3QoD10a) http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"  (https://bit.ly/3Ov2B1N) Instagram: farmerfredhoffman (https://bit.ly/3QoDfEy) https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social (https://bit.ly/3AIHU0W) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube (https://gardenbasics.net/videos) As an Amazon Associate (https://amzn.to/36MhR9W) , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Got a garden question?  • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe (https://bit.ly/3HiE11E) , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.  • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net (https://bit.ly/3tnEh9K) • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com  Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast (https://gardenbasics.net/) and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com/) . Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629/support) Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast (https://gardenbasics.net/) and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com) .