One of the most popular hobbies in the U.S. is birding. Millions enjoy providing food and safety to these energetic and colorful guests. As is often the case, having the proper equipment is essential to ensuring success and the cost of doing that doesn't need to be exorbitant.

 

Brome Bird Care makes a feeder called Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver 200. Besides birds, it isn't unusual to see squirrels taking advantage of being served easily accessible food and, while squirrels are characters that can be fun to watch making manic moves throughout the yard and trees, we don't always want them to make the assumption they are invited dinner guests. That's where Brome comes in.

 

The Seed Saver 200 is ruggedly built to last years plus it has a secret. It is squirrel proof! Its weight-activated design locks out squirrels, saving seed and letting birds eat unbothered. The mechanism will prevent grackles also from snatching the seed but will allow cardinals easy access.

 

The original retail price for this feeder was $69.99 but we were able to take advantage of a special purchase option which allows us to pass the savings on to you. Your price for the Seed Saver 200 is only $29.99. That price is in effect while the current supply lasts so it would be a good idea to stop by soon; our inventory won't last long.

 

Another fine company is Birds Choice. One entire line of bird products is made out of something called poly-lumber. Poly lumber is made out of recycled plastic and milk jugs. "Birds Choice is a very environmentally conscious company. We recycle all scrap, ends and pieces from the poly lumber by returning it to the company where we get our poly lumber, it gets reground and recycled again. The bird feeders, built with poly-lumber proudly made from recycled plastic and milk jugs, carry a lifetime guarantee to never crack, split or fade. They are constructed with stainless steel screws."

 

Birds Choice offers a variety of poly-lumber designs including, hopper feeders, fly-through feeders, window feeders and suet feeders. As far as durability is concerned, you can't beat poly-lumber and a lifetime guarantee. Have a look through Wedel's birding department to see all that is available from Birds Choice.

 

One of our favorite summertime visitors is the hummingbird, the living jewels of our gardens. As you hummingbird enthusiasts know, the tiny birds are fearless and very territorial. If you provide nutritious meals for them they will show their appreciation by valiantly defending their territory from intruders. Hummingbirds spend 10-15% of their time feeding and 75-80% of their time perched, digesting the food and keeping watch over their food source. Wedel's has an item that will permit you to enjoy more of that 75-80%. Oh, and 9 different styles of that item.

 

A man named William Sloan had an idea and that idea turned into Pop's Birding Company. I'll let Keith and Bethany Sloan tell the story. "One day he was sitting in his yard enjoying the company of his hummingbird friends when he noticed one particular hummingbird retreat to a nearby twig after feeding. At this sight, an idea pop'ed (no pun intended) into his head. 'I wonder if he would perch on a swing instead of that twig?' And the rest is history. The swing was a hit! Each day in between feedings the hummingbirds would stay and swing a little. Pretty soon there were more swings and there were more hummingbirds and then there were more neighbors asking for swings for their hummingbirds.

 

Then one day it was clear, the rest of the world needed to be let in on the fun. So we set out on a mission and soon after began production. I'll never forget the look on our Papa's face the first time he saw the final product, all packaged and ready for retail (not to mention the logo of that fine looking gentleman). It was a moment words really can't describe, but one that will always be cherished in our hearts. A year later he passed away but we know that his legacy will live on through these swings. We're thankful for that first year that he got to see his idea turn into something bigger than all of us and we know he would be proud of where we are today.

 

We love you and miss you Papa!"

 

Mother's Day is almost here! (It's This Sunday!) Any of these, and more, birding products would make an ideal gift for her, don't you think? Stop by. Take a look. We're sure you - and Mom - will be happy with what you find.

All parts of nasturtiums are edible! The leaves can be used as a peppery substitute for watercress in salads and on sandwiches; the flowers make a gorgeous edible garnish for salads, hors d'oeuvres trays, and fruit salads; and unripe nasturtium seeds can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers. Beauty and taste! Nasturtiums are also fairly drought tolerant once established and deter both rabbits and deer. Perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer; otherwise grown as an annual. TIP: Blooms heaviest in cool weather; heat may pause bloom production.

When to sow outside: 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost. In very hot summer regions, sow in fall for winter bloom. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 55° to 65°F. Soaking seed in water for 12 to 24 hours aids germination. Nasturtiums require darkness to germinate so be sure to sow them at the recommended depth of ½".