hmm what should I plant in large trough to help attractbird to my garden

mraholdsworth

hi all, I am looking advice for  a suitable large shrub/ or hedge, to be planted in a large fibreglass trough 120 cm wide 500 depth 500 high,  this is mainly for the birds as I want to attract more bird to the bird feeders, also to make the corner of my garden more greener, I was thinking of hawthorn hedge or holly, but I am abit clueless if this is the right option, I will add a photo of my bird feeding area, we’re the through is going to be, and a pic of the though I want to buy, any advice will be greatly appreciated 

mraholdsworth

Fairygirl

Do you mean you want it for the birds to shelter in near the feeders?
What direction will the planter face? That will affect the suggestions 

You'll need to make sure you have the appropriate soil mix [not compost] in the container, and be prepared to water massively if it's in a sunny spot. 

KeenOnGreen

Hawthorn is considered a good native plant for wildlife, and the birds will eat its berries, however they are deciduous, so you will have bare branches during the Winter. We have a large Pyracantha hedge, and the birds love it for safe cover, nesting and eating the berries. Both of these plants have thorns however, so consider whether that would be an issue for you or not.

Holly would be a similarly good option, especially a variegated variety, however you will need a nearby male/female plant, in order to get berries on your plant. Without that, you will have no berries and probably not many birds.

The positioning of bird feeders is important too. Birds generally don't like them to be too exposed, or too near to the ground. The more foliage, (especially shrubs/trees) near to feeders, gives birds safe spaces to fly to, to escape from predators.

bcpathome

What about planting cotoneaster ? The birds love ours they eat the berries the bees love the tiny flowers and the sparrows play hide and seek in it .
We find it a great source of amusement all year round .

Fairygirl

The OP has never returned to give any reaction unfortunately, so we're still in the dark as to their opinions