Have you ever thought about adding a few native plants, shrubs or even a tree that will encourage more birds, butterflies and bees into your yard?  Well I have a list of a few things that will do just that.

Coneflowers or Echinacea are good plants to grow.  They are considered a tried and true plant as they have pretty flowers that will draw in wildlife.  Birds love them and so do butterflies.  Goldfinches and other birds are attracted to them in the fall for their seeds.  

Sunflowers are great plants to grow as their seeds are very welcoming to many birds....especially at a time when they are ready for migration or for the birds that are smart enough to stay in Florida during winter months.  Sunflowers come in many different patterns....and also in many shades of yellow and gold.  If you decide to grow some.....plant them in a sunny area....of course...and near a fence in case they grow taller than you thought they would.....as they will need a little support.

Milkweed has always been known for providing a home for the Monarch butterflies young also known as big caterpillars.   They also attract lots of insects that are good food for the birds also.  Goldfinches and other birds use the fiber from the milkweed stem to spin nests for its chicks.  Others use the downy part of the seed pod to line their nests. 

The Cardinal Flower also known as Lobelia has bright red petals that resemble the flowing robes sworn by Roman Catholic Cardinals after which it was named.  As it has long tubular flowers few insects can bother it but hummingbirds love to feed on the flowers nectar with their elongated beaks.

Now for a few vines....

The Virginia Creeper, also known as woodvine, is a vine that looks very much like poison ivy, but it's leaves are harmless to you.   Birds like mockingbirds, nuthatches, woodpeckers and blue jays count on it in the wintertime for it's fruits. 

Trumpet Honeysuckle is another vine that is considered one of the top most well-behaved vines to plant in your yard.  It has many red tubular flowers that produce nectar which makes them magnets for hummingbirds.  Also...some birds even love to eat the fruit that it produces. 

Would you believe that trees also attract hummingbirds? 

Our Southern Live Oak is one of them.  We love them for the shade they provide us in the summer.  Birds love them also as they provide many cavities and other places for nesting and shelter.  And.....they really like to eat all the insects and acorns that are on the oaks.  They just may be doing the oaks a favor.