Protect Your Garden and Attract Birds: Plant Sweet Briar Rose and Cockspur Thorn
Plants that Feed, Guard, and Shelter Avian Visitors in Gardens, Unappealing to Feline Intruders
Want to help birds in your garden while keeping them safe from predators? Look no further than the sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn. These two plants, revealed by wildlife experts, will do just that!
With cats posing a significant threat to birds, especially in urban environments, it's our responsibility to create safe havens for our feathered friends. At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, charity SongBird Survival showcased a bird-friendly garden sporting these two birds-friendly shrubs.
Why sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn?
SongBird Survival CEO, Sue Morgan, explains, "Sweet briar rose produces nectar-rich flowers and red hips that serve as essential food sources for birds, while its dense growth offers nesting spots for birds." Similarly, the cockspur thorn offers white spring flowers and red berries, and its thorny branches provide secure perching spots and nesting opportunities. The long thorns on the cockspur thorn act as a natural deterrent for cats and larger birds, inviting the little ones to nest safely [1][2].
These plants are great for gardens because they offer multiple benefits: food, shelter, and protection. They're also types of vegetation that birds would take refuge in out in the wild.
When should you plant?
Says James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers, “You can certainly plant cockspur now while temperatures are still mild. Early spring or early autumn (September or October) is the best time to plant cockspur shrubs, as it avoids extreme weather and provides time for the plant to establish itself before the summer heat or winter cold" [1][2].
With summer heat approaching, it's probably too late to plant cockspur and sweet briar rose as the plants may not have enough time to establish themselves. Instead, consider planting these protective shrubs in September, when the weather cools off, giving them the best chance to survive and thrive in the future.
Kezia Reynolds is our platform's News Writer who joined the team in September 2024 after obtaining a journalism degree from City, University of London in 2022. She keeps you updated on the latest home news, trends, and more!
[1] Keartland, J. (2024). Picking the Right Plants For Your Garden. Gardeningfor beginners
[2] When to Plant Shrubs. (2024). Missouri Botanical Garden
- Including the sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn in your home-and-garden seems like a wonderful lifestyle choice, not only for the aesthetic appeal they offer but also for the benefits they bring to the local wildlife.
- For those planning a bird-friendly garden, consider planting these beneficial shrubs in the cooler months of September or early autumn, as suggested by gardening expert James Ewens, to ensure a successful establishment and thriving growth.
