This is my balcony garden, where the birds spend their days relaxing, bathing and feeding.
The open lattice bamboo pergola was intended to support the canes of various berry plants, though, somewhat predictably, they preferred to grow on the south side. Only the ‘Willamette’ raspberry bushes (developed by Oregon State University) have truly prospered there. That explains the somewhat haphazard array of bamboo poles within the structure. Plus I used to hang laundry there before the birds discovered it — one must smile at how priorities change.
And yes, that is an FM radio ring aerial perched on the roof. I was a broadcast engineer in my youth plus was into Amateur Radio.
Returning to the matter at hand: this “Berry House,” as I call it, proved to be an ideal spot for flocks of blue tits and great tits that nest in the neighbour’s cherry laurel along the west wall of the balcony.
- Parus Major female
We have also provided a 7‑litre bird bath with a solar pump fountain, which runs for about three hours a day when the sun obliges.
- Blue Tit sunning after a bath
At the east end of the balcony sits our hanging basket chair, and we suspend suet balls from the marquise or from bamboo rod pushed in among the strawberries.
Out back I ‘annexed’ a triangular plot in 2019 of roughly 12 × 6 × 13.4 metres for a lush garden. My neighbour had done likewise years ago, planting a row of cherry laurels, while my plot is bordered by several lilac bushes and planted with small trees, shrubs, currants, gooseberries and blackberries.
I shall report more later adding more stories to this thread.
Bye!
