In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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November 29, 2007

Wild gifts

The Humane Society of the United States asks that you not forget wildlife - skunks, raccoons, possums, birds, and squirrels - this holiday season. In a press release, Laura Simon, field director for HSUS, said, “Although wild animals are able to adapt to survive cold winter temperatures and food limitations, there are small things that people can do to help them this time of year. We suggest several ‘gifts of the season’ that can give our backyard neighbors a warm boost during the holidays.”

HSUS has these tips:

Keep bird feeders full in the winter since food availability is very limited for non-migratory birds.

Fill large pinecones with peanut butter and roll them in sunflower seeds. Attach a string to the top and hang from trees for birds.

Put decorative snowflakes 4" apart on any windows where birds might hit, or have hit in the past.

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