GARDENING FOR BIRDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

This is a charming yet practical guide to planning and designing gardens with a view to attracting birds. It's a companion to the very successful Cooking for Birds, also beautifully illustrated by Verné. The author caters for garden situations across the country, and includes advice on planning very small gardens and even planting on balconies. Specific 'habitats' are recommended, to attract the widest variety of birds — an open area, wetland, canopy section and wild zone. For each, there's a list of suggested plants, from ground covers to shrubs, creepers and trees. There are also sections on planting for birds with particular diets: nectar, seeds, fruit, insects and even meat. Beautifully presented, with simple text and delightful illustrations, this is an excellent perennial gift.