The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

GARDEN GATE: Episode 246 – Benefits of feeding the birds in the summer (July 29, 2022)

  Many people stop feeding the birds in the summer because they feel birds don’t need their help or that they’re worried the birds will become dependent on them. But this isn’t the case. Birds only take about 25% of their food from your backyard feeders. The rest of the time they’re out foraging and … Read more

Those epaulets! On Red-winged Blackbirds…

Even many non-birders are familiar with Red-winged Blackbirds. They breed in wet areas including cattail marshes and roadside ditches, and, as their name indicates, they’re black with red (and yellow) epaulets on their shoulders. Their song is a loud “o-kra-lee!” We’re hearing from you that there seems to be more red-wings around this year than … Read more

Garden Tips: Birds need water, too

Birds need water for drinking and bathing, and the heat of summer is a good time to get your bird baths out. Drinking Birds don’t need to drink as much water as mammals do, because they don’t have sweat glands. They lose water through breathing and their poop. Most songbirds feed on insects and get … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 243 -Tools, hats, gloves to help you garden! (Jun. 17, 2022)

We carry a wide variety of tools to help make your time in the garden a little easier. From gloves, small hand tools, weeding tools, hats to heat guards for you and your pup!   Our Garden Bandit is our best selling tool and helps you get those weeds out! Hats protect you from the … Read more

Feeder interlopers – on grackles and starlings

You’ve bought and/or cleaned your feeders. You’ve taken the time to set up your feeding station to maximize the numbers of birds and bird species that might use it. You’ve purchased high-quality, non-GMO bird feed and have stocked your station. You’ve waited with excitement to see who comes to use your new arrangement. …Common Grackles … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 240-Orioles and Hummingbirds (May 6, 2022)

Hummingbirds and Orioles arrive every spring around the 1st of May. Once the days get a bit longer and the weather has warmed up, you’re almost guaranteed to see these beautiful birds! On this episode of the Garden Gate I share some of my favourite styles of feeders and also give some tips on what … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 239 Handmade stone items (Apr 22, 2022)

We take pride in ourselves for supporting many Canadian artists by carrying their beautiful items. On this episode of the Garden Gate I share 3 products made from similar product. Stones and soap stones! Stone and silver necklaces by Wendy Stanwick from Matachewan. Stone necklaces by Samantha Butts using stone from Madoc and Soapstone carvings … Read more

Why do hummingbirds hum?

May 1st(ish) typically heralds the springtime return of hummingbirds and orioles from their southern wintering grounds. They fly far and hard to get here and benefit from whatever energetic support they can get. If you don’t already have them or want more, we carry a nice selection of oriole and hummingbird feeders. Hummingbird feeder set-up … Read more

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