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Birdhouses & Feeders

DIY Bee House Using Scrap Lumber

Published on September 12, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Turning scrap lumber into a bee house

Use this tutorial to make a simple bee house for wood-nesting bees in your garden. It uses leftover scraps of untreated 2x4s for an eco-friendly way to help native bees. We also have free nesting … [Read more...]

How to Make Your Birdbath Safe for Birds

Published on May 14, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Collage of backyard birdbath and bird

The best birdbath is not only attractive in the garden but keeps birds safe. Use these tips to ensure your backyard birdbath is the right style and depth to provide a safe place for wild birds to … [Read more...]

Birdseed Guide: What’s Best For Backyard Birds

Published on March 13, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Bluejay with peanut in mouth.

Use this guide to select top-quality birdseed for wild birds. By filling feeders with quality seed, you meet their needs and minimize waste. When you're ready to get set up, see the Bird Feeder … [Read more...]

Make a Robin Nesting Shelf (Free Plans)

Published on January 17, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

American robin in mud.

Build a robin nesting box with these free plans. Robins are attracted to this unique design with a sheltered shelf to secure the nest and raise their young. The robin (Turdus migratorius) nesting … [Read more...]

How to Feed Hummingbirds Without Attracting Bees

Published on October 7, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Bees bothering hummingbird at feeder.

Bees are essential for our gardens but is there a harmless way to keep them away from hummingbird feeders? Use these tips to bee-proof your sugar water feeder and save it just for the … [Read more...]

How To Grow a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Published on February 7, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Hummingbird taking nectar from a flower.

Transform your garden into a hummingbird haven with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers, nutritious bugs, and plenty of trees and shrubs in a pesticide-free environment. If you also want to provide … [Read more...]

Free Nesting Box Building Plans for Wild Birds

Published on January 21, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Nesting boxes for bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens.

Nesting boxes, or birdhouses as they are often called, provide shelter for mated birds to raise their offspring. But it’s not one size fits all: each bird species has different housing needs. Check … [Read more...]

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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
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