Dear ##firstname[Friend]##,

Wouldn’t you love to say that you named a plant? Now’s your chance to try! Send us your best name idea for this gorgeous new catmint from Terra Nova Nurseries.

If your name is selected, you will get the plant for free! We’re only accepting entries until February 15, so think fast and submit your best name idea.

Kirsten Sweet
Birds & Blooms

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• READ ON TO DISCOVER...
• Find us on Facebook
• Bird of the Month
• Best of Glad You Asked
• Project of the Month
• FREE Wallpaper
• Talk to Us!

Are you on Facebook? Become our fan today for interesting bird and garden stories and giveaway and contest information.

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Bird of the Month: White-Throated Sparrow

The white-throated sparrow is often forgotten, but this backyard bird is a true gem.

Learn how to attract the white-throated sparrow to your yard, and listen to its song.

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Best of Glad You Asked

Winter Water Garden
Are there any fish that can survive winter in a water garden? How deep would the pond have to be?
—Annamaria Tegarini, West Hartford, Connecticut

Melinda: Koi and most other water garden fish can survive in ponds as long as the water doesn’t freeze solid. Check with fish suppliers for specifics.

You can use a pump to circulate the water and prevent freezing, or include a deeper area in the pond—at least 2-1/2 to 3 feet deep—that’s less likely to freeze solid.

You will want to make sure there are some breaks in the ice to allow toxic gases to escape the water while allowing oxygen in. Reeds and other plants poking through the ice will do this, or create your own airways by using hot water to melt holes through the pond’s surface.

Taking Care of Feeders
How can we discourage the mourning doves that have taken over our feeders and the ground below them? We miss seeing a variety of birds.
—Mary Mose, Emmitsburg, Maryland

George: Try using feeders that have cages around them. You can purchase these or modify your current feeders. These allow small birds to enter the cage to feed, but keep out larger ones, including mourning doves.

Another advantage of these feeders is they often have a tray to catch most of the spilled seed. Fallen birdseed will attract ground feeders like mourning doves.

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Project of the Month

Platform feeders are one of the most popular options for attracting backyard birds. You could easily spend $50, $75 or more to buy one, but don't waste your money! Instead, build your own for less than $10!

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FREE Wallpaper

Download great wallpaper for your computer, like this photo of delicate icicles hanging from a tree.

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Talk to Us!

We are looking for budget tips for our new section “For Less”. Send us your best budget idea and photos by using Submit Your Story form form. If we use it in the magazine, we’ll pay you $25!

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