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It's For the Birds
October, 2025 Blog

We’ve all heard or used the expression, “it’s (strictly) for the birds.” That statement is a bit derogatory, and indicates that something is useless, foolish, or ridiculous. But where does it come from and why do we say it?  The belief is the phrase originated in the United States Army during WWII. Soldiers in rural areas would see birds eating bits of food found in horse or cattle droppings. For many of the soldiers the sight of it put them off, but the birds needed to survive. But what about the birds?  Can we provide them with better options?

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ABSOLUTELY!

 

Most of us find great joy in attracting birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial animals and insects to our home gardens. What is the best way to provide habitat and food for these creatures and grow a stunning garden that requires far less care?

 

PLANT A NATIVE GARDEN!

 

Crossroads Farm is embarking on a new native garden project for this purpose. With thanks to the New York Community Trust and Office of the New York State Attorney General, Crossroads Farm is the recipient of a generous grant from the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund.

 

Why a native garden?

 

Native plants are vital to our local ecology. They have already adapted to our local climate and soil conditions.  Once established they require less water, are more resilient against pests and disease and serve as both a buffet and lodging for our local wildlife. By growing native plants, you become a part of a movement to preserve and restore Long Island’s natural landscape.

 

How can you start?

 

You can go full on and redefine your entire landscape or you can start small and find areas that make sense on your property.

At Crossroads, we are removing turf grass and undesirable vegetation along the farm perimeter on Hempstead and Ocean Avenues and planting in those areas. The grounds will be mulched to help with water conservation and weed suppression while the plants get established. There is no need for heavy fertilizing as the plants are adapted to the soil they are growing in.

 

What plants will we be using?

 

Here is a list of the native plants we will be utilizing. And no worries, feel free to steal our ideas and incorporate them in your garden.

 

Native Plant List:

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  • Elegantissima Arborvitae

  • Fortune Osmanthus

  • Chokeberry

  • Bayberry

  • Shining Sumac

  • Little Blue Stem

  • Beardtongue

  • Tickseed

  • Purple Coneflower

  • Swamp Milkweed

  • Narrowleaf Broadstar

  • Gray Goldenrod

 

Today, many of our local nurseries have some native plant selections. But, at Crossroads Farm, we have an expert on native plants right on the property. Anthony, of Dropseed Native Landscapes, not only sells a large selection of native plants but also provides design and in-sight on the best native plants for your garden.

 

Please stop by Crossroads Farm, speak with Anthony of Dropseed Natives, and look at our progress this fall. Then, come again in the spring to see how our new garden has grown. You will get to see first-hand how a native garden gives the expression “it’s for the birds” a whole new meaning!

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Until Next Month,

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Your Friends at Crossroads Farm 

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