Follow these tips to help attract birds and butterflies to your garden:

• Go natural. The most important step you can take toward making your landscape a haven for birds is to stop using synthetic chemicals and switch to all-natural products. This will reduce birds' risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and also increase the population of bugs they eat.
• Provide shelter. The next step is to provide good nesting sites. This includes trees and shrubs in the landscape or a variety of birdhouses. While traditional wooden birdhouses are popular, there are a number of interesting and whimsical alternatives on the market.
• Provide food. Traditional birdseed mixes — those that contain a mix of seeds and grains — are great for the vast majority of birds. Black-oil sunflower seed is also a good choice. Thistle seed is ideal for songbirds, especially finches, and it offers a bonus: squirrels don't care for thistle. Much like birdhouses, bird feeders come in a seemingly endless array of styles and sizes. For the most part, any style of feeder will do. In fact, many birds will eat seed that has been tossed on the ground. Given that birdseed can be pricey, you might want to consider a squirrel-proof feeder. For a delicious treat for hummingbirds, buy a hummingbird feeder and fill it with two tablespoons of sugar and water.
• Recycle old food. Use stale kitchen items by sprinkling them in the yard for birds and other creatures. Mixed nuts, oatmeal, raisins, granola and bread crumbs will go over wonderfully with birds. Overripe fruits such as bananas and pears work well, too. Butterflies will flock to over-ripe watermelon. Simply cut a few slices, place them on a rock and sit back and watch the butterflies take to them.
• Plant a container garden near your home. The advantage is that you can change the plants out seasonally and have a beautiful container garden year-round. Sweet roses and French lavender will pull in birds from miles around.
• Provide a source of water. Install a water feature in your landscape. It would ideally be one that has running water, which not only prevents freezing in the winter but also serves to attract birds. Birds will certainly appreciate a birdbath during the hot summer months. Add decorative rocks to the base to give it a finished look.