Lonicera nidita is a type of honeysuckle used in topiary and hedging. It’s often known as box honeysuckle. Tiny birds such as blue wrens love to hop about in it…… and  on it, searching for bugs. It will cope with frequent, light clipping and becomes dense and compact.

Mr ad Mrs Blue Wren amid the honeysuckle....Lonicera.
Mr and Mrs Blue Wren
Blue wren in lonicera.
Protection.
A 'chime' of blue wrens.
Group photo. I said ‘Look at me ploise’ Only one obeyed.

I have Lonicera growing around a shallow birdbath, just outside my bedroom window. What a joy this has been, both for me and the birds. It is very hardy, and copes with everything our Blue Mountains (New South Wales)  climate can throw at it; frosts, occasional snow and summer heat.

Lonicera surrounding a birdbath

A haven for  tiny birds

Thornbills in the Lonicera birdbath.
Thornbills. enjoying themselves.
Blue wrens
Three little wrens. Someone needs a  brush and comb

Importantly, I have never seen a bird bigger than a fantail in this bath. The competition for  it’s  use is fierce, but fair.

UPDATE – SUMMER 2020

Well our dry, hot weather in late 2019 has finally been relieved by good rain. However we are still experiencing excruciatingly hot days. The honeysuckle has suffered, but is hanging in there. The birdbath is busier than ever;

Mr Wren supervising his wives.

My lovely Rob keeps the bath clean and filled with fresh water.

THE BIRDS’ BEST FRIEND

FUN GARDEN FEATURES WITH LONICERA

If you are a particularly creative soul ( or a train enthusiast) you could even fashion an elevated railroad from Lonicera.

Lonicera hedge shaped into railway
When is the next Blue Mountains train?

However, getting back to the birds, the shape below might be best avoided. Look at that wicked grin!

Lonicera hedge
Meow!

FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE IN THE BOX BELOW.

4 Comments
  1. Another lovely post. Thanks Pauline.
    PS A copy of your book All Along the River sits on my coffee table overlooking the Thames and my visitors enjoy it.

    • Pauline

      Thanks so much, Barbara. Well, what a perfect home for my Thames book. You have truly made my day!

  2. The birds certainly love the foliage and bath in your garden.
    (Had a little chuckle at the last photo!)

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