I've crossed over...

[steph]

When I first put my aviary together this past February/March I planned on it being an "all-natural" habitat with real plants, no plastic do-dads, sand floor, bamboo and real wood perches, etc. Well, I just felt that I should inform everyone that I've officially crossed over to fake plants. In just about 5 months I've gone through two hibiscus plants, and one fernleaf bamboo. It was a constant struggle to keep the plants alive, and when the plants inevitably started to look sickly the whole aviary would just look run-down. Also, I would constantly think about mold or fungus taking up residence with the plant and then sickening my birdies (luckily, nothing ever came of my microbial worries, but it was still an issue for me). I always had such high hopes for my aviary plants to flourish and become these majestic centerpieces, but after being inundated with bird poop (too much of a good thing...), sitting in too much shade, and then getting shredded half to death by my curious parrot finches...I'm surprised they lived as long as they did.

So, today I went to Michael's Crafts and saw they were having a sale on silk plants. I picked up a large, tropical-looking plant with all the permanent vigor I'd been dreaming of. Now my aviary looks like a miniature jungle instead of a failed experiment, and I think the birds are happy too. They have been flying all around it and inspecting it from various vantage points. Its a good day!

[CandoAviary]

Don't be surprized if the parrots shred the fake ones too Of course the males are the worst for that...advid nest builders
The live plants on the outside look fabulous. I have put many spider plants in the aviary and the 4 canaries and 5 weavers have kept them pretty cropped. I am cultivating some outside of the aviary and will just rotate them around every so often. At least in sunny, warm FL they can grow year round outside.

[Ursula]

I wanted to do the same thing and my plants get shredded by the birds too. I have a few outside now for recovery, but
I also have a mix of live and fake plants now. I especially like the fake ivy. You can't really tell the difference from a real one and they are great to drape around perches or to use as cover.

I found that I can get the cheapest fake plants at Hobby Lobby, much cheaper than Michael's. Sometimes they have special sales with 50% off. The selection is better than Michael's too...

Your setup looks real nice!

[isabird]

I keep a ficus in a large pot in my aviary. I use large rocks to cover the soil. It is the only plant that does great. All my hanging plants get torn up
I may try a fake one too, looks good

[dfcauley]

It looks great steph!!! I have a large silk tree that I bought at Hobby Lobby and have had it for three years now. I love it. I take it outside every two weeks and hose it down really good.

I have also got several real plants, but the birds really aren't destroying them at all. The main problem is poop. I also take them out and wash them down.

[FeatherHarp]

I remember when you posted some photos when you were first building your Aviary. It has come a long way and looks wonderfully inviting! All the plants inside and out give it a nice tropical feel....I want to come sit in your porch....expect me in a couple days...tee hee!

[Sally]

Yes, it looks like a wonderful place to sit and have a cup of coffee in the morning (and a glass of wine in the evening!).

[steph]

I'm just on my way out there for a cup of tea It has become my little sanctuary...thanks for the replies!

[CandoAviary]

I agree with you there....nothing like sipping tea, surrounded by plants and birds and the water fountain sound to unite you with nature, to relax and invigorate, and to reflect on our many blessings from the Lord.
Lovely job you have done with your sanctuary

[steph]

Thanks, Candice You can't see beyond the screen because of the camera, but I also have hummingbirds to watch for (I have 4 firebushes that they love), and a bird feeder on the other side of the yard! While I should be meditating to the sound of water I find that I am really alert and constantly turning all around to watch for hummingbirds or cardinals and also the finches! Haha! I do have fun out there ;)