Birdwatching

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I buy just the ordinary seed and black sunflower seeds and fat balls,
what is Agastache seed, never heard of that.

[Monika]

Agastaches are flowers which I grow. The other name is Hyssop and the leaves taste of aniseed. They are a perennial plant and I leave the seed heads on after flowering for the goldfinch to enjoy in the winter months.

[Monsy]

I've just googled them Monika. They are striking. Can you use the leaves in a salad? I like aniseed.

[Monika]

Hi Monsy ..... I believe you can use both the flowers and the leaves but I haven't ever done so.

I know that it is a member of the mint family so I presume that falls into the herb category:

Have a look here: http:// www.holoweb.com/cannon/anise.htm

[twinsmum]

That is a brilliant photo Monika,going to look into getting some Agastache growing in the garden I prefer perennials less work,
we have been feeding thistle seed as well as Niger seed.
The problem with the birds in my garden they wont stay still long enough for me to take photos be serious Barbara, we had a lovely nuthatch if I had been quick enough would have been a beautiful picture,we have Bulfinch's Mr&Mrs coming to feeders at the moment will try and get a picture the biggest problem will be getting them on here.

[widget]

Found this
http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/hyssop/Fhyssop.html

it says you can make tea or jellies and eat the leaves. sounds good,

[Monsy]

Is it like mint in the way it grows though, Monika? It would soon take over the garden!

[Monika]

Hi Monsy .......... no, it's not like mint in the way it grows at all.

You cut it back each year and it grows from the base of the plant but it doesn't send roots out like mint does.

[Emm]

Are the birds feeding young now?
I am sure a couple of wood pigeons are nesting in some conifers out our back. They are going back and forth all day - not carrying nesting material - so I wonder if it is food.

[Oddquine]

Odquine, am useless at anything technical. Son and hubby tried to show me how to do it from the photo bucket, not managed it yet. My brain shuts down at anything technical.

If you are able to reduce your pic sizes down, the attachment thingie is very easy to use...........heck.........even Rowan can do it!

Mostly starlings and crows up here...........but a few pied wagtails........and a couple of curlew not long arrived!