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Aviary Plants
Below is a copy of a request for help through our website from a lady wanting to grow a vine over an Aviary.
The answer was provided (with much appreciation and thanks) by Adam FitzGerald.
Question:
I am building an aviary in my back yard but it will be in the full sun. I thought If a build a pergola over it (2 sides and a top), what sort of climber or ivy I can grow over it that will not be toxic to my canaries just in case a leaf or flower falls in.
I have tried plant nurseries and they can't help me. I tried the internet but they don't say if they are climbers or ivies. I have sent an e-mail to Burkes back yard but so far no response back. I have been told that maybe a Happy Wanderer will be fine as it is safe for our native birds.
Adams Reply:
Basically, any of the native climbers are safe, however they can be a bit fussy with their soil type (needs to be free-draining). Hardenbergia violacea is one of my personal favourites, and although a climber, they often seem to struggle a little if they have to grow too high. If they have a good wire trellis mesh to grow on, they can be trained fairly easily though. For them to grow up & over the pergola, I would imagine they would take a few years.
There are a few other options that are safe for birds and are as follows:
Banksia Rose: A favourite for nesting Blackbirds. Gets totally covered in yellow flowers in early spring, however they do need to be trimmed regularly once established to keep them tidy. They are an evergreen, but will leave quite a few leaves in winter, and once the flowers have passed, you'll have a solid inch of dried flower petals underneath the plant.
Potato Vine (Solanum jasminoidies): This is an ideal climber, and if a plant is put either side of the pergola, they would probably be up & over it within a year or two! They do escape very easily, but this is more of a problem if planted inside the aviary, rather than outside it. The Potato vine is also as hardy as old boots so would also be a good choice.
Star jasmines are also good, and very similar to potato vines, however they can be a bit frost sensitive.
