At first, gardeners that plant flowers for birds, such as cardinals, finches and chickadees may think they are doing a great service. After all, birds need to eat, too; and the early bird doesn't always have to eat a worm. But, if gardeners aren't careful, they may discover that birds aren't the only animals visiting their landscapes.

Here are the most popular seed-bearing flowers for backyard birds:

• Asters
• Black-eyed Susans
• Coneflowers
• Coreopsis
• Corncockle
• Cornflowers
• Daisies
• Hibiscus
  
• Flax
• Cosmos

We commend gardeners who are already planting these types of plants, as they are all used by growers for deer-resistance. Here's the problem, if birds are eating these flowers, then they won't be able to keep deer away from landscapes!

So, gardeners have a choice: do they give in to birds or say no to deer? Here's the suggestion: Install deer fencing around these types of flowers to keep away deer and help the birds. The fence will need to be high enough to prevent deer jumping (7.5' to 8' feet tall is best) and then the birds won't have any issues.

Feeding birds in the backyard is easy - but keeping away deer is easier with the help from a deer fence.