Creating a bird-friendly outdoor plant box is a rewarding way to support local wildlife while enhancing your garden's beauty. Follow these steps to design a welcoming space for birds:

1. Choose Native Plants: Select plants native to your region, as they provide familiar food sources like berries, seeds, and nectar. Examples include sunflowers, coneflowers, and serviceberries.

2. Layer Your Planting: Incorporate a mix of heights and densities—tall shrubs for shelter, mid-sized plants for perching, and ground cover for foraging.

3. Add a Water Source: Include a shallow birdbath or small water feature. Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing.

4. Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals harm birds and their food sources. Opt for organic gardening methods.

5. Provide Nesting Materials: Leave twigs, leaves, or even pet fur nearby for birds to use in building nests.

6. Ensure Safety: Place the plant box away from high-traffic areas and predators like cats.

By following these tips, your outdoor plant box will become a thriving habitat for birds, bringing life and song to your garden.