Especially if you are foraging for food, Like the Song Sparrow below in the native grass.

Song Sparrow on native grass

Native grass

Native grass seedhead

We plant for color and to attract pollinators in the spring, summer and fall.  But when winter comes and the garden turns brown, leaving plants with seed heads will provide much needed food for all manner of wildlife – especially birds.

Like this row of river oats beside the path.

River Oats in Winter

River Oats in Spring

River Oats seedheads

Goldenrod’s spectacular fall display leaves much in the way of food.

Goldenrod seedheads

Goldenrod in the Fall

Goldenrod in the Winter

Seeds in the heart of spent Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans are a bonus.

Black-eyed Susan seedhead

American Goldfinch on Cone Flower

Cone Flower seedhead

Even plants in pots on the deck can provide good foraging material.

American Goldfinch on Agastache

Ahgastache seedhead

Native Bee on Agastache

Northern Cardinal foraging in a pot