Jen McGuinness is a writer, editor, and photographer who began regularly writing as Frau Zinnie in 2011 on FrauZinnie.com. The website features Jen's writing, photography, and personal gardening experiences in her Connecticut, US, garden, along with interviews with garden experts. She is a proponent of organic gardening methods and wildlife-friendly gardens. Jen has worked in local journalism, nonprofit communications, a small business, and now in corporate communications. She explored other interests along the way, earning two master's degrees. Jen is an award-winning local journalist, earning recognition from the New England Press Association, the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Awards for Publication Excellence.
"""Bird-Friendly Gardening is a thorough resource for gardeners with yards, small patios, or even balconies. It not only reinforces that I've made some bird-friendly plant choices, I can't wait to study some of the garden plans and plant picks to continue to make my yard a haven--and a buffet!--for birds."" --Tara Nolan, author of Gardening Your Front Yard ""Bird-Friendly Gardening is an essential guide to both the responsibility and joys of inviting birds into your garden. These beautiful, quirky songsters are an essential part of a regenerative garden for pest control; seed dispersion; garden clean up; and just plain old entertainment. The chapters are packed with information on how and why to support and welcome birds into your backyard, along with great project plans and helpful North American bird and plant species lists. Fly to your bookstore and get this book!"" --Stephanie Rose of Garden Therapy; author of The Regenerative Garden and Garden Alchemy ""Jen McGuinness has written an informative resource that will broaden any gardener's awareness about birds, their needs, and habits. It also gives gardeners the tools and knowledge they need to steward local and migrating bird species with manageable projects for every climate. McGuinness' research serves as a jumping off point for us to improve our gardens and our relationship to wildlife around us."" --Christy Wilhelmi of Gardenerd @gardenerd1 ""Jennifer's book is a wonderful resource for those who wish to create a bird-friendly habitat around their home. Birding is rapidly growing in popularity and can begin in your own backyard. With bird populations dwindling, the author shows you how you can make a difference as she guides you in plant selection, maintenance, and design that will attract and sustain birds where you live. Examples of birders and their gardens are sure to inspire you in creating your own bird haven. Whether you have a small or large space, this book is a must-have guide."" --Noelle Johnson, AZ Plant Lady, author of Dry Climate Gardening and The Water-Smart Garden ""What a welcome and timely guide for those of us shifting to ecological gardening! Bird-Friendly Gardening shows how, by supporting wild birds, your garden--no matter the size or location--can become part of the greater ecosystem. Packed with beautiful photos and practical information, by showing us what native birds need, we learn to grow sustainable gardens. I can't think of anything more important for gardeners today."" --Melissa Will, a.k.a. The Empress of Dirt (empressofdirt.net)"