Hummer Gardens­­

Hummingbirds are such a delight to share your garden with. They zip through the foliage, scoping out available eats.  Did you know that hummingbirds are the tiniest birds in the world?  Here are a few more fun facts about these little guys and girls:

• Hummingbird wings rotate a full 360° and they beat them 70-80 times a second.

• They have no sense of smell.

• They must feed approximately every 10 minutes and consume more than their weight in nectar each day.

• They are extremely territorial.

Red Hot Poker – Papaya Popsicle

Want to invite of a few of these tiny neighbors into your garden?  You can begin by creating a hummingbird haven.  Here are a few tips:

• Select a sunny spot that can be seen from a window or patio.

• Be sure there is shade nearby, making a good resting spot.

• Provide a source of clean, fresh water.

• Set out feeders when flowers are taking a break.

• Plant brightly colored, nectar-filled flowers.  Red is their favorite color.

The sweet nectar of many annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs make delightful dining for local hummingbirds. From spring through fall, you’ll find these lovely creatures out enjoying the blooms.

Here are a few plants that hummingbirds just can’t resist.

Agastache – Nectar Orange

Achillea – Yarrow

Agastache

Alcea – Hollyhock

Aquilegia – Columbine

Aster

Astilbe

Centaurea

Centranthus

Delphinium – Summer Blues

Coreopsis

Cosmos

Delphinium

Dianthus

Echinacea – Coneflower

Erysimum – Wallflower

Gaillardia

Gaura

Impatiens – Sunpatien White

Helenium

Heliotropium – Heliotrope

Impatiens

Kniphofia – Red Hot Poker

Leonotis

Leucanthemum – Shasta Daisy

Ligularia

Lobelia

Penstemon – Grape Taffy

Monarda – Bee Balm

Nemesia

Origanum – Oregano

Penstemon

Phlox

Phygelius

Rudbeckia

Salvia

Sedum

Snapdragon

If you have any questions about which plants would do well in your garden, come in and see us.  Or you can post your questions here, too!

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