Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

One of the most delightful sights in the garden is a hummingbird. So tiny,

yet so fast, zipping and diving like a tiny stunt plane. These can be the

most entertaining and comical visitors to your space. These delightful

acrobats are easy to draw to your space, whether it is a yard, garden,

or balcony. A purchased hummingbird feeder is perfect. Some feeders are

very elaborate and expensive while others can be purchased at a dollar

store for a couple of dollars. It is not necessary to purchase feeder mix.

Make your own! Simply use 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. Simmer until the

sugar is completely dissolved and the mix has thickened just a little. Do

NOT add red food coloring. It will not help hummers find your feeder and

can cause a fungus to to develop in the bird's mouth which will kill the bird.

It ants are a problem on the feeder, simply spray the line, wire, or hanger

as well as the top of the feeder with oil (any spray cooking oil will work).

Hummingbirds favor plants with a trumpet shape. The most popular plants,

based on personal experience and customer comments, are pineapple sage,

bat face cuphea, impatiens and the tiny million bells petunias.

Tip: If you notice hummingbirds visit a neighbors yard more heavily than yours,

and you're both growing the same hummer plants, let yours get just

a little dry between watering. The plant will have stronger smelling nectar

which will draw the hummingbirds.