A close relative of the live butterfly garden is the hummingbird garden. Butterflies and hummingbirds have a lot in common – both are light, lively and colorful. And both can be drawn to your backyard garden with a little careful planning.
Hummingbirds, like butterflies, are nectar drinkers. That’s their source of food and it’s how they keep going at their tremendous pace. So if you want to attract loads of hummingbirds to your garden, the secret is to give them plenty of access to nectar.
The easiest way to to this is to supply them with a hummingbird feeder. These enclosed containers usually have several long thin holes through which the hummingbird inserts its narrow bill and sucks up the nectar. You can hang them in a number of ways – many people prefer stakes in the garden, with one or two feeders hanging off each.
You can buy commercial nectar, but you can make your own. In many ways, do it yourself nectar is better for the hummingbird. Add one part granulate sugar (a quarter cup, say) to four parts boiling water (one cup). Let the sugar dissolve and then add it to your feeders. Voila! Instant nectar.
Commercial varieties often add red dye. While it’s true that hummingbirds – yes, like butterflies – are attracted to bright colors, in particular red, the dye can be harmful to their small bodies. Much better to make your own, or be sure that the nectar you buy in stores isn’t loaded up with dyes.
Replace your nectar often – every other day at least. It’s not so much that it will go bad, but that you’re going to attract ants with it. In fact, after a day or so, don’t be surprised if you find ants have found a way into the feeder. You’ll see them floating in the sugar. This isn’t good for the hummingbirds – so clean early and clean often!
When should you put out your hummingbird feeders? This will vary from region to region. Shoot for late Spring, with a plan to take them down in early Fall. Check with your local Audubon chapter. They can put you in touch with avid birders who can give you more detailed information.
You can also add plants to your garden that are designed to attract hummingbirds. Many plants that attract live butterflies, also work for hummingbirds. Consider a bed of Azaleas and some Bee Balm. Begonias – especially the pink variety – will no doubt bring hummingbirds to your feeder. Other favorites include Foxglove, Fuchsia and Geraniums.
Indeed, you can do a lot of good to your local hummingbird population by including both favorite plants and a feeder or two. They’ll become regular visitors and your butterfly garden will now serve two lovely fliers!
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