Hummingbird, Bee, and Butterfly Gardens

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Comment by Wild Flora on October 17, 2009 at 10:44am

Some clarifications: Most authorities do not recommend adding food coloring to hummingbird nectar. (See for instance the comments from the Hummingbird Society here.) Depending on weather, it may be necessary to replace hummingbird nectar and clean feeders as often as every day; in warm weather (60-85 degrees F), they should be changed and cleaned every 3-4 days. If you live in a rubythroat hummingbird breeding area, the best way to attract them is to put feeders out in early spring before the male birds arrive in your area. The males will establish territory around good food sources.

Comment by gail davidson on October 16, 2009 at 7:39pm

Sandra B-I should add that once the cardinals and hummers find out where you live, they won't forget, and the hummers, especially, will let you know when you need to feed them! GD

Comment by gail davidson on October 16, 2009 at 7:38pm

to Sandra Badboy. for cardinals, you can't beat sunflower seeds. in feeders. They'll sit on just about any native tree or shrub. Hummingbirds do verywell in those plastic feeders with perches. Red is best. 1 C water with 1/4 C sugar and maybe a touch of red food coloring. make sure to clean out mold every few weeks-month with vinegar. for planting ,you have to find out your growing zones.(Like, where do you live-how cold and hot does it get there?, how wet or dry? etc) Try researching on line for your zone and your particular native plants. Also, check out any local land conservation or animal conservation organizations-they may have already come up with some lists you could use. GD

Comment by amna mufti on September 4, 2009 at 6:30am

hi!i have an old garden with grapes and other fruit trees in it. Ours is very hot and dry weather .But i have a lot of humming birds,doves. kingfisher and butterflies. Oh, one more thing i also have a lot of owls.

Comment by Sandra Badboy on August 14, 2009 at 11:53am

i am new to gardning so i have a lot of questions on how to do things. When to plant, where to plant, when to pick etc. So i think about what i want in my yard as far as animals and what i want the garden to look like and kind of go from there. My Garden is huge but i did get a late start and everything is organic. My soil is great!! weather has been cool last week it is very hot and humid. The trees are starting to turn fall colers due to cool weather this summer before heat hit. Anyways i have big dreams of what i want. Like bird feeders in front of all my windows i might sit to have morning coffee, or my kids can see out of. The side walk pathe too the house i want bright color flowers and at the end Roses that grow good here at the end of the path growing over a fence goes over the side walk. (Sorry can't remember what they are called.) I Want humming birds and Red Cardnils And Blue Jays Don't know how to feed them or anything. Also would love the butterflys my daughter and i just love them! Is there anything i need to plant in fall? I am so excited for next year. So can anyone help me? I need to plan it out.

Comment by Joy Williams on June 7, 2009 at 7:36pm

Arpithachakravarthi we plant gardens not just to eat stuff, but to also provide food and shelter to the pollinators that are necessary for growing our food. Gardening depends on birds, bees and other creatures to pollinate most of our food. Many of us find delight in having hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and bats flitting around to make our gardens alive and healthy. The added benefit is many of the plants that attract the pollinators are beautiful as well.

Comment by Joy Williams on June 7, 2009 at 7:34pm

Yes, Kimberly Ann, honeybees love clover. They also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE rosemary. And I've discovered they REALLY Love Tea Trees. They have been incredibly busy on my pink tea tree, and when you walk by you can hear their busy humm.

They actually love a lot of flowers. almost any.

Comment by Maggie on June 7, 2009 at 5:29am

Hi Arpithachakravarthi
Welcome to all the groups you have joined.
In this group we discuss plants and herbs to include in your garden to attract birds and bees.

Comment by Arpithachakravarthi on June 7, 2009 at 4:10am

really i didn't got actual meaning of this bird gardening!! can u help me out??

Comment by Kimberly Ann on April 13, 2009 at 11:59am

Any suggestions for good plants that attract honeybees? Thanks!

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