Hummingbird garden construction
Like butterfly gardens, a hummingbird garden is no exception. Creating a garden to invite these small friends can be a wonderful and delightful experience for the homeowner. Special care should be taken though when creating this type of garden.
Planning your hummingbird garden
Thought and care should be our number one goal when seeking to plant a garden such as this.
Remember when you start to make it a whole lot of fun, you may get a little exercise along with that, but that’s okay! Nothing like keeping our hearts healthy and pumping.
So where should we start?
Sunny Location
In planning a hummingbird garden location should be first on the list. Choose an area that is sunny but also get some shade. While hummingbirds are active flying around in the sun looking for nectar, they will also need some shade where they can rest, build their nest, and raise their young.
2. Flowers
Choose colorful nectar flowers for your hummingbird garden. These flowers will provide sustenance for them. Here are just a few plants from the nectar family.
Creating a hummingbird garden
Desert honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a beautiful bright red long flower that is a juicy nectar plant of the hummingbird.
Chinese bellflowers or Chinese lantem
Chinese bellflowers have a nice orange color that will brighten up your garden and make your little garden friends very happy.
Desert Willows
Desert willows are beautiful flowering plants with their multicolored flowers. These plants can add that wow to your garden area not to mention providing a good meal for your hummingbirds.
Water willows
Water willow with its spidery shaped light purple flowers will add to your garden’s overall appearance. And will have your hummingbird smiling from ear to ear.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a very beautiful and neat plant with its upside-down flowers. This flower, in my opinion, is what I call a show stopper meaning that the flowers are very showy. This plant really stands out so be sure to include them in your garden. Your hummingbirds will love you for this.
3. Trees
In order for hummingbirds to build their nests, they need twigs and other nesting materials. Trees play an important part in a hummingbird garden so make sure that there are trees where they can build their nests and take care of their young.
4. Water source
Water is essential for these birds as for every other living creature, so add a water source such as a birdbath or a large fountain. They will not only have a cool drink but they will also bathe in the water that has been provided for them. Make sure to change the water every other day so the mosquito egg is destroyed.
5. Feeders
Besides providing nectar plants for your garden you will also need to add some bird feeders. This additional food supply will aid these birds when the bloom of the nectar plants that you provide for them go out of season. So the hummingbird will still have a food supply until the bloom season starts again for those plants.
It is wise then to plant nectar plants that bloom at different seasons and incorporate them into your garden so that the birds will have a continual food supply. So check with your nursery to find out the options that you have.
Use of pesticides
Pesticides are not needed in a hummingbird garden. These little fellows love to dine on insects. The greater the food supply the happier your hummingbirds will be.
The final word
Hummingbirds can add lots of fun and life to your garden, so follow these guidelines and I can ensure you that you will enjoy many visits from these friendly fellows.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
The garden of eden site is well presented giving the reader all the help required to make this area a pleasure to be in. Everything is covered and gives you a clear explanation on all aspects of problems you may have.
One other section is the explanation on soil ph , giving what soil types suite different plants, which gives you wiser choices.
Encouraging how bird and insect life is beneficial to plants in the garden. Very informative
Like the birds you’re working for, your site is beautiful. I am a avid vegetable gardener and do little for the hummingbirds. After viewing your site I think I am going to change. My wife and daughter about 25 years ago, took milkweed with Monarch butterflies caterpillars and raised them until they became butterflies. We started it again last year with the grandkids. I see that you can buy milkweed on line. It would be a great affiliate for you. Thanks Dave
P.S. I have bookmark you for later reference.
Thanks David for those very kind words i am glad that i could help. Good luck on your garden and if there is anything that i can do to help just give me a shout and please do tell others about my website, thanks again and have a good night.