garden hummingbird

Attracting Hummingbirds to a Garden

Of course we love the unique and antique enhancements that can be brought to a garden, but one of our favorite garden features isn’t something that can be purchased at all – it’s only found in nature. Hummingbirds, one of nature’s surest signs of the season, are a delightful part of many home gardens. They bring a bit of excitement and wonder to a garden that can only be found when you take a moment to enjoy the setting. To keep up the view, there are specific things you can do to entice them to visit.

garden hummingbird
As one of the garden's finest natural additions, hummingbirds simply need a welcoming environment for them to visit.
  • Plant nectar rich flowers. Hummingbirds are most attracted to red plants but will visit any nectar rich flower, regardless of color.  Bleeding hearts, salvias, and honeysuckles are a few of the flower varieties perfect for attracting hummingbirds.
  • Attract insects. Hummingbirds also feed on insects in your garden.  Refrain from using pesticides or insecticides that will kill insects and consider planting insect-attracting flowers.
  • Install a feeder. Invest in a nectar feeder specifically designed for hummingbirds. You can choose from a wide variety of feeders including gel packs, inverted tubes, or saucer dishes. Of course, you can get creative with the project by stopping by Marvin Gardens. 
  • Focus on moving water sources. All birds like water, but hummingbirds will rarely use a bird bath.  Instead, they are attracted to moving sources of water such as misters, fountains, or moving sprinklers.  Hummingbirds are known to find a perch in a spray or fly through a sprinkler stream to cool off.
  • Provide perches. Hummingbirds tend to use a perch to rest and preen between feedings.  Providing thin perches such as clotheslines or wires near food sources will give the hummingbirds a reason to stay in your garden.