209 HILLSTOWN RD

MANCHESTER, CT 06040

(860) 649-2462

ummingbirds adorned in iridescent green and scarlet, can be coaxed into almost any garden with just a handful of the appropriate nectar-rich flowers. In addition, many of the plants recommended for hummers do double duty by attracting butterflies to your garden. Butterflies are among the most beautiful insects on earth---and one of the few insects we desire to see in our flower gardens!

In addition to adding trumpet shaped flowers, in bright reds, purples and yellows, we like to place a humming bird feeder (or two) in our garden as well. It is also a good idea to provide clear, clean water for the butterflies and other birds who will visit your garden haven. It is important to remember that the sugar water you supply needs to be cleaned and refilled frequently, especially if your feeders are in a hot sunny location. Hummers will drink from contaminated feeders and will quickly get sick and die. Hummers are extremely territorial, if you carefully care for these amazing magical birds they will return to your garden home and give you enjoyment for many years.

Hummingbirds like a shady sheltered spot to roost, which is located close to their feeders. This way they can watch to make sure no other hummer tries to take over his food source. I have spent many afternoons enjoying the antics of feuding hummers. These tiny creatures are amazingly ferocious!

Different species of butterflies have different preferences of nectar, in both colors and tastes. A wide variety of food plants will give the greatest diversity of visitors. Try planting both annuals and perennials to attract different species. Groups of the same plants will be easier for butterflies to see than singly planted flowers. It is very easy to attract butterflies to your own backyard, no matter how small or urban, by providing suitable flowers from which they can obtain nectar. Below is a list of some of the plants you may want to consider adding to your garden, or patio planters if you wish to entertain our winged visitors: