skip to main content

Hummingbird Garden

do they exist?

skydiver-blueskies

15 years ago

I've only seen one hummer - 2 years ago - flying around my fake fushia - (it's been replaced with a real one now). Since then I've been hooked at attracting these beautiful creatures. I put a feeder out this year and have changed the homemade solution at least twice a week since 5/1 - no response - nadda! I'm trying to make my yard hummer friendly - petunia's, million bells, foxglove, a ton of bee balm, major wheeler honeysuckle (on it's way), cigar plants, perennial salvia's and the annual nico-something (red) and butterfly bush! Still nothing. Is it the weather? - it's been so bad here. We have a pair of cardinals, a pair of yellow finches (which seemed to have dissapeared lately) and of course robins, that took over the weeping pussy willow tree that the finches used to use. My husband says hummers don't come here - I have to prove him wrong. If I get hummers on there way back south this fall will they return next spring? Is this something that I have to build on (garden wise) and hope that if I see one hummer this fall, that I should expect maybe 5 next fall and so on and so on? Will the honeysuckle attract their attention? I need help from someone in my area. I want to be the envy of the neighborhood. Let me tell you since I've been looking at plants that attract hummers - I see that my neighborhood is baron - except for the salvia's. What am I missing besides hanging 50 red bandana's around my yard?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

penny1947
15 years ago
Skydiver
Yes hummers do exist in the Chicago area. I have several mmembers in the Chicago area. Not all bee Balm and salvias will attract hummers. I have only found one perennial salvia that they use Salvia azurea which is native to many parts of the northeast. There are a couple others that are half hardy and in the right location and enough winter protection they may be hardy. Some salvia greggiis. and Savia reptans fall into that category. Many of the bee Balms are more attractive to the bees. The best one I have found for hummrs is the Jacob's Cline. I have removed all my others. There are people all around the country that normally have decent hummer populations that are wondering where they are this year. If they arrived in the area late they may have started to nest right away so you may not see them unless you are up before dawn or just before sunset. Mine were 3 weeks late returning this year. I do get up at 5a.m. and usually see them around 5:10. Feel free to contact me off list.

Penny
coolaces
15 years ago
hi sky they do exist here. i'm southwest of chicago about 25 miles; i,ve seen 4 so far but none have stayed in my yard; usually have 2 or 3 here , than more towards fall. my wife and i love watching them;90 % of what grow in my yard is for them little rascals. have faith they will come
Related Discussions
Whole House Water Filter...do they exist?
Q
Comments (7)
Well, that's a little dismal, Kas. We've had members who had whole house R.O. systems. It's expensive, and only useful if the water really isn't suitable for showering and laundry, but some have done it. If it's really only drinking/cooking water that you're concerned with, putting a small unit in the kitchen might do you. You can put water jars in the bathrooms for tooth brushing, and pitchers in the entertaining areas. Or even three or four small units, which could be more cost effective in a big house than a whole house unit. When you're pricing, don't forget to figure in the cost of filters. My house came with an R.O. at the kitchen sink, which was great, because we used to have really nasty tasting (though perfectly safe water). The annual filter replacement was about $100, which was fine. Then it needed a $500 every five years filter and I said no. The water company had much improved the tap water. S, if you google the subject you can find some to start reading up on. What's required at your house is going to be pretty ideosyncratic, and require some testing of your water. It's also worth thinking about maintenance. Unless you're good at plumbing and mechanics, and want to learn everything about your system and how to repair it, you'd do well to confine your search to what's available in your area, including quality maintenance.
...See More
Looking for Blue Maple Bonzai...do they exist?
Q
Comments (0)
Wondering if anyone knows of any bonsai sellers that have Blue Maple Bonsai. I have seen plenty of places sell the seeds and pictures of grown trees, but no bonsai for sale. I am new to bonsai (just received my first Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai...which is amazing), so not even sure if people sell these blue maples. Starting to wonder if they are even real. If they are not, please do not laugh at me. I am a newbie. haha. But again, saw plenty of seeds, just no trees grown. Definitely do not think this is bonsai I want to start with from seed. Thank you for the help. Tom
...See More
30" - 32" Towel Bars with 1" Diameter - Do they exist?
Q
Comments (2)
I used Kohler grab bars for this too. They are a bit expensive for towel bars, but hey...they also grab. :) I did cheap out on the hand towel bar (which is positioned in an ungrabbable spot over the vanity) and got a cheaper brand non-grab bar that is skinnier. (Kohler "Purist" is simple and easy to match to cheaper stuff.)
...See More
Own root witch hazels...do they exist?
Q
Comments (13)
Again sounds like (rather briefly) delayed graft incompatibility. Consumers have the same problem with various grafted roses, wherein the combination holds up long enough for the plants to size up and sell, only for failure to begin not that long after placement in the final planting site (something else I have had personal experience with). The "root" of this problem also is stocks being used that are not compatible with the scions being placed on them. It reminds me of the endemic production and dispersal of mass quantities of woody plants with often quite severely deformed root systems, due to apparently careless use of bands, liners and other small containers. One might think this constant providing of stock with built-in serious flaws would have eventually backfired on those doing it. But it seems retailers are to an extent happy to get whatever material they can to flesh out their offerings. And end consumers of horticultural products don't as a rule know enough about the subject area to generate an effectively targeted backlash.
...See More
hummersteve
15 years ago
skydiver--- It just could be the weather this year causing their activity to be so late. Usually they are pretty active here by mid-may but it hasnt been so far. I started a few years ago with only feeders and had hummers and have gradually been building my hummer garden. Today for the first time I noticed a male checking out all the flowers I have in bloom, they had been just hitting the feeders when they stopped by. Yes in august when they start heading back should be prime time for most of us in this area, I hope anyway.

Related Stories

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: Additions With Attitude

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Learn the strategies that can make extensions to existing home structures meaningful, respectful and of their time

ARCHITECTURE Have It Your Way — What Makes Architecture Successful

By Spry Architecture

Universal appeal doesn't exist in design. The real beauty of any home lies in individualization and imagination

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?

By Vanessa Brunner

Before you commit to innkeeper dreams in your home or an existing B and B, here's what you need to know

GARAGES Tale of 2 Car Shelters: Craftsman Garage and Contemporary Carport

By Becky Harris

Projects in the Pacific Northwest complement the existing architecture and sites of 2 very different homes

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: 2 Prewar Condo Units Merge in Manhattan

Add a studio to an existing condo and what do you get? A modern loft-like home with an open feeling and an abundance of light

DESIGN DICTIONARY Atrium

Let there be natural light with an atrium, a home feature that has existed since ancient times

0

DESIGN DICTIONARY Demilune Table

Small spaces can thank their lucky stars that this half-moon table exists

0

DECORATING GUIDES Design Lessons From a Stylishly Evolving Home

By Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

Create a fresh take on your existing space with inspiration from a Canadian designer's own home evolution

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Garden Overhaul: Which Plants Should Stay, Which Should Go?

By Falon Mihalic

Learning how to inventory your plants is the first step in dealing with an overgrown landscape

REMODELING GUIDES Adding On: 10 Ways to Expand Your House Out and Up

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

A new addition can connect you to the yard, raise the roof, bring in light or make a statement. Which style is for you?

Sponsored

More Discussions

Do you see what I see?

1