For that cheap, it's hard to go wrong. At the risk of being a party pooper, I've heard that Salvia splendens is not as good as some of the other salvias like Salvia coccinea or guaranitica, etc. Last year, though, in the middle of the summer, I saw some Salvia splendens on sale for ridiculously cheap. They were left over and a little mangy. I nursed them back to health and kept them in pots. The flowers were bicolored white and pink and the hummingbirds did use them, or at least explored them. There was definitely nectar inside, unlike some hybrids. Your bright red ones may work out for you. Let us know. Hummingbirds can be unpredictable, and I'm convinced that certain flowers may do well for some, and yet not for others. My Salvia splendens worked at least a little, and they weren't even bright red like yours. Meanwhile, keep your eyes open for Salvia coccinea. I've gotten it at places like Lowe's or Home Depot for cheaper than the other perennial Salvias. It won't be as cheap as the Salvia splendens 6-pack, but it shouldn't be too bad. The hummers definitely like those, and last year I definitely saw repeat visits coming back for more. It's a little late for this year, but if you're trying to save money, next year why not grow some Salvia coccinea from seed? It is easy to grow. I've got a bunch of plants now that are maybe 4" tall that I started in March. They're very easy.

Same here. My 5 left a few weeks ago, then I had one, which I believe was a migrator. She strictly used the flowers to feed. Yesterday, I got a nice surprise, also 'blessed' with two. I knew they were 'different' hummers since they were using the feeder, as well as the flowers. They're playing nicely, one is smaller than the other. I'm assuming they're a mother/daughter team, since I hadn't seen two females play this nicely. The smaller one keeps flying off to the same exact branch in my neighbors dogwood, and the larger keeps flying over to check on her. This is only my second year with hummers, and the first with late migrators. Last year, when they were gone, they were gone. The larger of the two is going to town on my Mina Lobata; pictures can't do this plant justice! We must enjoy them while we can; I'm sure they'll be gone before we know it :(

Teresa emailed me and asked me to post her pics. of the hawk that landed on her deck railing! She's having some problems getting Photobucket to cooperate with her, it appears!! :o) He may be *shopping* but it looks like he might be a vegetarian, instead of a vole hunter! Looks like he's eyeing her tomatoes pretty intensely,to me!!!! Good shots, Teresa---if you look closely at the second one, you can even see the glint in his eye!! I think he was messing with ya! LOL I'm not happy about hawks in my yard!! I love my chips and squirrels and my new little dog, more than those agreeably beautiful creatures of prey!!! I always chase them off, telling them to go *graze* in someone else's restaurant--not mine!!! I know--not the politically correct stance to take in a world of environmentalism gone manic!! I'm all for the balance as per the design, but I also appreciate the fact that I can manage my environment, responsibly, without making it more the priority than human beings and their quality of life and health!!! I'm only adding this to avoid any bashing from those who think some life creature forms are more privileged than others! I am all for their doing what they are designed to do, but if I can protect what I value most on my little 1/2 acre--I will with no guilt!! :o) No question about it--hawks are pretty awesome creatures--just enjoy them most in open fields! Now---if I have a plague of voles--I just might change my mind--I have that right, too, you know!!! ;o)

George, I got the canoe to take up to Yosemite, to go canoeing there. Unfortunately, haven't had the time to get all the way up there. So I started practicing in the pool, and before you know it, it became a daily activity. I'm very good at turning now! Does anybody remember the old Hamm's Beer sign that had a moving picture of a red canoe going past a waterfall, and ending at a campsite with a campfire? It was scenic and beautiful and hypnotic - something most beer signs today aren't! May have affected me as a kid. Allison (toomanydogs), I like the way you think! The house on the right has a bigger yard, hmmm. Of course, there's still the off chance that Jandey will move next door! I hope she brings one moving truck with those Texas pralines! And thanks for coming to the meeting, it was a long drive for you, Allison. That was a blast though. Can't wait till the next! Thanks Mark! James (Freak4), you've been an inspiration, thank you so much. Thanks, Jen (jandey). Really appreciate it. So are you moving? Are you bringing the praline truck, too? That would be too much fun being neighbors. Roxanne, this year had been great, and meeting you and the rest of our Ventura County group has been a big part of it! Thank you so much. We have lots of great adventures ahead! Lonnie, there's nothing like the hammock and the sound of running water, and the smell of plumeria and jasmine and ginger. And dessert. Laura, you've been my inspiration ever since the days I knew nothing about plumeria (which was a surprisingly short time ago!). If I can inspire you in any small way, that means a lot. I may print and hang your posting in my office. I'm very moved, thanks as always! I felt like a ranger giving the guided tour at the meeting Sunday. I guess i've always wanted to do that, so it was a blast.