The first step in creating a garden attracting hummingbirds is to become an individual with whom a hummingbird would wish to associate. Hummingbirds are discerning creatures, and they won't make the decision to grace your property lightly. So, what you need is to become the life of the party, as far as hummingbirds are concerned. Develop an interest in flowers, the color red, and nectar-producing plants. Learn to stand very still while maintaining an air of excitement and freneticism. Pretend you're a giant, immovable flower and hummingbirds will really appreciate your company.

Step 2: Planting the Right Flowers

Now that you've become a person worthy of a hummingbird's attention, you'll want to plant flowers that will keep them coming back for more. Hummingbirds have a particular fondness for flowers in shades of red, and tubular flowers are their absolute favorite.Here are a few flowers that hummingbirds adore:

Trumpet vine
Red hot poker
Cardinal flower
Bee balm
Salvia
Columbine

Feel free to get creative with your flower choices, but be sure to prioritize those red, tubular blooms. Mix in some other colors and shapes to create a visual feast that will have hummingbirds tweeting about your garden all season long.

Step 3: Providing Quality Dining Options

Once your garden has become a hummingbird's dream destination, it's important to ensure that they can find a constant source of nectar. Keep in mind that while these tiny birds may look like delicate little angels, they have the metabolism of an Olympic sprinter and the appetite of a teenage boy. A single hummingbird can consume up to three times its body weight in nectar per day, so no pressure, but your garden needs to be a veritable buffet of deliciousness.Plant your flowers in clusters, so that your garden resembles an all-you-can-eat nectar buffet. Additionally, consider installing a hummingbird feeder in your garden. Fill it with a mixture of one part sugar to four parts water for a tasty treat that will have hummingbirds flocking to your yard like it's a sugar-addled rave.

Step 4: Encouraging Hummingbirds to Put Down Roots

After luring hummingbirds to your garden with your charming personality and ample nectar supply, you'll want them to feel comfortable enough to stick around for a while. And by "stick around," I mean, "build a nest and potentially raise a family." That's right, you're not just creating a garden; you're creating a hummingbird-friendly housing development.To make your yard the hummingbird equivalent of a desirable suburban neighborhood, provide some nesting materials for them to use. Hummingbirds are partial to soft, fluffy materials like moss, lichen, and spiderwebs. Set these out like a complimentary gift basket, and you'll be well on your way to establishing a hummingbird haven.

Step 5: Ensuring a Safe Environment

As much as you may want to invite your new hummingbird friends to a rousing game of badminton, it's important to create a safe space for them. Keep any large, predatory pets (such as cats or very ambitious goldfish) away from your hummingbird garden. Additionally, avoid using pesticides in the area, as these can harm both the hummingbirds and their preferred insect snacks.Provide some shelter from the elements by incorporating trees, shrubs, or even a decorative pergola in your garden. This will give the hummingbirds a place to perch and rest, as well as somewhere to hide in case the neighborhood cat decides to crash the party.

Step 6: Bask in the Glory of Your Success

Once you've completed these steps, you'll have successfully created a garden that not only attracts hummingbirds but keeps them coming back for more. As you sip your morning coffee and watch these fascinating creatures flit about your garden, take a moment to relish your newfound status as a hummingbird hero. Congratulations, you've become the envy of both your neighbors and the entire avian world.Now go forth and share your knowledge, so that your entire street may become a paradise for both hummingbirds and humans alike. And always remember: sometimes it's the little things — the smallest of birds — that bring the greatest joy.

FAQ