For
many people, gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby.
To add another dimension to your garden plan, why not
consider planting to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
A wide assortment of annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines
and trees will attract both of these beautiful creatures,
adding color and life to your garden. Look for a list of
native and garden-variety flowers at the end of this
article that may help encourage butterflies and
hummingbirds to visit your property.
Butterflies
It is easy to attract butterflies to your garden if
you know what they are looking for. Many flowers will
offer nectar to butterflies, but the best way to keep them
around is to offer a place to lay their eggs. From the
eggs come caterpillars, then pupae, and finally the adult
butterflies. Many species enjoy plants like goldenrod,
thistle and dandelion, Monarch caterpillars for example
eat exclusively milkweed so be sure to have a few of these
plants in your garden; the flowers have a heady fragrance
as well.
Some simple tips for your butterfly garden:
·Choose
a location with a lot of sun. Butterflies are
cold-blooded; therefore they need the warmth of sunshine
to thrive.
·The
garden should be protected from harsh winds.
·Never
use insecticides in or near your garden.
·Butterflies
have trouble seeing red flowers; they prefer blue and
purple blooms.
·Flowers
with single blossoms make better nectar sources.
·Plan
so there are flowers in bloom from early spring to fall.
·Include
a damp area such as a puddle.
·Butterflies
like to bask in the sun so add a few flat rocks to your
garden.
Hummingbirds
The
diminutive Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species
of hummingbird found in Muskoka. Like butterflies, they
are nectar feeders and are attracted to brightly colored
flowers, especially tubular ones. Hummingbirds will also
eat small insects found on flowers thereby adding variety
to their diet.
Commercial
sugar-water feeders can be used to attract hummingbirds to
your garden in the spring, usually during the first week
of May. Once they have discovered the feeder, they will
visit it throughout the summer.
Place
the feeder where the birds will find them and in close
range for viewing. A nearby stand of shrubs can provide
cover from predators and other hummers. Hummingbirds are
very protective of their feeders and will chase other
birds and insects away from their food source.
Fill
the hummingbird feeder with a solution made with 1 part
white sugar to 4 parts water. This closely resembles the
sugar content of nectar. It is recommended that the
solution be boiled to dissolve the sugar and kill
bacteria. Honey or artificial sweeteners should not be
used as they can be harmful to the birds. Red food
coloring is not necessary since most feeders have
red on them already.
Maintenance
of the feeder is a must. Re-fill feeders when the solution
gets cloudy and clean them regularly (every 3 days in hot
weather, every 6-7 days in cool weather). A cloudy
solution indicates the presence of mould and bacteria,
which are potentially harmful to hummingbirds.
Water
intake per day can be as much as eight times the tiny
"hummers" body weight. Most of this is obtained
through nectar. They will avoid landing at a birdbath but
do enjoy the occasional flight through a sprinkler or
fountain.
A
garden designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies
can be a rewarding place. The presence of these delicate
creatures in any garden can add serenity and tranquility.
Not only are you creating a colorful and fragrant retreat
for yourself, you are also providing much needed habitat.
HUMMINGBIRD
PLANTS FOR NORTHERN GARDENS
NATIVE
SPECIES: American
columbine,
Honeysuckles, Milkweed, Cardinal flower,
Jewelweeds, Paintbrushes, Evening primrose,
Fireweed, Purple bergamot, Wild sweet William
GARDEN
VARIETY: Bugleweed,
Columbine, Dahlias, Four-o'clock, Gladiolus, Hibiscus, Hollyhocks, Horse chestnut, Larkspur, Honeysuckles, Madrone, Morning glory, Nasturtiums, Petunias, Phlox,
Sage, Tiger lily,
Trumpet vine, Zinnia
BUTTERFLY PLANTS FOR NORTHERN GARDENS
