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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
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Hummingbird frenzy


 

I know, this doesn't look like much of a frenzy but we have more hummingbirds this year than I can ever recall. This feeder is on the patio and I only see one hummingbird on it. However, on the north side of the house, outside our kitchen window, is where the action is. We have counted at least 8 hummers at one time and in past seasons only one or two. I added a second feeder to alleviate the traffic and it just seems to be growing. They are so much fun to watch.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowAugust 13, 2014 at 10:29 AM

    Wow. That is a lot of hummers for in the city. We only get 3-4. Lucky you.

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  2. ProfessorRoushAugust 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    Yeah, I love watching the little critters.

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  3. Jean CampbellAugust 13, 2014 at 12:07 PM

    It's amusing to watch when one little bird decides it is HIS feeder and tries to keep everybody else run off.

    You are to be commended for supplying nectar. Daily keeping feeders clean and filled became a hated chore here, so I just planted more living nectar sources.

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  4. AlisonAugust 13, 2014 at 6:22 PM

    That's a pretty feeder. I used to hang one out, but I have a lot of nectar sources, so I ultimately decided to just go with those. They are so much fun to watch, we get a lot of them here in the PNW.

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  5. danger gardenAugust 13, 2014 at 10:58 PM

    That is the most beautiful hummingbird feeder I've ever seen. Is it an antique?

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  6. Phillip OliverAugust 14, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    Danger, no it is not antique. You can buy them here at Lowe's, Home Depot and Wal-Mart. They also have a clear one and a red tinted one I would like to have.

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  7. Edith KentAugust 14, 2014 at 9:57 AM

    Great pictures...pretty feeder. Master Gardeners program this month was attracting them to your garden. The "expert" says for every one you have, multiply by 5 or 6 and that's how many is your yard. Also said 15 September is the peak of birds for our area...North Alabama.

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  8. Phillip OliverAugust 14, 2014 at 10:27 AM

    Thanks Edith, that is good to know! I figured we had more than we thought all along.

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  9. AaronAugust 14, 2014 at 11:58 AM

    Lots of hummer action here in TN too. Their favorite plants seem to be the Coral Honeysuckle vines - Lonicera sempervirens. If you're looking for a natural feeder to add to this man-made one, that's the #1 plant I'd suggest.

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  10. HoehoegrowAugust 14, 2014 at 2:23 PM

    How I relish the thought of a Hummingbird frenzy, and would give anything to witness it. Here in the uk I sometimes see some mildly enthusiastic sparrows - not quite the same, is it !!

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  11. DONNA CAugust 14, 2014 at 4:12 PM

    I read an article from the Times Daily about hummers. It said to NOT use the store bought red nectar, as it makes tumors on the hummers beaks.. I make my own sugar water, 4 part water to 1 part sugar.. They love it, and I know it is not harming them..

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  12. Phillip OliverAugust 14, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    Donna, that is what I do too.

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  13. DonnaAugust 16, 2014 at 12:07 PM

    Love the feeder and pics of the hummer. My hummers won't share the feeders or even flowers they favor...funny birds.

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  14. ellenAugust 16, 2014 at 8:03 PM

    Earlier this season I had humming birds visiting my gladiolas now they are visiting my loofah blossoms and my loofah vines are HUGE! Lots of blossoms that last for days. It's nice to know there are more birds than I am seeing.

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  15. debsgardenAugust 17, 2014 at 12:21 PM

    Great hummer shots! I sat outside for two hours trying to get some hummingbird photos, and, while I did get some good shots, none were great. We are planning to add more hummingbird feeders outside the glass door to our breakfast area. It really is fascinating to watch them. If you add more feeders by your kitchen nook, you will be so enchanted I doubt you will get much done around the house or garden!

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  16. AnonymousAugust 18, 2014 at 8:32 PM

    I have 6 feeders up right now and plan to put a couple of more up. It's like an air raid zone. I'm wondering if the weird spring we has kept them further south this year. I posted some of mine at my turks cap lilies; they just love them, but for some reason the link to the post in July is still showing. Mary

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