Ten July Favorites
Chaste Tree ( Vitex ) One of the highlights of the year is when the Chaste Tree blooms. It pains me that I don't know the name of it, but I suspect it is 'Shoal Creek' . I failed to record it, and I also do not remember where it came from. We sell a newer variety at Yard N' Garden called 'Flip Side ', which has stunning leaves of olive-green with a purple reverse. A friend has the pale pink variety, but I don't think it is as pretty as the blue-colored flowers. This little tree is constantly covered with bees. Catalpa bignoinoides 'Aurea' A large limb died over the winter, leaving a gaping hole. However, it is looking better after Michael raised some of the remaining limbs. It has bloomed profusely this year. Like the vitex, our best view of it is from the windows, where you get an elevated view. Heliopsis helianthoides 'Fire Twister' This perennial is doing much better after I moved it to a better location. I saw it last week in an ope...
Wow. That is a lot of hummers for in the city. We only get 3-4. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I love watching the little critters.
ReplyDeleteIt's amusing to watch when one little bird decides it is HIS feeder and tries to keep everybody else run off.
ReplyDeleteYou 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteThat is the most beautiful hummingbird feeder I've ever seen. Is it an antique?
ReplyDeleteDanger, 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks Edith, that is good to know! I figured we had more than we thought all along.
ReplyDeleteLots 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.
ReplyDeleteHow 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 !!
ReplyDeleteI 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..
ReplyDeleteDonna, that is what I do too.
ReplyDeleteLove the feeder and pics of the hummer. My hummers won't share the feeders or even flowers they favor...funny birds.
ReplyDeleteEarlier 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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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