Attract an Abundance of Hummingbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden

Ahhhh, it's almost Fall yet the hummingbirds and butterflies are still in abundance. If you've ever wondered how you too can attract these beautiful creatures then you've come to the right place.

If you're like me then every year you buy plants and flowers and every year you replace them. It wasn't until about 5 years ago when we moved into our new home that we decided to go native. Native plants meant less water and less maintenance but it also meant more hummingbirds and more butterflies. There's such a wide variety of everyday outdoor flowers you can purchase that are easy on your wallet and easy on your thumb.

When thinking of your garden, think about what you're looking to achieve. Is it color? Do you want evergreens? How about drought tolerant plants? Whatever you're looking for, it's out there and don't be afraid to ask your local nursery expert.

My family and I wanted hummingbirds and butterflies. We chose native drought tolerant plants for our Southern region. I planted Salvia, Turks Cap, Red Yucca and Wildflowers. All of these proved to be a WINNER! The Salvia comes back about March/April and the Turks Cap around May/June. Since we wanted hummingbirds, I initially started with one or two feeders. I DO NOT purchase store boxed nectar, I make my own; 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. NO DYE! As soon as the hummers started coming around I would remove a feeder. As the years passed I no longer needed more than one to start the year off. This year they never even used the one I had out for them. My salvia was plenty enough food for them and once the Turks Cap came in the hummers multiplied. They LOVE the nectar from this flower!

The garden is so easy to maintain. When planting, remember to plant far apart. The Turks Cap is an extremely large and fast growing plant. Once established for the season it will take over about a 5' space. Mine are so established that I'll actually be taking out a few yuccas this November. The wonderful thing about this garden is that we thoroughly enjoy it from March to the end of September, maybe even October. November is about the time I cut down the Turks Cap. I never cut back the Salvia unless it needs it.

Are you ready for your own Native Butterfly Garden? Don't forget to look at the plants on clearance. Many nurseries run specials on summer plants and you can get quite a bargain if you shop now. I hope you enjoy your garden as much as we do!

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore for all your landscaping & gardening tools and supplies!!

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