Ever wonder how to be perfectly satisfied with your garden?
The answer lies within the creation of a landscape that is a beautiful, vibrant space while also contributing functionally to the local ecosystem; A garden that serves two purposes.
Each gardener, from beginner to experienced, can easily accomplish this by adding a few plants to an existing garden or by starting a whole new project.
An effective way to develop a functional garden is by selecting plants that provide food for birds and pollinators. In this case, let’s consider how to design a landscape for the zippy, little Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Here in Ontario, the Ruby-throat is the only breeding species native to our region. This tiny bird tips the scales at no more than six grams and can flap its wings more than fifty times a second. Amazingly, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates from Central America and often will take a route flying over the Gulf of Mexico in one attempt. This courageous first leg takes the hummingbird 18-22 hours of non-stop flight to complete. Quite an ambitious little bird!
What they eat
Hummingbirds’ primary food source is the sweet nectar from flowers, trees and shrubs. Although they consume large amounts of nectar they add protein to their diet by eating insects and spiders. Surprisingly, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a flycatching aficionado and will even feast upon pesky mosquitos.
Providing food
There are a handful of key points to think about when designing a space to naturally provide food for a hummingbird.
They are accustomed to feeding for generations from native flowering plants in Ontario making them a natural and ideal choice for species selection.
In many cases, cultivated varieties may look showy and sport many flowers but only produce small amounts of nectar for hummingbirds.
Consider the bloom periods of the plant material and ensure that something is blooming sequentially throughout the growing season in a garden space. It is important to ensure the flowers of choice are visible and easily accessible for the birds.
They do not have any sense of smell and find flowers strictly by sight.
Other site amenities
Hummingbirds do spend a great deal of time sitting upon perches especially after a feeding frenzy.
Consider situating shrubs or small trees nearby flower patches that provide a safe place to take a little rest.
Most birds love an opportunity to grab a drink and give their feathers a rinse and hummingbirds are no different.
Adding a bubbler or mister in the garden area will add appeal for many bird species including hummingbirds. Besides, who doesn’t want a better look at these feathered beauties, so give them a reason to hang around a little longer and add a few extra features.
Perennial selection
In Ontario we have some excellent options of flowering perennials to pick from that hummingbirds enjoy.
For an early blooming species, wild columbine is a great addition to any garden. Since hummingbirds migrate south as early as August they only need flowers that bloom through the summer months. The magnificent cardinal flower is a red stunner that will keep hummingbirds busy, while the Joe Pye weed is a functional nectar source. A classic favourite for hummingbirds are species from the monarda family – both the bee balm and wild bergamot are beautiful fueling stations.
Getting started
The spring is a great time to get started! Consider your garden space and see how you can incorporate healthy, native food for the wonderful Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Although the mystery of perfect gardening satisfaction may be harder to uncover than originally suggested, a summer with more hummingbirds around is a close second. Happy planting!