Tubular Blossoms Hummers Love to Sip From
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- Sarah_Sunn
- Naomi_Mathews
- Sarah_Sunn
- Naomi_Mathews
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» Sarah_Sunn - Love your Hummers!
Hi, Sis. You really outdid yourself on this one! I loved the pictures. Shows you care a lot about your work. Good job on this article. It was a lot of fun going through the various links. The Hummingbird Bush resembles Indian Paint Brush which, I believe, is the Colorado State Flower. We lived in North Central Colorado a number of years ago and my daughter brought a fresh bouquet to me everyday. My azaleas don't attract little hummers - suppose I should put out some nectar next summer? We don't have the beautiful butterflies I remember on the farm. Those were the days, my friend!Love Ya, Sis. Thanks a million for letting me cry and drip on your shoulder! Get well fast.
-- posted by Sarah_Sunn
» Naomi_Mathews - Hummers, azaleas, and nectar...
Sis...I think placing a hummer feeder would be great! My hands-on experience--and my recent research--has proven that hummers don't become dependent on nectar from feeders. I'm planning an article about this very thing! [ya must have read my mind!] AND, if you placed the feeder rather close to your azaleas, the hummers would likely sip nectar at BOTH! You're so right, we don't have near the hummers we did out on the farm. And the butterflies! How well I remember chasing them, catching them, and [sheepishly bowing my head] putting them in a quart jar with a lid on top! Course, we always poked holes in the lid so they could breathe, and also put in some flower petals. But...looking back, do you really think they could possibly have sipped nectar from a petal?? But we did have fun--and the good ole days weren't all bad, were they?One thing that has caused both the hummer and butterfly population to decrease over the years has been the adverse environmental changes. I mention this in a previous article "Help Bring Back the Butterflies". As mankind has continued to encroach on the wild habitats of both of these beautiful creatures, they have had to seek food [nectar] elsewhere. There is an ongoing "campaign" by hummer and butterfly enthusiasts and wildlife organizatins to help restore/rebuild natural habitats. One way gardeners can help is to plant nectar rich plants to attract hummers and butterflies. Over time, this will prove effective in bringing these two flying jewels back!
As for "crying on my shoulder" Sis, isn't that what sisters are for? (-:
-- posted by Naomi_Mathews
» Sarah_Sunn - Back to you, Sis
You know, I hadn't even thought of catching those pretty butterflies and putting them into jars until you mentioned it. It was fun then, but kind of sad to think about now. Think God will forgive us for that? We didn't know better - we were just kids.The more we discuss your topic, the more determined I am to get a of couple hummer feeders, plant at least one trumpet vine and try to get some of the little darlings to visit. They used to be prolific in Southern Canada, maybe we could entice them south. We enjoyed several colorful hummers last summer camping in Northern California.
Keep up the research, it's probably inspiring to more people than your realize.
Love Ya, Sis
-- posted by Sarah_Sunn
» Naomi_Mathews - My how time flies ...
I think a trumpet vine would be super for you to plant! Not only do hummers love them, so do butterflies, and besides that, they're absolutely lovely! Why not try a butterfly bush while you're at it? I'm going to get at least two of those this year to replace some of my perennials that seem to be getting "worn out". Plus, adding another hummer feeder in different area. Hummers are quite territorial, and I don't want them fighting!-- posted by Naomi_Mathews
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