As always, spring has sped by here in my zone 5b New York State garden. It's the time of the year when everything seems so fresh and new. I have so much to show you, and so little time.
I decided to flower garden a little differently this year. We recently got into birding, and one of our goals was to attract hummingbirds to the garden. We already had some columbine, but, in our back yard, that was it. So we planted some other flowers hummers like.
This potted cuphea is the biggest success. One of the three varieties in this pot is called "Hummingbird's Lunch" and, while the one female hummer who visits our yard (I'm assuming it's the same bird, but maybe not) seems to enjoy it mostly for breakfast and dinner, it's still a winner. Nope, no pictures. She's too fast for my reflexes and iPhone SE first edition.
We've planted three fuschias in hanging baskets. Up to now I never had success with fuschias but I think I figured out the problem. So along with the three (only two are blooming today), I also have a monkeyflower (Mimulus), bottom left.
We finally upped our hummingbird game with two new columbines. The columbines are just finishing up so I cheated and took these pictures a couple of days ago. The ones that look like powderpuffs are not favored by the hummer, but they sure are pretty.
Here are some more favorites spread out most in our front yard. First, lantana with a pink penta.
Next, a red penta drowning in banana mint. Don't ask; I plead temporary insanity.
Celosia and scented geranium.
Sage. A thyme plant (not pictured) is blooming right next to it.
Red Hot Poker, a new plant for me this year.
Catmint (in a raised bed), still another new plant for me.
There are also my old favorites. For example, pansies.
Petunias and million bells.
Still wanting to see more flowers? Surf on over to Carol's May Dreams Gardens, who hosts this 15th of the Month linky and visit some other experience to see morr flowers in bloom today. Thank you, Carol, for making today possible once again.
Have a wonderful day, my dear readers.
...I have the red and blue fuschia and I should get a Red Hot Poker.
ReplyDeleteJealous...I killed the plants on my patio...
ReplyDeleteThe are all so beautiful! My yard is so boring compared to yours. I only have palms, hibiscus, and firebushes. The firebushes do attract humming birds and butterflies at least. I hope you gets lots of hummingbird visits this year.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the cuphea or the red hot poker, but I love the looks of them both, I'll have to look into those.
ReplyDeleteThey all look great! Colorful just the way hummers like it! So you have banana mint too! Is yours the most fragile mint you've had? Every spring I swear it won't be back, then there it is! I love the flowers, different a lot of other mints. You are the first blogger I've seen to have banana mint! Try Persian catmint. The leaves smell incredible.
ReplyDeleteLove the red hot poker and the cuphea. I had sort of forgotten about cuphea. I grew it several years ago. Maybe I need to put it on my "to grow" list again.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a hummingbird I would SO visit your garden MANY times ! LOL
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great flowers for them to dine upon. I find the season is whirling by so fast I can't keep up with things .. yet every year I say the same thing and I should be prepared for it ? haha
Well done with such a variety of tasty flowers for the hummers !
Hummingbirds are fun. Most people around here put out the feeders to attract them, though we do have our fair share of flowers, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this! Your flowers are amazing!
ReplyDeleteHusby and I are just now becoming interested in attracting various birds to our locale. According to Google, we DO get hummingbirds in our area. I absolutely love them! I'll let you know how it goes...
Lot more blooms than I have.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOnce a Hummingbird finds your flowers, more are sure to come! If she is nesting, maybe she will bring her babies.
Have a blessed day!
I love Cuphea. I grow it in pots in the front steps - hummingbirds love it.
ReplyDelete