Catherine Renzi
Yellow Springs Farm Native Plant Nursery
As published in Wild Bird Center Newsletter December, 2004 Exton PA

As Hummingbirds pack their bags and leave our area for the winter, it is a good time to prepare your garden for their return in the spring. Have you hosted any Hummingbirds this past summer? If so, you certainly noticed their fast and almost constant motion.

Hummingbirds need plenty of nectar to supply the energy consumed by their active lifestyles. Nectar found in flowers is quite similar to the sugar water you put in your feeders, but Mother Nature does the maintenance and clean-up. A combination of nectar feeders and selected flowering plants will make your property a haven for Hummingbirds.

If you are thinking about adding garden plants to attract hummingbirds, there are many choices. Hummingbird lovers might have already observed that these birds are attracted to bright red nectar flowers such as Bee Balm—Monarda didyma, Cardinal Flower—Lobelia cardinalis, and Coral Honeysuckle—Lonicera sempervirens.

While flower color is important to Hummingbirds, they also are attracted by suitable flower shapes. They prefer spikes of tubular flowers that fit their unique tongues and beaks. Then, they look for easy-to-reach stamens that extend outward beyond the flower opening. The birds also need space around the flower where leaves and branches do not interfere with feeding. Think of adding Delphiniums or Blue Lobelia—Lobelia siphilitica to your garden for variety.

For those who cannot resist the traditional color groupings, there are also two outstanding white perennial flowers that Hummingbirds will enjoy. In order to complete the patriotic red, white, and blue theme, consider adding Turtlehead—Chelone glabra or Foxglove—Penstemon digitalis.

As an added benefit, many of the plants that attract hummingbirds, red, white, or blue, do double duty in also attracting butterflies to your garden. It is fun and informative to keep a log of all the new species of birds and butterflies that arrive as you add beneficial plants to your garden.

Many of the native flowers mentioned are available for purchase at Yellow Springs Farm in Chester Springs, PA. For more information, you may contact Al or Catherine Renzi at 610-827-2014 or www.yellowspringsfarm.com. Catherine Renzi has cared for plants and animals of various sorts since childhood. In 2001 she and her husband Al focused their love of nature and concern for the environment on restoring the landscape of a former dairy farm in Chester Springs. They permanently protected the land by donating a perpetual conservation easement to French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. Then, Catherine and Al focused on raising native plants to provide superior habitat for many species of birds, butterflies, insects, and mammals. Native plants also help in the long process of managing and replacing invasive plant species common in Chester County, such as Mulitflora rose, Japanese Stiltgrass, and Bittersweet.

This emphasis on biodiversity leads a healthier ecosystem that does not depend on chemical use to support the landscape. The diversity of native plants and animal species support better water quality and soil health, too. The Renzis hope to share their experiences with others, and help property owners who share their concerns for the environment become better stewards of the local landscape.