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.




