Something Splendid This Way Hums!
It is that wonderful time of year again when the hummingbirds begin their journey North! It has been roughly six cold, dark winter months since the tiny nectar sippers left us here in Colorado and headed south. Hummingbirds overwinter in the balmy biosphere of Mexico, but as the sun moves higher in the late winter sky, so too do hummingbirds feel the pull to return to northern gardens.
You can track their migration here thanks to the folks at Hummingbird Central.
We are still about 60 days from seeing our first Hummers here in Colorado, but they have already started showing up in the South and Southwest. Even if you are in an area that may not see them return for a few weeks, you can still take steps now to welcome them when they arrive!
- Be sure to include early spring bloomers in your garden, so these weary, winged travelers have something to eat when they arrive. Flowers like violas, pansies, and evening primroses are some of the first to bloom each year.
- Plant flowers that are strong nectar producers, such as Bee Balm, Cardinal Climber, Penstemon, and Nicotiana.
- Choose a variety of flowers that bloom during each season so that you always have a nectar source available for them. Flowers such as Salvia, Lavender, and Larkspur are a great choice for their long blooming period.
Check out our selection of Pollinator Friendly Varieties to find many other great options!
