Hummers

I don't just concentrate on my little guys.  I also have a lot of wildlife in my yard.  I wish that I could move to the country because I would have more wildlife.  I have lots of hummingbirds and it is wonderful to watch them fighting over the feeders.  They are amazing.  I have two feeders hung now.  I had five and they would only use two of them so I took down three and I have discovered that they really do not like the red feeders.  They prefer the clear ones and ones with a base for perching.  I have two of those up now. 

I also have about 10 Rose of Sharon shurbs.  If you are not familiar with them, they are a part of the hydrangea family and come in several colors.  They get about 6-8 feet tall in my area of Central Texas.  They are prone to mold and will have to be treated if they get it.  I use Dawn to spray mine.  I mix a couple drops of Dawn with some compost tea or tobacco tea and hand spray them.  It works for me.  Mine, however, have bugs.  So Dawn is all that I will need and that chore will be taken care of asap. 

These are Mexican petunias and you will probably not find them outside of Texas or the Southwest.  They are very hardy, invasive, and will keep you busy keeping them under control, but there are not many bugs that will bother them.  Except for keeping them contained, they are an easy plant for your garden.  The come in the the smaller version as well and the smaller ones only get about 5 inches high and they too form clumps.  I have found these smaller ones to not be as invasive as the larger one.  Maybe it is just in my yard.  Don't know. 

This above bloom is the Rose of Sharon, or Althea, They are not native to Texas and do take more care than the Mexican Petunia.  They need more water and nutrients.  I love them, but am more partial to natives.  Research the natives in your area and you will be much happier with them.  Using natives in a garden make for a fuss free garden and gives you more time to enjoy your garden.