I've been familiar with dirtdoctor.com for quite a while but I only recently learned that organic forums were a part of the mix. I should have checked this site more often!

Anyway, one of the main reasons I garden organically is because I garden to attract wildlife to my yard -- specifically hummingbirds, but all other birds, butterflies, bees, anoles, etc. are more than welcome. Insects are welcome too ( even some of the 'bad' guys, I can handle a little damage).

I think one of the best ways to promote gardening organically is to promote it to people who like attracting birds and other wildlife to their yards. I gave a hummingbird gardening talk to a bird store last summer. Although I discussed the various plants and types of feeders that attract hummingbirds, I also emphasized eliminating the use of pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and encouraged the promotion of biodiversity. More than a few participants were baffled by my organic insistence. But I went on to explain that it didn't make sense to attract 'cute' birds to your yard while reaching for the poison to kill the aphids on your salvias. I *think* I made a few converts that day (I hope so anyway).

I live about two miles north of White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. If anyone needs advice on hummingbird attracting plants that do well in this part of Texas (and elsewhere) let me know. I can suggest a few that will make it hard for them to fly past your yard.

Sorry for the long intro. I just wanted to get it out there.

cheers,

Howard Williams

Howard, Welcome to the forum.

Have fun gaining more info to talk with regarding the humming birds etc.

Funny how one's occupation differs from interest. It's good to be able to get away for the every day grind.

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ZIP
[The Alamo City]

I'd like some suggestions for hummingbird plants. We found out that salvia greggi does a pretty good job, and trumpet vine (but I'm wary to plant it). Otherwise, we'd love more ideas. We live in the Houston area.

Lil,
I'm not very good with plant names.
I'm one of those folks that will look at a plant and if I like it, I buy it, gather some seeds or take a cutting.

I looked through my www.wildseedfarms.com catalog and found some that you may want to check into.

They have a 'butterfly/hummingbird blend' that contains about 22 different flowers. Another could be Moss Verbena.

Personally, I like the Trumpet Vine and also a vine native to the Tx/Mex border area called LAB LAB. It's an annual with purple flowers much like a Wisteria. Seeds are large and black with a white stripe on one side. Seed pod is like a regular green bean. Maybe someone else has the real name for this one.

_________________
ZIP
[The Alamo City]

Butterfly Bush and Turks Cap seem to do really well with the Hummers. I also hang my hummingbird feeder next to my butterfly feeder. The little flies and gnats that are attracted to the ripe banana on top of my butterfly feeder offer a good protein source to the Hummingbirds as they go to their feeder for sugar water.

There are quite a number of good hummer attracting plants you can grow in the Houston area. I'd stick with natives and well adapted plants. Here's a few suggestions;

Anisacanthus wrightii (Flame acanthus) - sun
Hamelia patens (Firebush) - sun
Malvaviscus drummondii (Turk's cap) - part shade/shade
Justicia brandegeana (shrimp plant) - part shade/sun
Cuphea 'David Verity' (cigar plant) - sun
Locinera sempervirens (coral honeysuckle)- sun/part shade
Many salvias -- S. coccinea, S. guaranitica, S. darcyi, S. leucantha, etc.

There are many more, but I'd recommend going to a good well stocked nursery and inquire about hummer plants that grow well in your area.

Have fun,

Howard

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm excited to try some of the plants-particularly those that can take shade since I've got a lot of it.

Zipper, I think the plant you're talking about is Hyacinth Bean. I didn't know it attracts hummingbirds. My neighbor gave me some seeds and I think it's a wonderful annual.

Julie, what do you put in your butterfly feeder besides ripe bananas? Hadn't thought of this.