Hummingbirds

I was under the impression that hummingbirds were hard to attract. That you actually had to put some effort into the right plants in your yard and the right placement of the feeder and so on. As it turns out, this is not true. While my efforts to improve my yard and make it a more suitable habitat for hummingbirds will not stop, I have a hummingbird that frequently comes to my feeder. My flowerbeds are still under construction and there aren't any of the "approved attracting hummingbird plants" in them. The feeder was only hung for about 2 days before I saw my first bird. My theory...either it's a baby and it's really hungry or it hangs out at a neighbor's house and just noticed my feeder. She does come often and it makes this house feel more like home. My list for the week (since I'm all about lists lately) is the best plants to attract Hummingbirds!

Daylily

Columbine




Cardinal Flower



Penstemin



Bee Balm



Hibiscus



Peony



Coral Bells



Garden Phlox



Oriental Poppy


Now that I've typed out the list I realized, I dad plant a hibiscus, but it's blue and I thought hummers were attracted mostly to reds. Anyway, the point is, if you feed them, they will come!

How to Grow Fresh Air

A book by Dr. B.C. Wolverton

I wanted to share some info about some house plants that I personally intend to get. These are all easy to grow and care for and they work well indoors. They are also very good at cleaning the air in your home.

Areca Palm AKA: Yellow Palm or Butterfly Palm
"Releases copious amounts of moisture in the air, removes chemical toxins and is also beautiful to look at."
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 65-75
Problems: Spider mites and brown tips on fronds from over-dry atmosphere.
Care: Keep the root ball damp. Provide a complete fertilizer on a regular basis, except in winter. Mist regularly to give it a fresh appearance and to provide humidity to discourage insect infestation.

Golden Pathos
Light: Semi-shade to shade
Temp: 65-75
Problems: rarely, aphids and mealybugs
Care: Let soil dry slightly between waterings. Feed weekly during growing season (March to August). To encourage a more bushy appearance, pinch out the growth tips. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth.

Peace Lily
Light: Semi-sun to Semi-Shade
Temp: Day- 60-75 Night- 55-68
Problems: When air is too dry, the peace lily is vulnerable to attacks bu scale insects and spider mites, occasionally mealybugs and white flies.
Care: Feed regularly from spring to fall, but less in winter. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season and slightly dries during the winter. Wash the leaves occasionally to prevent insect attack.

Bamboo Palm
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 60-75
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects are a risk when the atmosphere is too dry
Care: Provide plenty of water during periods of active growth. In winter, when grown in standard containers, water just enough to keep the root ball moist. Wash the leaves periodically to prevent spider mites. Do not pinch out the tip of the stalks or cut off the newest frond as this will eliminate new growth.

English Ivy
"is a vigorous climber, which sends out aerial roots that attach themselves to any surface."
Light: Semi-sun to semi-shade
Temp: Day- 60-70, Night- 50-60
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects in too warm and dry a location.
Care: Water well in spring and summer with room0temp water. Allow to dry slightly between watering in fall and winter. Feed regularly with a weak concentration fertilizer when plants are growing. Mist often, especially during winter when the air is dry.

Dwarf Date Palm
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 60-75
Problems: Spider mites in dry air. Brown fronds from over watering or the use of hard water.
Care: The root ball should be kept evenly moist. However, the soil can allowed to dry between waterings in winter. This plant loves frequent misting. The date palm prefers a weekly feeding schedule, except in winter when feeding can be on a biweekly basis.

Gerbera Daisy (Red, White or Orange are natural colors)
Light: Full sun to semi sun (bright light is essential, but protect from midday sun as this may age the blooms prematurely)
Temp: day- 60-65 night- 45-50
Problems: Aphids and spider mite infestation may occur when the air is too warm and dry. Susceptible to root rot from over watering.
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Feed regularly during it's growing season with a complete fertilizer.

Dumb Cane
Light: Semi-sun to semi-shade
Temp: 60-80
Problems: Spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Root rot from over watering.
Care: Keep moist with soft, tepid water. Water more sparingly in winter. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer from March to August. Mist the leaves often. Avoid drafts.

 Heartleaf Philodendron
Light: Semi0shade to shade
Temp: 60-70; don't drop below 55
Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Root rot from too wet and cold conditions.Care: Feed every 2 weeks except in winter. Large plants need full strength fertilizer; a weak solution is best for small plants. Keep the soil evenly moist, but water less frequently in winter. Mist often. Clean leaves occasionally with a damp cloth or sponge.


Spider Plant
Light: Semi-sun to semi0shade
Temp: day- 65-75 night- 55-65
Problems: Aphids, scale insects and mealybugs may occur in too dry location
Care: Keep evenly moist, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Feed regularly in spring and summer, but less in fall and winter.

 Peacock Plant
Light: Semi-shade
Temp: 65-80
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy) with room-temp water. Feed every 2 weeks with a dilute liquid fertilizer in spring and summer. Mist often.

Aloe Vera
Light: Full sun to semi-sun
Temp: 65-75
Problems: Rarely attacked by pests
Care: Water moderately in spring, summer and fall; water sparingly in winter. Feed once a month in spring and summer. Do not feed in fall and winter.

Tulips
Light: Full sun to semi-sun
Temp: 55-70
Problems: Aphids
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist. Never allow to dry out.

I got some shopping to do!!!