• Hummingbird Feeders,  Uncategorized

    Got the Crazies Around Your Hummingbird Feeders?

    The frenzy around our hummingbird feeders is later than usual this year! Folks to the north are still reporting brisk activity this last week of September. Possibly due the hottest August on record (though they say that every year) this month has been fairly steamy as well.

    So at this rate, in just a few short years, the East Coast should be seeing hummingbirds close to 9 months out of the year… right? Lucky are those who see the sprites year-round, we’re envious. The end of August used to see peak migration “crazies” at feeders. Birds are fiercer than ever, with juveniles now contending for nectar as well.

    Do the birds a favor and hang an extra feeder, even a cheap plastic one serves them well during migration. Nectar can be mixed a little stronger too. Pure can sugar (nothing else-no substitutes please) at a ratio of 1:4, may be kicked up a notch at 1:3. That’s one cup of sugar to 3 cups of water… and only at migration since birds are seeking to fatten up. The extra calories add fuel for their long journey to Central and South America.

    Keep the nectar really fresh! During sweltering heat in the mid-90’s, it really should be changed about every other day. Our 7 hummingbird feeders keep us busy… but their delight is so worth the work! Note the pink mandevilla vine, hibiscus and penta as they also provide nectar for the sprites.

    If you’ve ever placed a sprinkler out to water grass or flowers… please consider running it for the birds sometimes. Moving water, especially fresh, cool water is an absolute oasis for all songbirds. We can’t even say enough about leaf misters for feathered friends!

    If you’re sad because hummingbird season is drawing to a close for your locale… don’t fret. Like Arnold, they’ll be back! It’s called site fidelity, and if hummingbirds were happy at your place this year, they do remember and return next year. It’s actually a pretty amazing cycle for such a tiny yet special little bird.

    Safe travels little ones… we’ll catch ya on the flip-side!

  • Bats & Butterflies,  Butterfly Feeder,  Uncategorized

    Fancy Butterfly Feeders not Required

    Discarded fruit makes awesome butterfly feeders

    Migratory winged ones are on the move!

    It’s an awesome time of year to catch the action not only of feathered friends- but butterflies too!

    Although we’ve nary seen a monarch this year (so very sad) a few other butterfly species have been prevalent. Several Swallowtails, Sulphurs and Viceroys to name a few. And even though we have a great selection on our website… they’re not coming to any fancy butterfly feeders.

    A few alternative options to actual butterfly feeders:
    •Discarded fruit- provided it’s not too far gone
    •Nectar producing flowers- preferably native
    •Leaf misters

    These things absolutely work to entice the flying jewels! Leaf misters offer a gentle spray which butterflies adore, you can see them dance and flit through the fine mist. In fact, it’s almost mesmerizing! Their own personal spa, leaf misters also have gardens growing lush. Use these year after year, ours are going on their 10th season!

    Discarded fruit is a no-brainer; from oranges, to melons, pears, apples and bananas, place fruit on a deck rail, plate, or anywhere near flowers where you’ve seen the least bit of butterfly activity.

    And the flowers? We prefer native perennials. Again, you’ll get year after year of blooms and activity. Lantana is is one of the more common plants in the southeast, in fact it’s almost invasive! Butterfly or milk weed is also a popular host plant. Pollination Trifecta in this video with hummingbird, bees and butterflies on one plant!

    Plan next spring with a few vegetables specifically for butterfly host plants; dill, fennel and parsley are ideal plants to host black swallowtails, and milkweed is a must for monarch caterpillars!

    Another easy DIY is creating a waterless pond for butterflies to warm in the sun. Simply place heat-aborbing rocks (so they’re flat) in a sunny spot, add sand and salt and keep moist. You may wish to line the area first with plastic to keep salt out of soil. Sort of a crude version of the popular butterfly puddlers.butterfly puddler

    And one last tip on feeding butterflies: They do not drink from an open water source. When using butterfly feeders like this staked one below, place a sponge in the center to soak up nectar. This acts as a wick where butterflies draw nectar like they do in nature from flowers.

    Staked Butterfly Feeder

     

     

    Ok, maybe we’re wrong, the really really last tip: Stop using chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. Natural is the new landscape, manicured, pristine lawns and gardens are a thing of the past. Do it for butterflies, do it for all pollinators, most of all… do it for the human race!

  • Garden Pots,  Uncategorized

    We’ve Gone to Pot in the Garden!

    Large broken pot planterNo, we’re not really partying for Labor Day Weekend, just revamping the garden pots & planters section. We’ve curated a a couple of new pots likely worthy of a look!

    The Large broken Pot Planter is versatile for year-round use indoors or out, lightweight and fun to use. For succulents and miniature plants in magic fairy garden, to herbs and air plants, change this one up for festive holiday decor.Broken Pot Planter

    Theme it for fall, for your fairies, Christmas, Easter, spring or beach…the sky’s the limit! With double wall construction and ample drainage, plants will grow healthy & strong, it’s USA made and made to last.

    Wall Pocket Planters have long been popular, especially for small spaces. In oodles of styles from rustic to modern, we’ve located a handmade pottery version with character to make any boring wall pop with personality!

    With the wild popularity of succulents lately, the Troll Wall Pocket Planter promises to make a plain space fun!Troll Wall Pocket Planter

    One last planter, also handmade pottery is the Living Wreath Planter. Another popular style, most are wire frame requiring moss or some form of liner, others are done in wood, and some in metal. Forget the mess and go with a sturdy, self-hanging terra-cotta model.

    This one works for a table display as well. When used flat, try a candle or two and some fresh flower stems to create your own masterpiece. Dress the Living Wreath for any holiday or event, easy hanging chain lets you bring to the sink for occasional watering.

    Living wreath planter

    And somebody please tell this robin how silly she looks on this Troll Planter! Then again… it looks like a pretty successful brood. No guarantees for nesting though 🙂

    Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!

    Troll Planter with Robin's Nest

    Happy Robin babies in the Wall Pocket Planter