Buzzing, Flitting and Fluttering

Buzzing....

Spotted Horsemint has gotten way out of hand over by the veggie bed.  It really brings in the bees and other buzzing insects though.

Flitting...

A busy female ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummer I've ever seen.   Always just one at a time.  Could she be the same one?  Last year I saw her from March until October.  This year it sure looks like the same bird.  She has been flitting through the garden several times a day since February this year.  I would love for her to bring along some friends. The red firespike is her favorite flower.  I'm glad I have spread it around in several places.

Fluttering...

Crimson pentas are one of the best butterfly attractors planted in my garden.  I can always count on finding butterflies where they are blooming.

Now that summer is at its end and the temperature is at its highest, more of the buzzing, flitting and fluttering creatures are visiting the garden.  I enjoy seeing this flurry of  activity as much as I enjoy seeing the flowers.

Hummingbird Approved Blooms

Sighting a hummingbird is cause for great excitement here at My Garden Path.  Fall and Winter seem to be the seasons for these speedy jewels to visit this garden.  Actually, there seems to be only one speedy jewel this year.



Senecio confusus, Mexican Flame Vine

Perhaps it is that this female Ruby-Throated hummingbird only sees enough of her favorite flowers blooming along the Path during the Fall season. 



Justicia brandegeana 'Fruit Cocktail'

December 21, 1990, is the first time I spotted a hummingbird here.  It was feeding on the bright red Tropical Hibiscus blooms which were just outside the guest bedroom window.  What a God-sent moment that was.  


Justicia brandegeana

I was helping my Mom into the bed for the first of many times.  She had rather suddenly been released from the re-hab center following a major stroke.  My Dad was in another hospital across town recovering from surgery.  There were three children living at home.  I needed to see that hummingbird.

Salvia elegans, Pineapple Sage

That little bird visited the Hibiscus bush every afternoon as I helped Mom get into bed for a nap.  Just like clockwork that iridescent jewel would appear. 

Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph'

Now, in an effort to encourage the return of hummingbirds each year,  a smorgasbord of hummingbird attracting blooms has been planted. 



Salvia purpurea

The bright reds and oranges of the firespike and flame vine may be the initial attraction for the hummingbird, but once in the garden other blooms seem to be just as enticing.  Purples, pinks and even whites are nectared from time and again.



Barleria cristata,Philippine Violet & Pentas lanceolata

Everytime I see the tiny hummingbird flitting among the flowers, I am reminded of God's care.

Odontonema strictum, Red Firespike


"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26