One of the most overlooked types of gardens is also one of the most rewarding. Hummingbird gardens are not only pleasant, relaxing, visually stunning, but also exciting. There are sudden movements, exotic sounds, and unexpected visitors that are always a delight. Some species of hummingbird live naturally or migrate into every one of the 48 contiguous states in the U.S. as well as southern Canada. The Rufous rules on the west coast and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird dominates the east and mid-west. Other species are also abundant and the mix of colors and patterns is nothing less than amazing.
Hummingbird gardens are a simple matter at a basic level. There are plants and flowers that hummingbirds prefer and if you plant enough, eventually they’ll be found. Once a hummingbird finds a comfortable spot with plenty of food, it will return again and again because they need to eat 2 – 3 times every hour. Most likely they will set up home nearby. Once the right choice of plants and flowers is made, arrangement is virtually unlimited and artistic talent must stand up to the challenge. Arrangement by color patterns is the preferred method because hummingbirds find their food by sight. Because of this, once an arrangement is made, it is not recommended to change it during the season or it could confuse any visitors that have already been attracted.
Trees and shrubs should be planted as a foundation of the garden. The most attractant to hummingbirds are the Azalea, Buddleia, Manzanita, Mimosa, Red Buckeye, and Weigela amongst others. Butterfly Bush, Eucalyptus, Hibiscus, and Lilac are also great choices.
Once the trees and shrubs are chosen, a few vines can be added. The best vines are hummingbird gardens are the Cardinal Climber, Honeysuckle, Rosary Vine, and Trumpet Vines. In lieu of any of these, the more popular Morning Glory can be used instead. Vines and thick top growths will help to provide shade. A good hummingbird garden will have both areas of sunlight and shade because they like to feed in the sun and rest or even build nests in the shade.
The featured plants of any hummingbird garden are usually the flowers and there is a large choice of perennials and annuals, both natural to the location and exotic imports. Among the perennials, Coral Bells, Foxglove, Hummingbird Mint, Little Cigar, Lupine, Dahlia, Hollyhock, and Sage are good choices. Among annuals, Touch Me Nots, Nasturtium, Petunias, Spider Flowers, Zinnia, Begonia, and Iris make excellent attractants.
Since hummingbirds must eat often, feeders are recommended to be placed at about 30 feet distant throughout the garden. This will 
keep the new residents close by even when there are no fresh blooms. As a solution, use simply one part sugar dissolved in four parts water. Never use honey as a harmful fungus can grow from it and never use any red coloring as some people suggest. The feeders themselves have enough red to be noticed by hummingbirds. Feeders should also be thoroughly cleaned with soap and hot water at least once per week in the summer or the sugar will spoil and ferment.
The hummingbird garden must also have fresh water. Bird baths are easy to set up and should always contain clean, pure water. The garden must also be organic. Hummingbirds are extremely sensitive to herbicides and pesticides. To protect the garden against invasive species, natural alternatives work just fine.