The hummingbirds are coming. Now!
Photo: Courtesy of Michael Elliott/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The last few mornings, the birds have been singing their hearts out. The big rush to find one’s beloved before getting down to nest-building is on. But I’m going to have my ears tuned to the electric whirr of a speeding hummingbird. I usually hear these amazing critters long before I can finally see them and, in Southern Ontario, they should be making their annual appearance right about now (mid-April).

For everything you need to know about our returning visitors, check out The Ontario Hummingbird Project. There’s advice on feeders, including the right feeding mixture, feeder maintenance and a note on glass versus plastic feeders. Spoiler alert: glass feeders win. There’s also a very cool Hummingbird Sightings Report tool you can use to help with research on hummingbird migration. I’ll be checking the extensive list of hummingbird-friendly Ontario native plants before I hit the garden nursery.

Here are my top picks for easy-to-grow flowers that will light up your garden while keeping hummingbirds happy and coming back for more. Click on any photo below for a slideshow with plant name and planting instructions.

Salvia – This eye-catching annual loves sun. It’s upright habit makes it a good centrepiece in a container. Photo: Proven Winners

Lantana – Plant this annual in a sunny spot. Great for filling out a container planting. Photo: Proven Winners

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) – This perennial attracts bees and butterflies, too! Plant in part sun or sun. Photo: Proven Winners

Windchimes® Dark Eyes Fuchsia species – plant in a shady spot. Perfect for a hanging basket. Photo: Proven Winners

Surfinia® Giant Blue Petunia hybrid – Plant in part sun or full sun. Great for a hanging planter. Photo: Proven Winners