One good way to enjoy the company of hummingbirds, and attract many of them, is planting a hummingbird garden, or habitat. In addition to providing them a natural diet, a hummingbird garden is an excellent way to attract birds to your nearby feeder: since hummingbirds feed by sight on regularly followed routes called traplining. Their inquisitive nature will quickly lead them to investigate any possible new source of food.

The perfect hummingbird habitat is a simple one, and even the smallest garden can provide the food, water, perches, shelter and nesting sites that hummingbirds need. It's easy to lure these beautiful birds into your backyard - and keep them coming back year after year.

After making your list of plants, spend some time to sketch a basic plan out on paper.

Garden Shape & Location

An important consideration when designing your hummingbird garden is its shape and where it will be located. Sites that receive all day sun or morning sun with afternoon shade are preferred, as many of the plants that produces the nectar-rich flowers hummingbirds like prefer sun. Curved, narrow flower beds are best, because blooms can be accessed from all sides of the plants. Plant your garden near decks, patios, porches or just outside windows of your home so you can view the birds upclose in action.

Don't crowd your garden with large trees or shrubs, but do arrange to have several in or near the garden. Hummingbirds need room to accommodate their wings as they whir about the blossoms. Select a variety of flowers, trees and shrubs, from low to medium to tall in height. Male hummers like to have tall trees to perch on, as they use them to watch for predators while the females are feeding.

If you plan carefully and select a variety of plants that flower at successively later dates, you will be rewarded with hummers throughout the season. Before starting on your garden, visit your local nursery and garden center, taking your sketch and plant list with you. Purchase plants that are available and special order any that aren't. If you have trouble finding certain plants locally, try finding them through online mail-order plant suppliers. Plants purchased online are usually smaller and more expensive, but this may be the only route to go to get the plants you really want to see in your garden.