Gardening is becoming so much more than just a hobby. A growing number of homeowners say they feel it contributes to a larger life experience. This belief is helping the pollinator garden trend continue to blossom and evolve, including shining a spotlight on a little bird that’s creating a lot of buzz.
Connecting with Nature
The results of a recent homeowner survey by Monrovia – a leading grower of premium plants, trees and shrubs – confirmed gardeners have a desire to create outdoor living spaces that can incorporate spending more time with family and friends while also giving the homeowners more space to relax and breathe. This often includes developing a productive space that is teeming with life, including pollinator gardens that can help enhance a connection to nature.
“Attracting pollinators is gathering focus for many gardeners,” said Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter at Monrovia. “We are seeing increased interest in drawing hummingbirds to the garden. I’ve heard it called the next glamour animal – the one they most want to take a photo of, the one that stops them in their tracks when they encounter it in the garden.”
Hummingbirds in particular seem to captivate gardeners, drawing us into the moment to appreciate their beauty. From the distinctive, quickly moving wings that make the tiny birds seem to float, to their unique colorings, to the way they flit throughout the garden, it’s easy to see why. As a bonus, the benefits of mindfulness that come from observing hummingbirds and other pollinators also support the trend of gardening for wellness.
“Many people are turning to gardening because it makes them feel good, adds beauty, and contributes to the bigger picture, with 53% of participants in a recent survey strongly agreeing that gardening is good for their mental health and well-being. In a world full of screens and technology, getting lost in the moment while enjoying hummingbirds and other pollinators is a welcome respite for both our mind and body,” said Tamony.
How to Attract Hummingbirds
So, how can you entice pollinators to come visit your garden? When it comes to attracting hummingbirds, one of the best things to do is plant varieties that have vase shaped or tubular blooms. The specific shape of these colorful blooms can accommodate the long bills of the hummingbirds, making it easier for them to gather nectar. Consider incorporating these plants into your garden design in a variety of ways, including containers, borders and throughout your entire landscape.
Need design inspiration? Check out this Hummingbird Garden Landscape Plan, available on Monrovia.com.