Ask an Expert: How can I lure more hummingbirds to my feeder?
“It’s vital to keep your food fresh. Once temps get into the 90s, sugar water goes rancid in about a day. Try adding Nectar Defender—a new product made using a micronutrient that’s natural to the bird’s diet—to your sugar water. It’ll keep the food from spoiling for about two weeks when temps are in the 80s and about a week when they’re in the 90s. Also, hummingbirds love red and purple flowers, so placing those near your feeder helps attract their attention!” —Christina Fifer, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited-West Ashley
Gardening Tip
It’s time to harvest blackberries once they lose their shine, turning a dull black. Don’t forget to fertilize with 10-10-10 after you’ve plucked every last springtime berry!
Dig It: What's happening this month?
{Through November} - Aqua Angels
Charleston Parks Conservancy needs help keeping city green spaces hydrated. Sign up for a short watering shift (45 minutes to an hour). The Conservancy only asks for a minimum commitment of once-weekly visits for six weeks, and the schedule is flexible. Locations & times vary. Free. www.charlestonparksconservancy.org
{June 3} - Behind the Garden Gate
Find inspiration galore from eight downtown landscapes on this tour organized by Spoleto Festival USA in collaboration with the Charleston Horticultural Society and The Garden Conservancy. Locations vary. Saturday, 10 a.m. $75. www.spoletousa.org
{June 4 & 5} - Browns Ferry Gardens Open House
For the 23rd year running, the daylily hybridizers at Browns Ferry Gardens host an open house, offering sale prices on hundreds of gorgeous plants (check out their website to preview this season’s releases). Can’t make it that weekend? The garden is also open on Fridays and Saturdays through June 24. Browns Ferry Gardens, 13515 Browns Ferry Rd., Georgetown. Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. www.brownsferrygardens.com
