One of the most enjoyable things in the world is to see hummingbirds outside your window. Their color and swiftness amaze people young and old and they are easy to attract to your yard. Natural attractants such as bee balm, hollyhock, hibiscus, trumpet honeysuckle, clematis, impatiens, phlox and fuchsias all attract hummingbirds as well as butterflies.

You can also make your own hummingbird food and use a feeder. To make homemade hummingbird food:

Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water.

Boil the water first and mix in the sugar. Let cool, fill the feeder, and the excess can be stored in the refrigerator.

You do not need to add food coloring if you are using a feeder as the color of the feeder will attract the hummingbirds.

Clean the feeder once a week and change the food. To clean the feeder rinse with a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water. If the feeder is really dirty you can mix in some rice to scrub the feeder. Rinse the feeder with water three times after using the vinegar solution. Then refill with the food solution.

If you do not see hummingbirds right away, be patient. As soon as they find the new feeding spot, they will be regular visitors.