We love our hummingbirds, don’t we? Every region has its own favorites, but gardeners across the country do what they can to attract and take care of these interesting creatures.I’m not one for the feeders, but I do try to have some plants available for the birds year-round in the garden. At this time of year, the pineapple sage (see photo) is just starting to bloom and will continue into November with this brilliant crimson display. It’s planted outside the upstairs office window and seeing the hummingbirds hovering is a treat on a chilly day.
As the leaves fall from shrubs in the yard, you may see the brown, grey, or white winter homes of the scale insect along the branches. They can be smooth, wrinkled, or fluffy as a cotton ball. All summer they have been sucking the nutrients out of your plants and now they are settled in for the winter.
If you are so inclined (and there are not too many of them), just rub them off with your fingers. I recommend a garden glove for this operation. You can also just prune off a branch or two where the worst infestation is found.
If it’s just too wet or cold, you will have other chances to get ahead of them. In early, early spring – after the coldest weather and just before green leaves or flowers come out – a horticultural oil spray will do a great job smothering them.
Mark your calendars!
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