Gardens Without Hummingbirds?

                    Saturday morning was -17C, but indoors we got comfortable for a garden program that displayed fabulous scenery of the European Countryside. Rolling hills, patchwork of coloured fields, and gardens were simply exploding with colour. As they showed one property after another, it simply inspired us for the upcoming Spring. Roses appeared to be a favourite, but mixed in were Delphiniums, Foxgloves, and an array of flowers completely foreign to my region. It was enough to tease the Spring senses. The country contained everything to complete the perfect garden except for one thing, hummingbirds. Around every corner in the garden there would never be the possibility of spotting one. It somehow lessened the intensity of what a garden could provide. It made me completely aware of the massive blessings that have been sprinkled across the entire continents of the Americas. Well over 300 species of the most fascinating little creatures make their presence across nearly every region and delight gardeners everywhere.  
    These tiny miracles inspire us to no end and encourage us to create beautiful gardens annually.  They encourage us to get up at the wee hours of the morning to experience beautiful sunrises, and while we sit anxiously to await their presence, we have the opportunity to appreciate every fine piece of nature along the way. 
    I know there are many like myself who are now counting down the days for the hummingbirds to return.  Do I  even dare suggest that the Ruby Throat & Rufous residents get even more excited about their return than all the others?  With even a more limited time to experience their presence the hype is pretty intense.  Could you imagine the excitement from a "bird" or "bloke"?

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