Nehrling Gardens
Attracting Birds and Butterflies to our Gardens
Nehrling Gardens representative Teresa Schretzmann-Myers spoke in February to Orlando Garden Club members on attracting birds to our yards and feeding them. Nehrling Gardens is the 6 acres that remains of Dr. Nehrling’s homestead and gardens. Dr. Henry Nehrling purchased 65 acres in the 1800s near the town of Gotha. As a Florida pioneer horticulturist, he developed 25 acres into a tropical garden. Today the Henry Nehrling Society cares for the property, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Bird Feeder Care
Clean your bird feeder with vinegar before refilling to prevent spread of disease. Teresa recommends Sky Café bird feeder to thwart squirrels. If not replacing your feeder, add Fiery Feast seed which has hot pepper in it to foil the squirrels. There is also a Suet with hot pepper to keep squirrels away.
She encourages a ‘puddling area’ of water for bees and butterflies in a quiet sheltered corner of your yard. Cut back your butterfly weed regularly to prevent the spread of diseases butterflies leave behind. It is good for the plant as well.
Some Flowers that Attract Butterflies
- Jatropha Integerrima (Coral Plant)
- Buddleia Davidii Buzz (Butterfly Bush)
- Cestrum (Orange Zest)
- Verbena
- Liatris Spicata (Blazing Stars)
- Seudogenoxys Henopodioides (Mexican Flame Vine)
Feeding Hummingbirds
To feed hummingbirds mix one cup of sugar and 4 cups of water until dissolved. Clean the feeder with bleach between fillings and let dry. Store any spare sugar water in the fridge. Do not add food coloring.
Resources:
Fresh Food and Clean Birdbath Essential
Plant Sources for Cover, Food, Habitat:
- Florida Association of Native Nurseries
- fann.org
- Wildflower Seed and Plant Growers Association Inc. Seed 99% pure seed, no fillers. floridawildflowers.org, Email: businessmanager@floridawildflowers.org.
- FNGLA Free Nursery and Plant Directory, Wholesale and Retail: plantant.comv Fresh Birdseed, Bird Feeders, Stations, Birdbaths Fully Washable
Wild Birds Unlimited, 8015 Turkey Lake Road, Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32819.