Butterflies are attracted to unsavory foodstuffs, such as moist animal droppings, urine and rotting fruits.

Try putting out slices of overripe bananas, oranges and other fruits, or a sponge in a dish of lightly salted water to see which butterflies come to investigate.

Sea salt provides a broader range of micronutrients than regular table salt and is more desirable to use.

To make artificial nectar for the hummingbirds to enjoy, use four parts water to one part table sugar.

Never use artificial sweeteners, honey or fruit juices. Place something red on the feeder. Clean your feeder with hot soapy water at least twice a week to keep it free of mold.

Food coloring is not needed. Most hummingbird feeders have a red color somewhere on the feeder to help attract the hummingbirds and, if it doesn’t, add a little red yourself.

Hummingbirds are fascinating and dart around here and there. It is unreal how fast they actually are.

Put forth a little effort to attract these little guys and you will be well rewarded.<br clear=left>

You should consider adding magnolias to your backyard landscape.

Why?

They are easy to grow and relatively pest free. Most have large showy flowers and attractive large leaves. Many are evergreen and attractive year round.

There are many great shrub-sized magnolias for the smaller garden. Check with your local garden center to find magnolias and to find the best time to plant in your area.

As a rule of thumb, it is best to plant in the early spring in the  northern areas  and in the fall in the southern areas.