A City Garden Sanctuary

In the heart of Silicon Valley, where tech towers and urban buzz defined our days, my husband created something extraordinary: a stunning English garden in our small backyard. Roses, lavender, and foxgloves bloomed vibrantly, forming a sanctuary that muted the city’s chaos. It was our escape, a pocket of peace where hummingbirds, drawn by this simple nectar recipe, danced through the air. We named each one, charmed by their unique personalities, a tradition that began in that urban oasis and continues today.

A New Chapter in the Ozarks

Now, on our 22 acres in the Ozarks, we’re surrounded by nature’s wild embrace. The hummingbirds are still our cherished guests, and we’ve named three regulars: Judy, Nick, and Tony. Tony, who we imagine with a feisty Italian accent, is the resident bully, swooping in to chase Judy and Nick from the feeders with dramatic flair. But they’re all so friendly—each morning, as we sip coffee on the patio, they dart up, hovering inches from our faces, their wings buzzing like a cheerful “Buongiorno!” It’s a daily reminder of the magic these tiny creatures bring.

The Nectar Recipe That Started It All

The same nectar recipe we used in our Silicon Valley garden now fuels our Ozarks mornings. It’s simple, safe, and irresistible to hummingbirds. You don’t need to live in the country to bring the country charm to you. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• 1 part granulated sugar (organic preferable)
• 4 parts water

Directions

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let cool fully before filling your feeder.
4. Store extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips for Hummingbird Happiness

To keep your hummingbirds healthy and your feeder buzzing, follow these guidelines:

• Use a red glass feeder to attract more hummingbirds, as they’re drawn to red, and glass is durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean.
• Avoid artificial food coloring; it can harm hummingbirds. If you need a tint, a few drops of natural beet-based coloring from a health food store is safe.
• Don’t use honey (it ferments) or artificial sweeteners (they lack nutritional value).

Keep Your Feeder Fresh and Clean

Hummingbirds are picky about their nectar, and a dirty feeder can harm them. Here’s how to maintain it:

• Refresh the nectar every 3-5 days, or every 2 days in temperatures above 70°F. Cloudy or sour-smelling nectar means it’s time to change.
• Clean weekly:
  1. Rinse with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water.
  2. Scrub with a brush. For stubborn grime, add a few grains of dry rice to the vinegar mix for extra scrubbing power.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water three times before refilling with fresh nectar.

Peace Wherever You Are

This nectar recipe can bring the magic of hummingbirds to any corner of the world—whether it’s a city balcony, a suburban yard, or a rural retreat. Set up a feeder, watch these tiny wonders arrive, and let their buzzing wings bring a moment of serenity to your day.

Connect with Nature’s Charm

The Wise & Wild Way is about weaving nature’s magic into your life, no matter where you call home. Click here for this hummingbird nectar recipe and invite Judy, Nick, and Tony’s cousins to your backyard. Craving more ways to live close to the earth? For straight-talk and insights on nurturing your own world, sign up for my newsletter and dive into Sharise Uncut. Let’s attract, nurture, and live like the world’s buzzing with wonder—because it is.