High Country Gardens sponsors International Hummingbird Society debut program

High Country Gardens, an e-commerce retailer, is sponsoring the International Hummingbird Society’s newly launched Certified Hummingbird Haven Program.

The program invites gardeners to transform their outdoor spaces into certified havens that support both local and migratory hummingbirds through eco-conscious practices.

“The Certified Hummingbird Haven Program empowers individuals to create vibrant ecosystems that provide food, water and sanctuary for hummingbirds,” said Tabar Gifford, partnership cultivator at High Country Gardens. “It’s a wonderfully meaningful opportunity for gardeners to contribute to wildlife conservation while beautifying their landscapes.”

High Country Gardens, which has partnered with the International Hummingbird Society since 1998, has a catalog of water-wise pollinator-friendly plants that naturally attract hummingbirds. The International Hummingbird Society focuses on habitat protection and education. Their partnership focuses on hummingbird conservation, education, sustainability, biodiversity sustainable gardening.

“We developed this program because we want to offer extra encouragement to hummingbird enthusiasts to take the plunge and transform their yards into mini eco-reserves that will benefit hummingbirds and other wildlife and provide a tranquil space for humans to take a break from our modern world," said International Hummingbird Society Executive Director Alice Madar. "High Country Gardens has long shared our vision, and we are thrilled that they are partnering with us in this effort.”

Hummingbirds face significant threats, including habitat loss through urbanization and deforestation and climate change disrupting their migration and feeding patterns.

“As a result of their unique but inefficient means of flight, they must consume enormous amounts of food each day, with nectar often amounting to 100 to 200% of their body weight," the International Hummingbird Society said.

To get nectar, hummingbirds seek flowers by sight, rather than scent, and they are most often attracted to vivid colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, blue and purple. Hummingbird favorites include Agastache (hyssop or hummingbird mint,) Penstemon (beardtongue), Salvia (sage), Zauschneria (hummingbird trumpet) and Lonicera (honeysuckle vine). They also eat tiny insects and spiders. 

“We believe that establishing home garden spaces for hummingbirds is one of the best ways we can support our North American hummingbird population and inspire a deeper connection with nature," Madar said. “A certified Hummingbird Haven provides not just food, but shelter, safety, and nesting opportunities.”

To become a Certified Hummingbird Haven, gardens must meet the following criteria:

• Food: Grow nectar-rich plants and consider adding feeders to supplement the birds’ diets.
• Eco-friendly practices: Avoid using pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers.
• Water: Provide a natural water source, such as a shallow pool or water feature.
• Sanctuary: Offer resting and nesting spaces by growing trees and shrubs, while keeping cats and other hunters indoors so the outdoor space is safe for hummingbirds.

Registered participants receive a personalized certificate and a subscription to an e-newsletter with gardening tips. Certified Hummingbird Haven signs are available to display in gardens.

To certify a garden, visit hummingbirdsociety.org/certified-garden.