The writers of the Budget Ecoist know how to pinch a penny, but still lead an environmentally-friendly lifestyle, which is something we can undoubtedly relate to. Recently, they shared how you can attract bees and hummingbirds to your garden to help pollinate your plants and provide a much-appreciated entertainment value in the process.

Bees and hummingbirds are valuable visitors to your garden. Both can help to pollinate plants, and hummingbirds are fun to watch (if you can catch a glimpse!). They can also inspire great thoughts like, "If that bird can flap its wings that fast all the time, why is it I can't tread water for more than 20 minutes?"

OK, 5 minutes...

To attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other nectar-seeking creatures, consider planting bee balm, or dotted mint. The tubular flowers on the plant's rounded flower heads are a showy addition to flower gardens and borders, and the plant’s leaves and flowers can be made into tea. The plant is a perennial herb, meaning it will come back year after year.

The flowers of bee balm can be pink, red, or white; double-flowered forms are also available. Expect blooms from early to late summer. The plant grows to be 2-4 feet tall, depending on the variety. Plant in spring in an area of your yard that receives full sun to partial shade and has rich, well-drained soil. Some bee balm varieties can tolerate wet soil and will thrive along a waterway or in a bog garden.

Michigan Bulb Co. is offering a two-for-one deal on bee balm: just $5.99 each. Take advantage of this offer and invite the bees, hummingbirds and other winged creatures into your garden.

Bee-utiful!

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