Backyard Flower Ideas

Hummingbirds

• Take advantage of your backyard space to attract hummingbirds to the landscape by growing the plants they pollinate. Hummingbirds typically feed on the nectar of red, orange or pink flowers, so plant species such as bee balm to attract them. Other plants that attract hummingbirds include honeysuckle and butterfly weed. Put out some feeders in the backyard to make the area even more enticing. You can purchase commercial nectar products to place in the feeders.

Bees

• Your backyard can come to life with the buzz and excitement of honeybees flitting from blossom to blossom once you plant some of their favorite flowers. You also help increase your community's diversity of bees with a flower garden of bee-attracting plants. Select flowers native to your location that bees prefer. Avoid using chemical insecticides. Control harmful insects by natural means. Do not let worry about stings keep you from creating a bee garden -- foraging bees remain focused on feeding, not stinging humans

Vines

• To adorn any plain backyard structures such as wall, fence or gazebo, use climbing plants to create a flowering visual display. Flowering vines can also give your backyard more privacy by screening the area from neighbors. Species such as morning glory or trumpet vine make excellent choices for your backyard climbing garden, according to Ohio State University. Pay attention to how the vine clings to the surface. For instance, plants with suction-like anchors might damage wood or masonry.

Groundcovers

• Create a visually striking backyard by planting flowering groundcovers. You not only add to the beauty of your landscape, but also save yourself some time and effort in maintenance, as groundcovers usually require less attention than borders or islands. Choose attractive flowering species that will flourish in your climate. For example, the stonecrop flourishes in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 and 4. Plant the groundcover in the spring for best results, advises Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.