Garden in the Woods Hummingbird Guide
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Fresh nectar in a minute.
Every bag of NectarBloom™ funds the guides, the Hummingbird Trail, the lab testing, and the free care resources on this site. When you buy our nectar, you help us keep hummingbird education open, honest, and growing — for every bird lover, everywhere.
NectarBloom™ — 2 lb Bag
Fresh nectar in a minute.
No boiling, no dye. The same sugar hummingbird flowers make. One ingredient, nothing else. Makes up to 160 oz of fresh feeder nectar per bag.
- Fresh nectar in a minute: measure, stir until clear, and pour
- No boiling, no dye
- The same sugar hummingbird flowers make
- One ingredient, nothing else: 100% pure cane sugar
- Lab tested. Resealable 2 lb bag, sourced and packed in the USA
1 Bag · 2 lb
$21.99
Free shipping included
2 Bags · Season Supply
$39.88
Free shipping included
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“Your purchase isn’t just nectar — it’s how we keep this hummingbird care library free, accurate, and growing.”
Thank you for flying with us
Overview
Garden in the Woods is the crown jewel of New England's native plant gardens — the largest landscaped collection of wildflowers in New England, containing more than 1,700 kinds of plants representing approximately 1,000 species, including over 200 rare and endangered native species. Founded in 1931 by self-taught botanist Will C. Curtis on 45 glacially sculpted acres in north Framingham, it is now the headquarters of Native Plant Trust. Because all plantings are native species maintained organically, the garden functions as a genuine wildlife sanctuary confirming regular ruby-throated hummingbird visits throughout summer and fall migration.
Hummingbirds to Watch For
- • Ruby-throated
Most Common Hummingbird
The most commonly sighted hummingbird at Garden in the Woods is the Ruby-throated.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit during April, July, August, September, October for the highest chance of hummingbird sightings. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most active feeding times.
Plants and Habitat
- • Cardinal flower (*Lobelia cardinalis*) — abundant throughout moist areas
- • Great blue lobelia (*Lobelia siphilitica*) — plentiful in wet areas; documented hummingbird plant
- • Bee balm / Scarlet bee balm (*Monarda didyma*) — throughout the garden
- • Wild columbine (*Aquilegia canadensis*) — spring-blooming in woodland areas
- • Trumpet honeysuckle (*Lonicera sempervirens*) — vine collections
- • Pink turtlehead (*Chelone lyonii*) — late-season bloomer in wet areas
NectarBloom Tip
The main path is a mile-long loop requiring 60–90 minutes; go slowly along the pond and brook sections in late July through September for the best hummingbird encounters at the cardinal flower and lobelia patches. Native Plant Trust also sells native plants at the Garden Shop — the best place in New England to buy hummingbird-garden plants directly vetted by botanical experts. Check the Native Plant Highlights Board on the website before visiting to see what's currently blooming.
Visitor Notes
Admission required. Open mid-April through mid-October only. Native plant shop on-site. ADA-accessible loop trail; some sections may be uneven. Photography encouraged.
Reviews and Sightings
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