coopah

Yesterday I checked the feeder for mold. It had mold growing on the yellow flowers inside the feeder! Those flowers have little places where the mold is dificultnto get out. I used a white pen to show where the openigs are and hope that's enough. Soaking the flowers in vinegar, but will need to remove the mold with a toothpick. Time to go to the local nursery and see what I can grow in pots.

Aurora

I had a hot pink Easter Cactus blooming in my bay window and noticed a flash of color outside, it was a hummingbird trying to get to my cactus. I think it finally realized it was impossible and flew away.

sherry mcd

I didn't know sugar could not be fresh. How does that happen?

Garden Gnome

A bag of sugar will keep for years. When it is mixed with water, it can grow mold. The water around here has so much calcium, that if I boil the water, then dissolve the sugar in it, the calcium comes "out of solution" in a day or so and turns the water cloudy. This makes the nectar look "bad" way before it goes bad. So I don't boil the water, just mix the sugar with hot water. Works fine, and doesn't cloud up.
You can soak the feeder in bleach water, then use an old toothbrush to scrub the flowers and other parts that attract mold. I am finding a lot of feeders can't be taken apart, to clean thoroughly. Grr! I think Perky Pet brand is one that allows you to take them apart for cleaning. And some replacement parts are offered.