Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a great way to support local ecosystems and enjoy a vibrant, blooming garden. Here are some tips to attract and support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds:
Plant Selection
- Diverse Plant Varieties: Choose a variety of plants that flower at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source. Include native plants, as they are well-adapted to local pollinators.
- Single-Flower Tops: Opt for plants with single flowers (one row of petals) rather than double flowers, which can make it harder for pollinators to access nectar and pollen.
- Pollinator Favorites: Include plants known to attract pollinators, such as:
- Bees: Lavender, sunflowers, salvia, and borage.
- Butterflies: Milkweed, butterfly bush, and zinnias.
- Hummingbirds: Fuchsia, trumpet vine, and honeysuckle.
Garden Design
- Grouping Plants: Plant clusters of the same species together. This makes it easier for pollinators to find and feed on them.
- Layered Planting: Create a garden with layers of plants of different heights to provide shelter and feeding options at various levels.
Garden Care
- Avoid Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. If necessary, use organic or natural alternatives and apply them in the evening when pollinators are less active.
- Provide Water Sources: Offer shallow water sources, such as birdbaths with stones for landing or shallow dishes of water.
- Leave Some Natural Areas: Allow parts of your garden to remain a bit wild with leaf litter, logs, and undisturbed soil to provide nesting and overwintering sites.
Additional Features
- Install Bee Hotels: Provide nesting sites for solitary bees by installing bee hotels or leaving dead wood and stems in your garden. Checkout this bee pollinator sanctuary from Henri Studio. We have two of these in stock right here on location!
- The Bee Pollinator/Sanctuary is a true work of art that allows your garden to flourish by providing 100 varying-sized nesting holes for non-stinging bees and pollinators. Concrete construction provides longevity and an ideal temperature range for pollinators, while the heavy structure stays in place anywhere in the garden. Natural cork plugs at the rear make the holes a safe sanctuary for your garden’s winged friends. Just make sure to always face it southeast to east in the garden. For cleaning, a blast of water will provide easy clean out after newborn bees have emerged. (Source: Henri Studio)
- Create Butterfly Habitats: Include host plants for caterpillars, such as milkweed for monarchs, and create sunny, sheltered spots with flat stones for butterflies to bask.
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring and Fall Blooms: Ensure your garden has plants that bloom in early spring and late fall when food sources can be scarce.
- Winter Shelter: Leave dead plants standing over winter to offer shelter and food for overwintering pollinators.
By following these tips, you can create a thriving garden that not only enhances your outdoor space but also supports the essential work of pollinators. Contact our team if you have any questions.