Create A Pollinator Garden: How, Why and What to Grow

As habitat loss, climate change, and the use of pesticides threaten these essential creatures, a pollinator-friendly garden can provide a safe haven and a thriving ecosystem. 

In this guide, we'll delve into the "how," "why," and "what" of creating a pollinator garden, and explore the vital role these gardens play in supporting local ecosystems, agriculture, and the world's food supply.

1. The Importance of Pollinators

Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects, play a crucial role in the environment. They facilitate the reproduction of flowering plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another, allowing them to produce fruits and seeds. 

Here's why they are essential:

Crop Yields

Pollinators are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the world's food crops, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Diversity of Plants

Pollinators help maintain the diversity of plants by enabling cross-pollination, which results in the creation of new plant varieties.

Larger Blooms

When plants are effectively pollinated, they produce larger, more abundant blooms, and yields.

Environmental Contaminants

Their presence and behavior can reveal the impact of environmental contaminants on ecosystems.

Valuable Habitat

Pollinator gardens provide valuable habitat for a variety of species, including small mammals, insects, and even some birds.

2. How to Create a Pollinator Garden

Choose the Right Location

Sunlight: Most pollinator-friendly plants thrive in full sun, so select a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Water Source: Pollinators need a source of fresh water. Consider adding a birdbath or a shallow dish with pebbles for them to land on and drink from.

Pick the Right Plants

Native Species: Native plants attract local pollinators, as they have evolved alongside native insects and provide the most suitable nectar and pollen sources.

Pollinator-Friendly Flowers: Choose a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to ensure that there is a continuous supply of food for pollinators.

Host Plants: Certain plants perfect for pollinators to live on. Monarch caterpillars, for example, depend on milkweed as a host plant.

Avoid Invasive Plants:Steer clear of non-native plants that could potentially outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems.

Hollow Stems: Leave some hollow stems in your garden, as they provide nesting sites for solitary bees and other insects.

Leaf Litter: Allow a layer of leaf litter to accumulate in your garden, providing shelter for insects during the winter.

Native Trees: Plant native trees that offer both food and shelter to pollinators.

Pest and Disease Control

Natural Pest Control: Encourage natural pest control by allowing predators like ladybugs and beneficial insects to thrive in your garden.

Organic Natural Pesticides: There are many organic natural pesticide recipes that you can use to control diseases and pests in your garden while keeping your garden chemical free.

3. Grow The Right Plants At The Right Time

1) Early Spring Bloomers

Crocus (Crocus spp.)
These early bloomers provide valuable nectar for pollinators emerging from winter hibernation.

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.)
Snowdrops offer an essential source of nectar for early pollinators.

2) Late Spring and Early Summer Flowers:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender's aromatic blooms attract a variety of pollinators.

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee balm, also known as Monarda or bergamot, is a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvias offer a long blooming period and are excellent for attracting all types of bees.

Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemons are native wildflowers that attract hummingbirds and bees.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Asclepias species, including butterfly weed, are host plants for monarch butterflies.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.)
These bright yellow flowers are highly attractive to pollinators.

3) Mid-Summer to Early Fall Blossoms:

Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers come in various colors and attract butterflies and bees.

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies, whose populations have been declining.

Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
Sunflowers provide abundant pollen and nectar and are especially attractive to bees.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, offers a profusion of daisy-like blooms.

4) Late Summer and Early Fall Flowers:

Asters (Aster spp.)
Asters are late-season bloomers that provide nectar for migrating butterflies.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod doesn't cause allergies and is a valuable late-season food source for pollinators.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)
Joe-Pye weed is a tall perennial that attracts a variety of pollinators.

Sedum (Hylotelephium spp.)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, provide late-season nectar for bees and butterflies.

5) Year-Round Interest and Habitat Plants

Liatris (Liatris spp.)
Liatris, or blazing star, provides vertical interest and attracts butterflies.

Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena blooms continuously and is a favorite of many pollinators.

Native Grasses
Consider planting native grasses like switchgrass and little bluestem to provide shelter and nesting sites.

Hollow-Stemmed Plants
Plants with hollow stems, such as elderberry and sumac, offer nesting opportunities for native bees.

6) Native Trees and Shrubs
Include native trees and shrubs like dogwood, serviceberry, and elderberry to provide habitat and food for pollinators.

Final Thoughts

By providing a safe place for pollinators, we help combat the loss of habitat, protect local species, and ensure a more secure food supply for all!

So, roll up your sleeves, plant some pollinator-friendly flowers, and watch your garden come to life with the beauty of these important creatures.