In recent years, bees and other pollinators have run into a problem.
They’re dying.
Habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and increased use of pesticides have all been cited as causes.
I have found myself worried. I don’t need science to tell me what I have seen with my own eyes.
There are less bees in my garden. There are less butterflies, too.
I knew I needed to do something and although my little garden is small, I decided it would be a pollinator-haven.
If you too long to create a pollinator-friendly space, you’re in the right place!
In this post I’ll give some pointers and techniques for making a bee-safe garden that will draw beneficial pollinators and give them the materials they need to survive.
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Where to begin when planning a pollinator-friendly garden
Don’t be discouraged by space limitations when thinking about creating a pollinator haven. Most of us do not have acres of land to dedicate.
Sometimes we need to think outside the box to meet our goals!
Planting native plants around tree bases, in containers, and available flower beds are all ways that we can assist pollinators and their survival.
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden starts with understanding what they need
When designing a pollinator-friendly landscape, it’s important to think like a pollinator! What plants are they attracted to? What kinds of water sources and shelter do they need?
You should choose plants that generate nectar and pollen, such as wildflowers and native plants, to entice bees and butterflies.
To give more nectar sources, you can also plant a variety of flowering trees and bushes. Water sources must also be made available for these insects. Birdbaths, misters, and shallow dishes with stones can all be used to do this.
Finally, pollinators require protection from harsh weather conditions and predators. You can do this by constructing nesting areas for beneficial insects and installing bee boxes and butterfly houses.
You can provide a welcoming and nurturing habitat for these significant species in your garden by being aware of their requirements and learning how to draw them in.
The best plants for attracting pollinators
More than just a fundamental understanding of what bees enjoy is needed to create a pollinator-friendly garden. The secret to establishing the ideal sanctuary for pollinators is understanding which plants they prefer.
The best approach to encourage bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden is to use a diversity of flowering native plants. Not sure which plants those are? There are many resources that can point you in the right direction!
Choose flowers with flat faces, numerous, shallow-petalled petals, and plenty of nectar, and pollen to produce a bee-friendly atmosphere. Look for flat, open, vibrantly colored flowers with short tubes that enable butterflies to reach the nectar if you want to attract them.
To attract both bees and butterflies, a mixture of native wildflowers and other plants, such as clover, cosmos, and snapdragons, is a terrific idea.
Lavender, mint, and oregano are wonderful pollinator-friendly herbs.
Herbs typically have tiny blossoms, but bees and butterflies find them to be quite alluring. Growing a variety of herbs will enhance your cooking’s flavor while also making a welcoming environment for pollinators!
Don’t forget about trees and shrubs, either!
For the greatest results, try growing organic peach trees, pear trees, , and apple. Shrubs such as blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry are all excellent choices as well.
Your local pollinators will remain healthy and happy if you carefully choose the ideal mixture of flowering plants, herbs, trees, and shrubs to put in your pollinator-friendly garden.
Tips and tricks for creating a pollinator-friendly garden
So, you’re up for the challenge of creating a pollinator-friendly garden, now what? Below you will find some helpful suggestions to help you reach your goal:
1. Plant plants that bloom throughout the growing season. Native plants are best for attracting pollinators because they provide the resources that local pollinators need to survive.
2. Design your garden in layers with tall fruit trees, low shrubs such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The variety of plants will help provide different environments for attracting pollinators.
3. Plant flowers in groups instead of single specimens to attract more pollinators. I like planting bulbs and perennials in odd-numbered groups such as 3, 5, or 7. For annuals, I will create a grouping and then accentuate that group with a taller or shorter growing plant.
4. Use plants that are known to be attractive to pollinators like growing lavender, cosmos, snapdragons, sunflowers, bachelor buttons, and coneflowers.
5. Add something like these water features such as a birdbath or a small water fountain for pollinators to drink from.
6. Avoid using chemical pesticides or herbicides in your garden. If you do choose to spray, make sure to do so in the early morning before pollinators are active.
7. Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide shelter for wildlife like birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
8. Make sure your garden gets at least six hours of sunlight per day to provide enough energy for pollinators to feed on nectar and pollen.
9. Provide nesting sites for bees by leaving some bare patches of soil in your garden or adding bee boxes to your landscape.
10. Leave beneficial weeds such as dandelions, clover, and purple deadnettle in place. These are some of the earliest food sources for pollinators like bees.
By following these tips and tricks, not only will you provide beauty in your yard, you will be helping bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects thrive.
The benefits of having a pollinator-friendly garden
Several advantages for both us and the environment come from pollinator-friendly gardens.
By supplying food and shelter, it aids in the support of pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.
An ecosystem’s health depends on pollinators, so plants in pollinator-friendly gardens are picked expressly to draw them in.
You may make your surroundings nicer and healthier for both you and the wildlife in your area by planting a pollinator-friendly garden.
Planting flowers and other plants that will attract pollinators will help enhance your crops’ production because many fruits and vegetables depend on pollinators for healthy growth.
Additionally, pollinator-friendly landscapes provide aesthetic appeal and pleasure. Joy and peace can be found in gardens with a variety of brilliant hues and the buzz of bees.
Not only is it good for the environment, but planting a garden that attracts pollinators is a fun way to spend time outside.
Final Thoughts
Planting native flowers to ensure the success of pollinators in your region is a worthwhile endeavor for homeowners and gardeners alike.
Not only will it feel good knowing that you are contributing to the health of the species of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators but you will create a beautiful garden to enjoy all season long.
Let us know in the comments below which region you live in and what you plan on planting this season!
As always, Happy Growing!
