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Pollinator gardens are one of the largest trends in gardening. Many garden centres and nurseries have sections dedicated specifically to pollinator-friendly plants. There are even seed kits available to start your own pollinator garden.
If you’ve found yourself wondering what this trend is all about and why it is necessary, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s blog we explain the benefits of planting a pollinator garden. We also set you on the path to creating your very own in five easy steps. So grab your gardening tools and let’s dig in!
Did you know?
Many of the foods that we eat are all possible because of pollinators. They truly are the workhorse of the garden.
What is a pollinator garden?
A pollinator garden helps butterflies, bees, etc. transfer and collect pollen. Its goal is to support insect populations. These populations have suffered from a loss of habitat. They have also been impacted by harmful chemicals and invasive species.
Why plant a pollinator-friendly garden?
The population of bees and other pollinators has declined. Pollinators are an essential part of the ecosystem. They are also a major part of the home garden. They help to pollinate our crops and some help to prevent pest pressure.
As a society, we need pollinators to survive. Over ¾ of plants on earth are pollinated by bees and insects. Also, ⅓ of the world’s food supply relies on the work of pollinators. Many of the animals on our planet rely on insects as a food source. A decline in their food source also impacts our food sources. So, although they may be tiny, these workhorses of the garden determine our very survival.
Can just one home gardener make a difference in saving pollinators?
Yes, even planting one native plant or perennial in your garden can make a world of difference. You can even help by making your yard a refuge for bees and other insects or a safe nesting site.
What are some of the benefits of planting a pollinator-friendly garden?
Supporting the local bee population
By planting pollinator-friendly plants, you will help to save the bee population. Your garden will become a place where bees love to hang out and find refuge.
Add colour to your yard
Adding pollinator-friendly plants to your yard will not only help the insect population, but it will also add colour to your yard. Many pollinator-friendly plants have stunning flowers making for a beautiful display.
Great learning opportunity for children
Planting a pollinator garden with your children is a great way to teach them about biodiversity and ecosystems. It’s also a great way to get them involved in gardening at a young age.
Planting a butterfly garden
One of the main sources of food for butterflies is nectar. They are attracted to areas of the garden that are unkept and left in their natural wild state. Butterflies rely on a few basic sources to survive. They need a place to lay their eggs and nectar to eat. They also need a source of water and shelter.
Planting for monarch butterflies
The monarch butterfly, which is steadily in decline, loves milkweed. The leaves of the plant are where they can lay their eggs and it provides food to hungry young caterpillars. Milkweed has unfortunately declined with the use of harmful pesticides. This decline has greatly impacted the population of butterflies.
Good news!
There is some good news though. You can help the monarch butterfly population by adding milkweed to your garden. You can also help butterflies by adding flowers that are rich in nectar. Some examples are yarrow, lilacs, phlox, butterfly bushes, daisies, zinnias, asters, or coneflowers.
Plants that attract bees
Just like butterflies, bees need your help too. Here is a list of our top 15 hardy annuals and perennials that you can plant to attract bees to your garden:
- Bee Balm
- Coneflower
- Snapdragons
- Hostas
- California poppies
- Black-eyed susan
- Lupines
- Chives
- Liatris
- Marigolds
- Nasturtium
- Peony
- Pansies
- Lantana
- Sunflowers
Pollinator garden design ideas
Now that you know why pollinator gardens are important, let’s talk about designs for your garden.
Create a native plant pollinator patch
Creating a native plant pollinator patch is a great way to mimic what bees and other insects find in nature. If you are stumped on what native plants to put in your patch, check with your local naturalist society. These individuals usually have a wealth of knowledge to share.
Plant for continuous seasonal blooms
When selecting plants for your pollinator garden, try to incorporate flowers that bloom during the spring, summer, and fall. This way you can provide a healthy sanctuary for pollinators no matter the season.
Group plants closer together
Bees and other insects do not instinctively know where to find food. They have to search for it. So, to help them out, you can plant in large groupings. Doing this will make your pollinator garden visible from the air. Planting in large groupings like garden borders also cuts down on the time that bees and other insects need to search for food.
Provide winter shelters and habitats
Over winter bees need a safe home where they can be protected. There are many DIY options for bees houses. There are also some natural alternatives. Old logs, brush piles, fallen leaves, and rock piles can serve as shelter for pollinators. They also serve as nesting places.
Use container gardening in small spaces
If you are tight on space, it doesn’t mean that you can’t plant a pollinator garden. Plant some pollinator-friendly annuals or perennials in containers and arrange them to attract bees and other insects.
Pollinator plants for full sun gardens
Here is a season-by-season list of our top pollinator-friendly plants for full sun gardens:
- Spring plants: Scabiosa, Lupines, Ninebark, tall phlox, lamb’s ear.
- Summer plants: Buddleia, foxgloves, bee balm, coneflowers, sunflowers.
- Fall plants: Russian sage, Autumn Joy Sedum, rudbeckia.
Pollinator plants for part sun gardens
Here is a season-by-season list of our top pollinator-friendly plants for part sun gardens:
- Spring plants: Larkspur, Columbine, Serviceberry, White Wild Indigo.
- Summer plants: Anise hyssop, Black-eyed susan, hairy beardtongue.
- Fall plants: Asters, Witch hazel, Purple coneflowers, Joe Pye Weed.
Final thoughts on planting a pollinator garden
Bees, butterflies, and all of their insect friends are beneficial when it comes to our food supply. With insect populations on the decline, we can all do our part to help these tiny creatures survive. If you’re interested in planting for pollinators, let today’s guide be your inspiration. Have a plant that works in your garden to attract pollinators? We’d love to hear all about it. Drop a comment below and let’s build a library together of pollinator-friendly plants!
