Why Attract Pollinators?

Benefits of Pollinators

• Increased Crop Yields: Pollinators help fertilize plants, leading to higher fruit and vegetable yields.
• Biodiversity: A diverse range of pollinators supports a healthy ecosystem.
• Environmental Health: Pollinators contribute to the health of the environment by helping plants reproduce.

Best Plants for Bees

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a favorite among bees due to its fragrant flowers and long blooming season.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and provides nectar-rich flowers.
• Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for best results.

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Bee balm attracts bees with its tubular flowers and vibrant colors.

• Benefits: Blooms in mid to late summer, offering a late-season food source.
• Planting Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers provide abundant pollen and nectar for bees.

• Benefits: Tall, striking plants that are easy to grow.
• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.

Best Plants for Butterflies

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)

Butterfly bush is known for its ability to attract butterflies with its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.

• Benefits: Long blooming period from summer to fall.
• Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and full sun.

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is crucial for monarch butterflies, providing food for caterpillars and nectar for adults.

• Benefits: Supports the entire life cycle of monarchs.
• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.

Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

Coneflowers attract butterflies with their large, daisy-like flowers.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant and long-blooming.
• Planting Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Best Plants for Hummingbirds

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine produces large, tubular flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds.

• Benefits: Vigorous growth and a prolific bloomer.
• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a favorite of hummingbirds due to its bright, tubular flowers.

• Benefits: Blooms from spring to fall, providing a consistent food source.
• Planting Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

Fuchsia’s hanging, bell-shaped flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.

• Benefits: Suitable for containers and hanging baskets.
• Planting Tips: Thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Best Plants for General Pollinators

Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)

Zinnias attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Benefits: Easy to grow and blooms all summer.
• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds attract pollinators with their bright colors and strong scent.

• Benefits: Pest-resistant and easy to grow.
• Planting Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Cosmos (Cosmos spp.)

Cosmos are loved by many pollinators for their open, daisy-like flowers.

• Benefits: Long blooming season and easy to grow.
• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Diverse Planting

Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times to provide a continuous food source for pollinators.

Native Plants

Incorporate native plants, which are well-adapted to your local environment and more attractive to local pollinators.

Avoid Pesticides

Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides, which can harm pollinators.

Provide Water Sources

Create shallow water sources, like birdbaths or shallow dishes with pebbles, for pollinators to drink from.

Shelter and Habitat

Provide habitats for pollinators, such as bee houses, butterfly houses, and dense plantings for shelter.

Conclusion

Attracting pollinators to your garden enhances plant health and biodiversity. By incorporating a variety of plants such as lavender, bee balm, butterfly bush, milkweed, and trumpet vine, you can create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden. Implement diverse planting, use native species, and provide necessary resources to support a thriving pollinator population.