Let’s talk about the birds, bees, and butterflies—and how to help them out with your garden
Your pollinator garden thrives best in full sun where butterflies and bees love to bask, so choose the sunniest spot available for planting.
Native plants naturally attract local pollinators to your garden and grow easily since they're already adapted to your area's climate and soil conditions.
Planting milkweed helps monarch butterflies, which have declined by 90% since the 1990s, as caterpillars feed exclusively on it for survival.
Hiring a local garden designing professional helps you create a thriving pollinator habitat with native plant selection and proper garden layout for lasting results.
Our winged pollinator friends carry a lot of weight when it comes to the environment. With climate change, dwindling habitats, and the ever-present use of chemical pesticides, they need all the help they can get. It might not seem like much, but building your own pollinator garden can make a big difference for these crucial creatures. Here’s how to turn your garden into a pollinator conservation haven.
As with any garden, the importance of location simply can’t be overstated. Butterflies and other pollinators love to bask in the sunshine, and many of their favorite flowers thrive in full sun. Choose the sunniest spot available to make your garden a favored hangout for these critters. If you’re planting pollinator-friendly trees, be sure to plant these far enough away where their shade won’t block your plants.
Along with the amount of sunlight, soil type is one of the most important factors to consider when planning out your pollinator garden. It’s a good idea to have a local soil testing service assess your soil type, including:
Composition (clay soils vs. sandy soils)
Soil pH levels
Natural nutrient availability
Once you have more information, it’s best to work with what you’ve got rather than trying to supplement with chemical fertilizers. Use organic compounds like mulch and compost to naturally enrich the soil.
It's essential to prepare the earth before you get your plants in the ground. Pull up any weeds and stray plants by the roots (especially invasive species). Then, till the soil and add a layer of mulch or organic compost for a nutrient-rich base.
Planting what’s native to your region will naturally attract native bees and local pollinators to your garden. They’ll also be easier to grow since they’re naturally adapted to your area’s climate and conditions. Look for organic seeds and organically-grown native plants from your local nursery. To learn more about which plants are native to your area, contact your state university’s extension office for fact sheets on local plant life.
Pollinators need water, and not having enough can hurt them—especially during a drought. Add some type of water feature to your pollinator garden, such as a fountain or a birdbath. As a bonus, these make beautiful decorative elements amongst your plants and flowers.
Pollinators love a densely-packed habitat that’s filled with their favorite fragrant, delicious plants. Rather than spacing out what you plant, group everything in clusters to create the perfect pollinator hangout spot. Be sure to account for the plant’s full size and follow spacing recommendations on seed packets.
Fresh herbs don’t just take your sauces and soups to the next level. They’re pollinator-friendly plants and can make a delicious snack or host for breeding. Plus, if you’re growing vegetables, pollinators help your garden. Keep in mind that most mint plants (excluding hyssop) will grow like crazy and are best left in containers.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, the monarch butterfly population has declined by about 90% since the 1990s. These beautiful (and extremely important) pollinators are losing their habitats fast. They’re also having to migrate farther distances during the colder winter months.
Planting milkweed is the single best thing you can do to help these striped-and-spotted creatures. Monarch caterpillars exclusively munch on milkweed, and it’s the favored plant for adults to lay their eggs. Once they grow their brilliant orange wings, monarch butterflies feed on milkweed and several other blossoms. Many local wildlife organizations will send native milkweed seeds for free, so it’s a low-cost—and highly worthwhile—addition to any pollinator garden.
If hungry deer and other pests won’t stop munching in your garden, do anything but resort to chemical deterrents and pesticides. These can harm and even kill pollinators. Consider using fences to keep out those furry dine-and-dashers. For slugs and snails, use crushed eggshells to cover the soil.
The easiest way to keep up with maintenance is to design a garden you truly love. Include the bright, fragrant, and delicious plants that pollinators relish, but create an aesthetic that makes you excited to hit don your gardening hat and hit the dirt. Once it’s turned into a blossoming garden buzzing with happy pollinators, you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work.
Custom Paint Jobs LLC made our home feel like a piece of art. Thank you for your creativity!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWindow Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioFirst of all, the gentleman I dealt with (Cam?) was very responsive to my many questions and concerns throughout the project, which is a huge plus to me. From the first time I met him for the estimate all the way til the completion of the job, he and his crew were professional and respectful....
All Star Paving and SealingWe had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesJeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
Another great success for me on home advisor. This company did an awesome job on my landscaping and stayed within my budget. The best part, the work was complete within 2 days of my initial request. Professional and responsive. I highly recommend!
Blue Ring Residential Services, LLCThe company no showed on me twice. The 2nd time was no call no show. They were responsive to set up the first appointment to perform the "landscape cleanup". 3 hours after their initial scheduled appointment time they called me to let me know they had some "problem" with the truck and their...
Ruby Home and Hauling ServicesReceived ideas for future landscape plans...quote to do the work seemed a bit high but I did not have any other quotes to compare it to, so perhaps that is the going rates. <br />
Landscapes By Terra, IncAll around they have done a really great job. <br /> I have used JL Landscapes for the past 8 years. I own and operate my own commercial/residential real estate company where we own, operate, and maintain our own properties. JL Landscapes has been our exclusive landscaper for both our...
J.L. LandscapesBought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer LandscapingFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Do you desire a gorgeous garden of flowers in time for spring? Bees can help! Learn the best flowers for bees and how to maintain a safe environment for them.
It's not just about flowering borders. Support bees by planting shrubs and trees for pollinators that will keep them coming back to your yard.
Growing a veggie garden is hard work, but pollinators can make the load lighter for you. Learn the benefits of common pollinators in your vegetable garden.
Honeybees and other pollinators have a positive impact on the fruits, vegetables, and flowers in your garden. Here’s how bees benefit your yard.
Make your backyard a paradise with new ideas that can add privacy and fulfill your backyard dreams. Read on for landscaping inspirations, large and small.
Learn everything you need to know about growing vegetables in a backyard greenhouse, such as optimal temperatures, grow lamps, and how to stimulate pollination.
