Pollinator Power

We rely on the hard work of pollinators every day for food, flowers, fabric, medicine, and more. Yet they need our help! Sadly, habitat loss, pesticide use and loss of native vegetation are diminishing their numbers rapidly.

Everything in nature is connected. If one part is out of balance, the effects can be far-reaching. If we all work together to make small changes in our own backyards, it will have a big impact and restore the balance we need to have a healthy ecosystem.

Pollinators can find pollen and nectar on a wide variety of plants including non-native plants. However, native plants offer special services that non-natives don’t. Their benefits to the environment are enormous. That is not to say you shouldn’t plant lilacs, peonies or whatever else makes you smile. Plant some for nature and some for your soul.

Milkweed (Asclepias), once commonly found in ditches and fields, has a sticky sap that is toxic to most animals. Monarchs have become immune to the toxins over the millennia and by doing so have become somewhat toxic themselves and less tasty to birds and other predators. The relationship is so interconnected that the only thing monarch caterpillars can eat is milkweed. Monarch butterflies will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants so the hungry caterpillars can eat and grow. That makes milkweed a “host plant” for monarchs. No milkweed plants, no more monarch butterflies.

As more and more people make a conscious effort to lighten their ecological footprint, the more popular native plants become. Native plants are already adapted to soil, climate and rainfall amounts and don’t need excessive amounts of fertilizers or pesticides to grow and thrive.

Oaks (Quercus), Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), sweetspire (Itea), summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), blueberry, and maple (Acer).

Goldenrod (Solidago), Aster, perennial sunflowers, Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum), black-eyed Susan, Coneflowers (echinacea) and many varieties of ornamental grasses.

There are so many more worthy choices. Let our expert staff help you select the best and look for special savings on our ‘Pollinator Palette’ collection every month.

While we commonly think of flowering shrubs and perennials as great choices for pollinators, there is one group that doesn’t get enough attention – native groundcovers!

Native groundcovers have become more and more popular with home gardeners in recent years. Whether you are reducing the size of your lawn in favor of low-growing plants that provide benefit to wildlife and pollinators or simply choosing to fill in garden borders with low maintenance plantings, groundcovers are a green and easy solution. Furthermore, expanses of mulch covered beds are like deserts to pollinators - with little to no food or shelter.

Replacing mulch with these low growing natives provides a big benefit to our pollinator population.

sedges (Carex), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), Phlox, foamflower (Tiarella), American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), and Gro-Low Sumac (Rhus aromatica).

With a few simple steps, you can make your existing garden or balcony more pollinator-friendly. By doing so, you’ll make it more bird-friendly too. There is no need to completely start over. Join our Pollinator Club to learn more about this fascinating topic and make your garden come alive.

Most plants thrive in full sun, and butterflies, bees and other pollinators are most active when their bodies are warm.

Feed birds, butterflies and other wildlife their natural diet by planting natives that deliver nectar, seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries.

Plant a selection of plants with staggered bloom times from early spring to late fall to provide food for pollinators all growing season long.

It’s easier for butterflies and other pollinators to locate nectar plants if you plant in groups of three or more.

You will be amazed at how much life water brings to a garden. Consider installing a water feature – a birdbath is helpful. A dish filled with pebbles and water is also a great way to provide water for butterflies and other pollinators.

Animals need a place to get out of inclement weather and to hide from predators. Nesting boxes, evergreen shrubs, and ornamental grasses provide shelter all year. A rock or brush pile in a quiet corner can also provide a safe haven.

Pesticides and other lawn chemicals can harm pollinators. Let our staff show you some of the many eco-friendly products available. If you must use chemicals, apply at the time of day when pollinators are least active.

Here at Homestead Gardens, we’re passionate about protecting the environment. We’re building a community of gardeners devoted to the preservation and protection of pollinators through education, exploration, and fun.

Everyone, of every age, every level of experience and every amount of space, is welcome to join. Bee a Hero – go to our website and sign up for the Pollinators Club today. Get inspired by fellow Pollinator Club members and share ideas on our HG Pollinator Club Facebook group.

Club members receive special savings each month on plants from our ‘Pollinator Palette’ collection. What better way to ensure you have flowering plants to provide pollen and nectar all season long! Our e-newsletter delivers timely gardening tips and inspiration directly to your inbox. Our monthly meetups are informative and fun. There will be in-depth seminars throughout the year on a variety of topics ranging from how to incorporate more native plants into your existing landscapes to information about the pollinators themselves. Join the HG Pollinator Club Facebook group to connect, share and learn from our staff and other members!

With their staggered bloom times, plant these perennials together in your garden for three seasons of color for you to enjoy and three seasons of nectar for the pollinators!

Attracts: Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds

Blooms: Summer

Exposure: Full Sun

Attracts: Butterflies, Birds

Blooms: Fall

Exposure: Full Sun

Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Blooms: Spring

Exposure: Part Sun to Full Shade