Benefits of creating a pollinator garden

Whether your flower beds are brimming full of beautiful plants or they only have a few bushes, you should consider and plan for the importance that pollinators have in your landscape. At the core, pollination is “the transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower or plant to allow fertilization.” One way of ensuring — no matter the size of your landscape — that your flowering bushes, shrubs and vegetables will have what they need is to consider including more perennials and annuals that attract pollinators to your landscape.

INCLUDE A SMALL WATER SPOT

Everything loves having a source of water, including pollinators. This does not need to be a large pond or water feature — or even a “bird bath.” Avoid standing water which can attract bacteria. Include bird, bat and bee houses in your landscape.

CREATE A 'RESTING' PLACE AND FEED THEM

Whether creating a “bee hotel” – or hives — or a pile of brush, this will assure there are ample locations for them to rest during down time. It is important to ensure that your garden contains some form of compost or organic material. This is important to making sure that all plants get the necessary nutrients.

CONSIDER PLANT HEIGHT, COLOR AND FLOWER SHAPE

If you are attempting to attract a range of pollinators be sure to mix things up a bit so that there is something among your pollination “buffet” for everything you might be attempting to attract. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to a range of colors and pleasant smells so choose plants with blooms all season.

CONSIDER YOUR PLANT CHOICES

When choosing plants that will attract a range of "pollinators" to your garden, there are many options. A few common perennials on many lists include lavender, Clematis, Catmint, Coneflower, Allium, Bee Balm, Sage and Coreopsis. These perennials are avaiable in many varieties. You will want to consider whether you are planting in a spot that gets shade or sun and your plant hardiness zone.

– Graceful Living staff