Pollinator Gardens: A Haven for Nature’s Helpers
What are Pollinators and Why Are They Important?
Pollinators are insects and animals that help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. Without pollinators, many of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers would not exist. In fact, about one-third of the food we eat depends on pollinators.
Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden
One of the best ways to help pollinators is to create a pollinator garden. Pollinator gardens are designed to provide food, shelter, and water for these important creatures.
Choosing the Right Plants for Pollinators
When choosing plants for your pollinator garden, it is important to select a variety of species that bloom at different times of the year. This will ensure that there is always something in bloom for pollinators to visit.
Some of the best plants for pollinators include:
- Native wildflowers, such as mountain mint, bee balm, and purple coneflower
- Pollinator shrubs, such as abelia, butterfly bush, and lilac
- Fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and cherry trees
Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Habitat
In addition to planting the right plants, there are other things you can do to create a pollinator-friendly habitat in your garden. These include:
- Providing water sources, such as shallow dishes or birdbaths
- Leaving areas of bare soil or mulch for ground-nesting pollinators
- Avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides
- Allowing some plants to go to seed, which will provide food for birds and other wildlife
Benefits of Pollinator Gardens
Pollinator gardens are not only beneficial for pollinators, but they can also benefit your garden as a whole. Pollinators help to increase fruit and vegetable production, and they can also help to control pests.
Supporting Pollinator Conservation
Many pollinator species are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. By creating pollinator gardens, we can help to support these important creatures and ensure their survival.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in creating a pollinator garden, there are a few things you can do to get started:
- Contact your local extension office for a list of native plants that are good for pollinators in your area.
- Choose a sunny location for your garden, and make sure to plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year.
- Provide water sources and shelter for pollinators, and avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
- Be patient and enjoy watching the pollinators visit your garden!
