How to Build a Pollinator Garden

Pollinators are declining. A garden provides food and habitat while giving beautiful low-maintenance blooms.

Location

Full sun (6+ hours). Sheltered from wind. Even 4x4 feet helps.

Plants

Choose native. Contact cooperative extension. Continuous bloom spring through fall. Variety of flower shapes.

Spring:

Crocus, Virginia bluebells, columbine, native phlox.

Summer:

Coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, milkweed (only monarch host), lavender, sunflowers.

Fall:

Asters, goldenrod, native sedums.

Layout

Groups of 3-5 same species. Vary heights. Leave bare ground for ground-nesting bees.

Maintenance

No pesticides. Leave seed heads through winter. Cut back late spring after 50F. Let it be wild. Shallow dish with pebbles for water source.

Costs little, less maintenance than lawn, genuine beauty.