Home Landscapes with Pollinator Gardens

Gardeners have a wide array of plants to use in their gardens.
Native plants, plants introduced from years of plant exploration
from around the world, and plants developed by professional and
amateur breeders can be found in garden centers, in catalogs, and
on web-sites. Use your knowledge of pollinator needs to guide your
choices.

• Choose a variety of plants that will provide nectar and pollen
throughout the growing season.

• Resist the urge to have a totally manicured lawn and garden. Leave
bare ground for ground nesting bees. Leave areas of dead wood and
leaf litter for other insects.

• Strive to eliminate the use of all pesticides.

• Find local resources to help you in your efforts. Contact your local
county extension agent or native plant society. Visit your regional
botanic gardens and arboreta. The scale of your plantings will vary
but it is important to remember that you are trying to provide
connectivity to the landscape adjacent to your property. Don’t
just look within your property boundaries. If your neighbor’s
property provides an essential element, such as water, which can
be utilized by pollinators visiting your land, you may be able to
devote more space to habitat elements that are missing nearby.
It is best to use native plants which have evolved to support the needs
of specific native pollinators. Some pollinators, however, are generalists
and visit many different plants, both native and non-native. Be sure that
any non-native plants you choose to use are not invasive. Remember
that specialized cultivars sometimes aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers
that have been drastically altered, such as those that are double or
a completely different color than the wild species, often prevent
pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some
altered plants don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that
attract pollinators to the wild types.

• CAUTION: Take time to evaluate the source of your plant material.
You want to ensure you get plants that are healthy and correctly
identified. Your local native plant society can help you make informed
decisions when searching for plants.

“A garden is only as rich and beautiful as the integral health of the system;
pollinators are essential to the system - make your home their home.”
-- Derry MacBride National Affairs and legislation Chairwoman, garden club of America

Source: Pollinator Partnership