Planting a Pollinator Garden

• Focus on plants native to your area when possible. Not only are native plants already naturally adapted to your environment, they also are four-times more likely to attract pollinators than non-native varieties. Native varieties also tend to provide better nutrition and produce more nectar for pollinators as they have adapted together side-by-side to rely on each others resources.

• Plant in clusters to help pollinators find your flowers. With perennials and annuals, single-variety flower patches are best. Another great method is to save one space in your garden for a large cluster of wildflowers (do not spread them out).

• Pollinators prefer simple, open faced varieties with large center access. This not only makes it easier to find the pollen, but also provides a place to land and settle. Flowers such as zinnias, cosmos, and asters provide this perfect perch. (Double blooms are nearly impossible for honeybees to get nectar and pollen from.)

• Plant flowering herbs. Thyme, basil, oregano, mint, lavender, chives, and winter savory are especially popular with mason bees and honeybees. Plus, they have a wonderful dual purpose for culinary uses!

• Plant a bee lawn. Low-growing thyme, wild strawberry, white clover, and sedums are excellent choices.

• Plant cover crops and let them flower. Not only do they improve the soil, they are highly attractive to honeybees. Vetch, clover, phacelia, buckwheat, and mustards produce abundant amounts of nectar.

• Allow a "natural" or "wild" pollinator-friendly space to occupy a corner of your yard. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to bee balm, salvia, fuchsia (including Bleeding-Heart), spirea, columbine, and phlox.

• Provide clean water. Bees prefer warm water, so place a birdbath, small watering station, or pond in a sunny area. Make sure to include a landing pad for the bees and butterflies to prevent drowning: a rock, water plants, floating sticks, or a sloping shoreline for them to drink from.

• Protect pollinators from pesticides and herbicides. Find organic, non-toxic alternatives to killing weeds and pests. Beneficial nematodes, ladybugs, mantids, essential oil sprays, and companion planting are all good methods.