Creating a Pollinator Paradise in Your Backyard

Pollinators are essential to our food system and ecosystem health. By creating a pollinator-friendly garden, you're not just beautifying your space—you're supporting crucial environmental services.

Key Principles

Plant Diversity

Include plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This ensures pollinators have food from spring through fall.

Native Plants First

Native pollinators have evolved alongside native plants. These plants provide the best nutrition and are easiest for pollinators to use.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides harm beneficial insects along with pests. Choose organic methods and embrace a few imperfect leaves as signs of a healthy ecosystem.

Provide Water

Add a shallow water source with rocks or sticks for landing platforms. Even a simple bird bath or shallow dish works perfectly.

Create Habitat

Leave some bare ground for ground-nesting bees. Provide brush piles and leave dead stems standing over winter for overwintering insects.

Recommended Plants

Consider including purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, wild columbine, and native salvias. These are all excellent pollinator plants that thrive in many zones.