Photo by John Duncan
Photo by David Clode
Benefits of Having a Pollinator Garden
Do butterflies or honeybees visit your garden regularly? Is your garden a hive of activity or does it just sit idle with few birds, bugs or other critters stopping by for a snack? Butterflies, bugs and bees do more than just look interesting. They are a vital part of life. They contribute to the reproduction of up to 95 percent of the world's plants.
However, pollinators (a more scientific name for butterflies, bugs and bees) are becoming a rare sight in gardens around the United States, due in large part to the widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers. What's more, home gardeners are planting fewer of the nectar-rich species that are necessary for pollinators to thrive.
Fortunately, you can help change the landscape for pollinators in the US by creating your own pollinator garden. Says Kelly Gill, pollinator conservation specialist for The Xerces Society, "Small plantings may seem insignificant to you, but if each yard devotes a small area to pollinators, your neighborhood will serve as a season-long buffet of nectar and pollen that supports a diversity of bees, butterflies, and other flower visitors".
What do you plant in your pollinator garden? The secret is to choose plants that are native to your area and pass on hybrids and imported varieties. Native plants are not only easier to grow without using pesticides, but they are the natural foods of the pollinators in your area. Be sure to plant things that will bloom during different times of the year, so that there will be food for your pollinators throughout the growing season. Vary the plants by size, shape, and color. Bees seem to like flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, and yellow. Butterflies are attracted to flowers that are red, yellow, orange, pink and purple. A sunny spot is best for a pollinator garden, since it energizes the bees and insects.
If you have a vegetable garden the pollinators will help boost your fruits and vegetables. There are some fruits and vegetables that cannot produce unless they are pollinated, such as squash and cucumbers. So, a pollinator garden is a beautiful and functional addition to any yard.