Planting for Pollinators

June 22 through the 28, 2020 is National Pollinator Week, a time to bring focus on the importance of supporting pollinators. When we think about pollinators, the honey bee is the species that comes to mind first however it’s important to realize that native bees, butterflies, moths, flies and hummingbirds also fill a role as pollinators in our gardens. In order to attract the greatest diversity of pollinators to our gardens and landscapes, we need to supply a source of food and water and the case of native bees, shelter. 

Food for the pollinator community means nectar and pollen. The ideal plants and shrubs will produce flowers with high nectar and pollen content. Flowers with good sources of nectar and pollen include Asters, Black-eyed Susan, Columbine, Coneflower, Digitalis, Gaillardia, Joe-pie Weed, Mums, Penstemon, Sage and Sedum.  Pollinator-friendly shrubs in your garden should include Blue Mist Spirea, Lilac and Butterfly Bushes. Beyond perennials and shrubs, think about incorporating annuals, bulbs and herbs into your pollinator garden. Zinnias are bee magnets. Plant a nice bed of zinnias and the bees will come. Chives are another plant which bees love. Include herbs such as borage, comfrey, mint and lavender in your pollinator garden. Crimson Clover and other cover crops will attract pollinators  and can be worked into your garden to improve the soil once the crop stops flowering. 

To better attract pollinators, plant in clumps. This will bring a focus to your landscape and save pollinator’s energy searching for food. 

Gardening with pollinators in mind should include a source of water. A shallow pot saucer filled with pebbles will serve the purpose. Keep the water refreshed so the pollinators know they can return to the same spot every day.  Garden fountains and birdbaths can also serve as a source of water. Place some flat stones in the birdbath so pollinators will have a place to land and drink safely. For non-hive dwelling native bees, consider leaving a patch of the garden uncultivated for native bees that burrow. For wood and stem-nesting bees, hang a nesting block. With some thought and planning, you can create a destination for bees and other pollinators.