What is a Pollinator Garden?

A pollinator garden is a dedicated green space designed to support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These gardens are filled with a variety of native plants, provide nesting sites, water sources, and are free from harmful pesticides. At Bee-Licious Honey, we understand the importance of these gardens and offer insights to help you create your very own pollinator paradise.

Why are Pollinator Gardens Important?

Pollinators are facing a decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Urban development and agricultural practices reduce green spaces, which are essential for pollinator survival. By creating a pollinator garden, you provide crucial resources and habitats, helping to support a healthy ecosystem and ensure that both honeybees and native pollinators can thrive.

Do Pollinator Gardens Have to Be a Certain Size?

Pollinator gardens can be any size, from a small window box to a sprawling meadow. Every effort counts! Whether you have a few pots on a balcony or an entire yard, your garden can contribute to a larger network of pollinator-friendly habitats.

Plants to Include in a Pollinator Garden

When selecting plants for your pollinator garden, prioritize native species. Native plants are best suited to support local pollinators and are preferred over non-native varieties. Consider using resources like the Xerces Society's Native Plant Lists to find the best options for your area.

Diversity is key in a pollinator garden. Plant a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source. Grouping plants in drifts and varying flower shapes can attract a wide range of pollinators. For example, bees love composite flowers like asters, while hummingbirds prefer tubular flowers such as bee balm.

In the Bee-Licious Pollinator Garden we also include our tomatoes, cucumbers and other veggies that need to be pollinated to produce our bountiful harvest of produce. It is a win-win for us and the pollinators!

Plants to Avoid in a Pollinator Garden

Avoid modern hybrids and double flowers, as they often lack sufficient pollen and nectar. Invasive non-native plants should also be avoided as they can disrupt local ecosystems. Instead of planting butterfly bush, opt for native alternatives like butterfly weed, common milkweed, and Joe Pye weed.

At Bee-licious we have both native and some non-native intermixed, while keeping in mind to limit the non-native.

Provide a Water Source

Pollinators need access to water. Provide a shallow dish filled with rocks or corks to give bees a place to perch while they drink. Bees often prefer water sources with a bit of a smell, such as those containing leaves or a small amount of sea salt. This helps them locate the water and provides additional nutrients.

How to Mulch with Pollinators in Mind

Mulching can benefit your garden, but heavy mulch can hinder ground-nesting bees. Use lighter mulches like composted pine, shredded leaves, straw, or grass trimmings. Leave some bare patches of soil for ground-nesting bees and avoid using cedar mulch, which repels pollinators.

Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Practices

A slightly messy garden can be a haven for pollinators. Leave fallen leaves, brush piles, and plant stalks through the winter to provide shelter. Delay garden cleanup until spring temperatures are consistently warm to protect overwintering pollinators.

Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can harm pollinators by reducing their food sources and weakening their immune systems. Consider natural pest management strategies to keep your garden healthy.

Bumble Bee Nests and Mason Bee Homes

In addition to planting, you can create or provide nesting habitats for specific types of bees. Bumble bees often nest in the ground, utilizing old rodent burrows, thick grass tussocks, or compost heaps. Leaving patches of undisturbed land in your garden can help provide these nesting sites.

Mason bees, which are solitary and excellent pollinators, nest in small cavities. You can help by setting up a mason bee house. These homes consist of tubes or holes in wood, where the bees lay their eggs and seal them with mud. Place these houses in a sunny spot, protected from rain, to attract mason bees.

Pollinator Facts

• Did you know? Bees can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find nectar-rich flowers.
• Interesting fact: Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards.
• Fun fact: Butterflies taste with their feet!
• Bee fact: There are over 4,000 species of native bees in the United States.
• Biodiversity fact: A single bee colony can pollinate up to 300 million flowers each day.

FAQs

Q: What types of flowers are best for pollinators?
A: Native plants are the best choice for supporting local pollinators. Additionally, planting a variety of flower shapes and blooming periods can attract a diverse range of pollinators.

Q: How can I attract more bees to my garden?
A: Planting a diverse array of native flowers, providing water sources, and avoiding pesticides can create an inviting environment for bees.

Q: Can small gardens make a difference for pollinators?
A: Absolutely! Every garden, no matter the size, contributes to a network of habitats that support pollinator health and biodiversity.

Did You Know?

Bees are nature’s best pollinators. As they gather pollen and nectar, they help your garden produce more flowers, fruits, and vegetables. By creating a pollinator garden, you not only support these vital creatures but also enhance the beauty and productivity of your own green space.

Helpful Links

• https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists
• https://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife.aspxUSDA
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildflowers/pollinators
• https://www.pollinator.org