Plant Native Flowers
First of all, select plants that are native to the region. Pollinators are naturally drawn to native plants since they feed on nectar and pollen from the plants that grow in their environment. Find out which flowers are native to your area and plant a native flower to guarantee that it will bloom during the growing season. For example, in California it is possible to plant California poppies and lupines. These plants not only provide food for the local pollinators but are also native to the climate hence easier to cultivate.
Provide a Water Source
Some of the smallest gardens can provide a water source. A dish with pebbles or a birdbath with rocks to give the pollinators a place to land can help in providing water to these creatures. Do not forget to replace the water often so that it does not become dirty or become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Create Shelter
Pollinators require nesting and roosting sites. Planting wildflowers or other flowering plants and including features such as bee hotels- wooden blocks with holes drilled into them or leaving areas of ground bare for ground nesting bees. Another thing that can be done is to plant tall shrubs or create a small brush pile for shelter.
Avoid Pesticides
This is perhaps obvious but it is very important—do not use pesticides. They are toxic to pollinators and can upset the ecosystem of your garden in a negative way. However, it is advisable to go for organic pest control such as introducing ladybugs or use neem oil.
Plant in Clusters
Pollinators are more likely to be seen moving from one flower to the other rather than from one plant to the other. Planting in groups is also a plus since it attracts the pollinators and is also visually appealing in your garden. Ideally, the plant clusters should be of three to five plants of the same species.
Introduce a Lot of Plants
Diversity is key. Various pollinators are interested in various kinds of flowers. Diversify the colors, the shapes, and the time of the year they bloom in. For instance, butterflies prefer brightly colored, flat-topped flowers such as zinnias and coneflowers while bees prefer tubular flowers such as foxgloves and penstemons.
Add Night-Blooming Flowers
Do not underestimate the night pollinators! Some plants that have flowers that open in the evening like the evening primrose or the moonflower are pollinated by moths and bats. These creatures are also involved in pollination just like their day time counterparts.
Reduce Lawn Space
Lawns are not very beneficial to pollinators. Perhaps you could consider cutting down the size of your lawn and having more flower beds or even a patch of wild flowers. Not only will this help the pollinators, but it will also save you time on mowing the lawn!
Conclusion
Establishing a pollinator-friendly garden is one of the best ways to help the environment and have a vibrant and colorful garden. Simply put, plant native flowers, offer water, create shelter and do not use pesticides and your garden will be a home to bees, butterflies and other insects. Therefore, let us start planting and see your garden buzzing and alive with the activities of happy pollinators!
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