Have you ever noticed a butterfly going from one flower to another in your garden or a bee working to collect pollen? There’s a special feeling when those little creatures add so much life to our yards. However, over the years, I’ve noticed fewer and fewer bees and butterflies visiting my garden. I began to ask myself: how could I support them?
If you’ve observed less of these pollinators, you are not the only one. That’s why it’s good to know: you can help by planting a garden that attracts bees and butterflies. In this article, I’ll show you how I made my garden a great place for these important creatures and you can use my tips to help your own yard.
Why Supporting Pollinators is More Important Than Ever
I was surprised to learn, during my research on declining bee and butterfly populations, how important they are for our food systems. Bees are responsible for pollinating 7 out of 10 of the plants that make our food. If it weren’t for them, we would have access to fewer and less varied fruits and vegetables. Even though butterflies are less famous, they are important for pollination and add beauty and happiness to gardens.
The main reasons pollinators are threatened are loss of their habitats, the use of pesticides and climate change. There is one thing we can do to help — by growing plants that attract pollinators. I’ll explain how introducing a few plants and design touches can turn your garden into a safe haven for bees.
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Plants That Help Pollinators
I began with a subject I thought I’d dislike: figuring out which plants bees and butterflies prefer. I used to see my garden as a place for flowers, rather than for wildlife. However, after looking further, I found that some plants might be important for attracting pollinators.
Here’s what I learned:
Pollinators are picky when it comes to plants. They prefer nectar-rich flowers that offer plenty of food. I planted lavender, coneflowers and milkweed in my garden at the beginning. The colors and scents of these plants naturally bring bees and butterflies. I also discovered that using native plants is important since they have always worked well with the local pollinators.
There are several great plants you can add to your pollinator garden such as:
- Lavender: Bees love the fragrance and nectar-rich flowers.
- Coneflowers: These are perfect for butterflies and bees alike.
- Monarch butterflies need milkweed because it acts as their host plant.
- Black-eyed Susans: A favorite of many pollinators, especially bees.
- Bee Balm: The name gives away its main feature—it’s a favorite for bees and other pollinators.
The best part? They are beautiful and add lots of color to your garden. I could see and hear the bees and butterflies making my backyard livelier. I wasn’t only concerned with helping nature; I wanted the space to feel lively.
Preparing Your Garden: Creating the Perfect Habitat for Pollinators
I discovered the value of their environment when I started planting these flowers that attract pollinators. Planting a few plants wasn’t the only thing to do. I needed to prepare the garden so that plants and animals could both flourish.
Pollinators depend on flowers as well as water, safe places to live and a variety of plants to eat all year. Here’s how I made my garden a pollinator haven:
- I added a shallow birdbath to the garden so the pollinators have water. Bees are often found landing on the edges to quickly get their drink.
- Make Shelter: Pollinators need somewhere to hide and to take a break. Some rocks or a bit of uncut grass in the right place can be a shelter for them.
- I discovered that it’s important to have plants that blossom at different times during the year. So, pollinators can find food in your garden all year long, no matter the season.
The thing that stood out to me was how fast the garden’s ecosystem changed. Before long, I had hummingbirds and ladybugs in addition to bees and butterflies and they were all helping each other. The transformation was subtle, but incredibly powerful.
3 Steps to Creating a Pollinator Garden (My Approach)
- Pick plants that are native to your area and that bloom at different times during the year.
- Give your garden a water source and some safe hiding places for the insects.
- I had to wait, but after looking after my garden regularly, I started seeing bees and butterflies everywhere.
It’s not as hard as you might think and what you get out of it is valuable. You don’t have to redo your whole yard to have a pollinator garden; even minor changes can be very beneficial.
Mistakes I Made When First Creating My Pollinator Garden
What’s one small change that changed everything for you? I mistakenly thought that soil quality didn’t matter much. Although I was happy to plant the right flowers, I hadn’t thought that poor soil would make it difficult for them to grow and attract pollinators.
When I first put in my pollinator-friendly flowers, I didn’t check the soil. After all, the soil was too tightly packed and didn’t allow water to drain out. The plants struggled. Once I had done some research, I added compost and organic matter to the soil. The change was significant — the plants did well and the pollinators came too.
What I learned:
- For good results, your soil should be loose, drain well and be packed with nutrients. Test it if you’re unsure.
- Don’t give them too much water: Too much water in the garden can be uncomfortable for pollinators. It’s about balance.
Creating a Beautiful Pollinator Garden on a Budget
It turns out you can make a pollinator garden without spending a lot of money. Many native plants are very cheap — and they can survive with little attention. I saved money by using these tips when I started my garden:
- Try growing plants from seeds: You can get many pollinator-friendly plants at a much lower cost than if you bought them already established.
- Check out your local garden centers: You’ll find that many are very affordable and have a wide range of native plants.
- Many plants such as coneflowers and lavender, can be divided and given to others. I traded plants with a neighbor which meant I didn’t have to buy as many and my garden expanded.
Making your garden attractive to pollinators can cost as little or as much as you choose. A little work made a small area in my backyard into a lively and blooming oasis.
How a Pollinator Garden Transforms Your Space
At first, I didn’t think my garden would change so much for me. It became much more than a nicely decorated area — it developed into a real ecosystem. I became aware of the small things: the hum of bees, the wings of butterflies and the nice smell of lavender. I didn’t realize how much I would connect with nature and it was very satisfying.
A garden that helps pollinators is not only eco-friendly; it’s also a peaceful, beautiful and interesting place. And honestly, it doesn’t take much to create. Just a handful of simple steps — picking the right plants, supplying water and shelter and letting nature develop — will help.
Conclusion
Setting up a pollinator garden is both easy and very satisfying for the environment. With the years, my garden has turned into a peaceful place for both bees and butterflies and for me as well. I helped grow a bit of nature and it’s amazing to see it doing well.
If you’re starting a pollinator garden, save this pin and tell me about any easy steps you’re taking to help pollinators around you.
