Make sure pollinators can access the flowers they require throughout the growing season by planting flowers that bloom from early spring through summer and into fall.
Select plants with flowers of various colors, scents and shapes for optimal butterfly, hummingbird and bee attraction. Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees appreciate vibrantly colored blooms with strong aromas as well as long tubular petals they can reach with their proboscises.
Sunlight
Hummingbirds prefer plants with strong fragrance and funnel-shaped flowers that provide them with an ideal perch when feeding, while butterflies are drawn to those that bloom with shades of blue, purple and yellow blooms.
Bees need pollen-rich plants such as clover lawns and garden sage to survive, making this type of landscaping particularly effective. A mix of flower shapes also attracts them; especially white and purple hues are especially appealing.
Plant in clumps whenever possible for both aesthetics and pollinator purposes; this not only looks better but makes pollination easier! Clumps resemble masses of vegetation in nature and allow pollinators to easily move from species of flower to another – saving energy! Additionally, ensure you plant species which bloom from early spring until late fall for maximum effectiveness!
Water
Your pollinator garden can take the form of a window box, border or even your entire backyard. No matter the scale, make smart flower choices to attract various pollinators such as considering color, size and scent of blooms as well as heights and growth habits of plants – try planting in groups of three or more for maximum impact! When possible choose native species- they are better adapted to local climate conditions than non-native plants, giving pollinators plenty of food throughout spring, summer and fall!
Bees like to nest on bare patches of soil. You can help these bees by providing bee houses (available from most garden centers or you could make your own from natural materials like tree stumps and hollow logs) for nesting purposes.
Bees and butterflies tend to seek out shallow pools or puddles during hot weather to drink from. You can help these pollinators by providing one with rocks and twigs for perching purposes.
Shelter
Pollinator-friendly gardens may conjure images of vibrantly-colored blooms, but that’s only part of the equation. Beyond planting native species adapted to your climate, you can support pollinators by including areas of unmulched soil where bees and other ground-nesting pollinators can build their nests and raise their young. Look for native flora like foamflower (Tiarella), bleeding-hearts (Dicentra), or cranesbills (Geranium).
Clumping plants together creates an aesthetic garden while making pollinators’ lives easier. Plant a range of blooming plants to attract bees year-round and plant them clumped to make for easy pollinator navigation between flowers. Native varieties may offer greater pollen, nectar, and scent-generating capabilities compared to modern hybrids; add shallow dishes of water so bees can drink, while providing a puddling area using rocks or sticks so as not to drowning occurs in your water feature.
Food
An abundance of flowers with protein-rich pollen and sweet nectar are necessary to attract bees and butterflies, with different flower shapes drawing different species in.
Idealy, your garden should include plants that bloom sequentially from spring through fall to provide a steady source of food and reduce competition for identical flowers.
Hummingbirds, bees, and some moths can detect ultraviolet light emitted by plants that produce nectar and nectar-bearing flowers, providing them with a great indication of where there are the highest quality floral resources. Plants producing nectar or producing fruit such as nectariferous berries may also serve as indicators; similarly any flowers with brightly-colored petals are ideal.
Your garden should provide more than food; it should provide places where bees and butterflies can rest and recharge as well. Offering sun-drenched rocks or pebbles for bathing; areas of unmulched soil where bees might nest; bird houses/insect boxes to provide cavity-nesting bee shelter are all beneficial pollinator resources. In addition, avoid using pesticides to control weeds as these chemicals could harm pollinators.
