Attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden has many benefits. Not only do these beneficial insects help your garden thrive by pollinating flowers and plants, but they also help the environment. By providing nectar and pollen sources in your garden, you give pollinators the food they need and help support their populations.
One of the best ways to attract pollinators is to plant clusters of the same type of flower together. Groupings of flowers of the same color, shape, and fragrance make it easier for pollinators to spot the flowers and feed on them. Some of the best flowers for attracting bees and butterflies include asters, bee balm, black-eyed Susans, cosmos, goldenrod, lavender, milkweed, mint, purple coneflower, sunflowers, and yarrow. Provide a variety of flower shapes too, such as daisy-shaped flowers or tubular flowers.
Plant flowers in the colors that pollinators prefer, such as yellow, blue, purple, and red. Bees in particular are attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers. Butterflies prefer clusters of red, yellow, pink, and purple flowers. Choose flowers that are fragrant, especially those with sweet fragrances. The strong fragrance will attract pollinators from far away.
Bloom times are also important to consider. Choose a variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall to provide a constant source of food for pollinators. Early blooming options include crocus, hyacinth, and tulips. Midsummer blooms include lavender, milkweed, and coneflower. Asters and goldenrod provide late summer and fall blooms.
Providing access to water will also attract more pollinators to your garden. Include a shallow dish of stones with some water in it for pollinators to perch on while they drink. Refresh the water regularly and place flat stones or a platform in the center so bees and butterflies have a place to land. Position the water feature near the flowers in your garden.
Leaving some areas of your garden unmanicured will also provide shelter and nesting spots for some pollinators. Avoid using pesticides in your garden, especially while flowers are blooming. Pesticides can poison the pollinators and their food source. Your reward for providing food, shelter, and nesting spots for pollinators will be a vibrant, productive garden filled with the sounds of buzzing bees and flitting butterflies.
