Why Pollinators Need Our Help
Pollinators are in crisis. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease have caused dramatic declines in bee, butterfly, and other pollinator populations. Yet these remarkable creatures are essential—pollinating 75% of flowering plants and one-third of the food we eat. The good news? Every garden, no matter how small, can become a haven for these vital species.
The Key Pollinators in Your Garden
Honeybees
Familiar and hardworking, honeybees visit flowers for nectar and pollen. A single colony visits millions of flowers annually.
Native Bees
Often overlooked, native bees (bumblebees, mason bees, sweat bees) are often more efficient pollinators than honeybees. Over 250 species in the UK alone!
Butterflies
Beyond their beauty, butterflies are important pollinators. Each species has specific host plants for larvae and nectar sources for adults.
Hoverflies
These bee mimics are excellent pollinators and their larvae eat aphids—double benefit!
Moths
Night-flying moths pollinate evening-blooming flowers often overlooked by day-active pollinators.
Birds
Hummingbirds (in appropriate regions) and other birds pollinate while feeding on nectar and insects.
Essential Elements of a Pollinator Garden
1. Diverse Flowering Plants
Plant variety of flowers providing nectar and pollen throughout growing season. Aim for continuous bloom from early spring through fall.
2. Native Plants
Native plants and native pollinators evolved together. Natives provide familiar food sources and often support specialist pollinators that depend on specific plants.
3. Flower Shapes and Colors
Different pollinators prefer different flowers:
- Bees: Blue, purple, yellow, and white flowers; landing platforms
- Butterflies: Bright colors, flat or clustered flowers for landing
- Moths: White or pale flowers, strong evening fragrance
- Hummingbirds: Red, orange, tubular flowers
4. Plant in Groups
Mass plantings (groups of 3-5 of same plant) create visual targets and make foraging more efficient for pollinators.
5. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides—even organic ones—can harm pollinators. Use integrated pest management and accept some damage.
6. Provide Nesting Sites
Most native bees nest in ground or hollow stems. Leave some bare soil, hollow stems, and undisturbed areas.
7. Water Sources
Shallow water sources with landing spots (stones, floating corks) allow pollinators to drink safely.
Best Plants for Pollinators
Early Spring Bloomers
- Crocus: First nectar for emerging bees
- Hellebores: Early food when little else blooms
- Pulmonaria (Lungwort): Bumblebee favorite
- Spring bulbs: Muscari, snowdrops, alliums
- Fruit trees: Apple, cherry, plum blossoms
- Willows: Critical early pollen source
Summer Bloomers
- Lavender: Bee magnet with fragrant flowers
- Echinacea (Coneflowers): Long bloom, easy care
- Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans): Prolific nectar producers
- Salvias: Extended bloom, hummingbird favorite
- Verbena bonariensis: Butterfly paradise
- Zinnias: Easy annuals, butterfly magnets
- Cosmos: Continuous flowers, easy to grow
- Buddleia (Butterfly Bush): Living up to its name
Late Season Bloomers
- Sedums (Autumn Joy): Critical late nectar source
- Asters: Fall bee haven
- Goldenrod: Not an allergen, vital fall food
- Helenium (Sneezeweed): Late butterflies love it
- Russian sage: Long bloom period
Herbs for Pollinators
Let these herbs flower—they’re pollinator magnets:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Mint
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Chives
- Borage
Plants to Avoid
Double-Flowered Varieties
Extra petals often mean no nectar or pollen access for pollinators. Choose single-flowered varieties.
Some Modern Hybrids
Bred for appearance, some hybrids lack nectar or pollen. Choose open-pollinated or heirloom varieties when possible.
Supporting Butterfly Populations
Host Plants for Caterpillars
Adult butterflies need nectar, but caterpillars need specific host plants:
- Monarchs: Milkweed (Asclepias)
- Swallowtails: Parsley, fennel, dill
- Painted Ladies: Thistles, hollyhocks
- Red Admirals: Nettles
- Fritillaries: Violets
Accept Some Damage
Caterpillar-munched leaves mean you’re supporting butterfly reproduction. Consider it a badge of honor!
Creating Bee Nesting Habitat
For Ground-Nesting Bees (70% of natives)
- Leave patches of bare, well-drained soil
- Avoid mulching everywhere
- Create sunny, south-facing banks
- Don’t disturb soil in early spring when bees emerge
For Cavity-Nesting Bees
- Leave hollow stems standing through winter
- Provide bee hotels with 6-inch deep holes (various sizes 2-10mm diameter)
- Stack hollow bamboo or drilled wooden blocks
- Face bee hotels southeast for morning sun
- Place 3-5 feet high, protected from weather
Providing Water for Pollinators
Create shallow water sources:
- Fill saucers with pebbles or marbles, add water just below surface
- Float wine corks in birdbaths
- Create muddy puddles (butterflies need mineral salts)
- Drip irrigation provides drinking opportunities
- Refresh water regularly to prevent mosquitoes
Garden Design for Pollinators
Sunny Locations
Most pollinators prefer sunny spots. Plant pollinator gardens in full sun when possible.
Shelter from Wind
Windbreaks help pollinators navigate and conserve energy. Hedges or shrubs provide protection.
Layer Plantings
Include trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals for diverse habitat and year-round interest.
Leave Some Mess
Tidy gardens aren’t ideal for wildlife. Leave leaf litter, standing stems, brush piles, and undisturbed areas.
Seasonal Pollinator Garden Tasks
Spring
- Delay garden cleanup until temperatures consistently above 50°F
- Leave stems standing—they house overwintering bees
- Plant early bloomers
- Set out bee hotels
Summer
- Deadhead to extend blooms
- Maintain water sources
- Plant fall bloomers
- Observe and enjoy pollinators!
Autumn
- Leave stems standing for overwintering insects
- Plant spring bulbs
- Mulch lightly, leaving some bare ground
- Don’t remove all leaves—they shelter beneficial insects
Winter
- Resist urge to tidy up
- Plan next year’s pollinator plantings
- Order native plant seeds
- Leave bee hotels in place
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Over-Tidying
Excessive cleanup removes nesting sites and overwintering habitat. Embrace a slightly wild aesthetic.
Using Pesticides
Even organic pesticides harm beneficial insects. Tolerate some pests or use targeted, least-toxic approaches.
Planting Only Non-Natives
While some non-natives provide nectar, native plants support more diverse pollinator communities.
Forgetting Water
Pollinators need water, especially during hot weather. Don’t overlook this critical element.
Small Space Pollinator Gardens
No room for a large garden? These ideas work anywhere:
- Container gardens: Fill pots with pollinator favorites
- Window boxes: Plant herbs and small flowers
- Vertical gardens: Use trellises with climbing pollinator plants
- Balcony gardens: Even small spaces attract pollinators
The Rewards of Pollinator Gardening
Beyond the satisfaction of helping pollinators:
- Better vegetable yields: More pollinators = more productive gardens
- Beautiful gardens: Pollinator plants are often the showiest
- Constant activity: Gardens hum with life
- Educational opportunities: Watch life cycles, learn species
- Reduced maintenance: Native pollinator plants need less care
- Environmental impact: Every pollinator garden matters
Start Your Pollinator Garden
You don’t need extensive space or resources to make a difference. Start with one pollinator-friendly plant, add a water source, and skip the pesticides. Each small action multiplies when gardeners everywhere create pollinator havens.
Watch your garden transform into a living, buzzing ecosystem. You’ll enjoy more beautiful blooms, better vegetable harvests, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you’re helping these essential creatures thrive. Plant it, and they will come!