We’re officially in that time of year when local pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other animals are ready to help your garden thrive. But what if you don’t have many on your property? Or what if you want to help support your local pollinator populations by adding pollinator garden plants to your backyard?
Whatever camp you find yourself in, we are breaking down everything you need to know to choose the perfect pollinator-friendly plants and flowers if you’re starting a garden this season.
When you welcome bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, you set the stage for healthier and more productive pollinator gardens. Pollinators move from bloom to bloom, naturally fertilizing your plants and boosting local biodiversity.
This all-natural fertilization results in larger fruits, vegetables, and blooms. In other words, a healthy population of pollinators directly relates to a thriving garden without any additional work for you!
Bees, in particular, have had a tough time lately with pesticides, shrinking wild spaces, and unpredictable weather. By choosing organic, chemical-free methods and planting local, bee-friendly plants in your pollinator garden, you're giving them a safe place to live and work.
Every time you set up a pollinator-friendly garden, you're doing your part to help “save the bees,” — meaning a healthier pollinator garden and a more sustainable environment for everyone.
Which Pollinator Garden Plants Should You Choose?
Depending on which types of pollinators you hope to attract, you’ll want to choose flowers for bees and butterflies and birds that will appeal to them specifically.
Here is our quick pocket guide to pollinator garden plants to get you started:
Native plants are the top-tier option when it comes to attracting pollinators. These plants are perfectly adapted to your local climate and soil and require less water, fewer fertilizers, and minimal maintenance. More importantly, native plants have evolved alongside local bees, butterflies, and birds, making them the ideal choice to create a thriving, pollinator-friendly garden.
When you are curating a selection of pollinator-friendly plants, start by researching which plants are native to your area and then supplement from there if you want more variety in the types of blooms in your pollinator garden.
Finding the right native plants for your garden is easier than you might think. Here are some trusted resources to guide you:
Did you know that a greenhouse could be the extra boost that makes your pollinator-friendly garden healthier, more sustainable, and easier to maintain? Not only will a greenhouse provide a safe starting point for younger plants and a safe haven away from harsh chemicals, but you’ll also be able to keep everything you need for gardening chores ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Imagine not having to scramble around looking for seed packets, trowels, or your favorite gardening gloves. With a dedicated space for your tools and seeds, you’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying your pollinator garden.
Think of your greenhouse as a cozy starter home for your plants. By nurturing your seedlings in a controlled environment, you help them grow strong before they brave the outdoors. It’s like giving your young plants a VIP treatment!
When your garden tools and supplies are neatly stored in one spot, it’s easier to keep things organized — and that means no accidental mix-ups with harmful chemicals. Keeping your space pesticide-free is one more way to make sure your garden is a safe haven for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Add some shelves, hooks, or storage bins to keep everything tidy and accessible. Not only will you be better prepared to spend time gardening, but you’ll also be more likely to want to when the space is customized and personalized to your tastes and preferences.
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden isn’t just a smart way to boost your harvest — it’s a chance to give back to the natural world right in your own backyard. When you mix native pollinator garden plants with a variety of blooms, provide cozy shelter, and even set up a greenhouse to keep everything in order, you’re building a safe haven for bees, butterflies, and birds. Not only do these little helpers make your garden more vibrant, but they also naturally fertilize your plants, making everything grow stronger and more bountiful.
Even if you’re just starting out, every small step counts. By choosing pollinator-friendly plants and flowers for bees and butterflies, you’re playing a part in protecting our local wildlife and creating a more sustainable environment for everyone.
Ready to get started with your own backyard pollinator garden? Explore our custom greenhouse and shed options or try out our 3D Shed Builder to design the perfect space to support your local pollinator garden plants today.