By Scott Mcintaggart, Master Gardener In-Training, SCMG
We’ve all heard a lot about the role that butterflies, birds, bees, bats, insects and other animals play in facilitating pollination (the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower). What you may not know is that over eighty percent of flowering plants require pollinators to assist in their reproductive processes. This equates to the fact that every three bites of food that you eat each day is dependent on the work of a pollinator. Pollinators are therefore instrumental in maintaining our food supply and ecosystems. For this reason, it is important that we establish habitats where pollinators can thrive.
A pollinating garden is any garden that attracts pollinators by selecting a diversity of plants types (flowers, shrubs, trees) to which pollinators are attracted. Research indicates that by choosing plants that are native to the area in which you live, you can attract four times as many pollinators to your garden.
There are four basic requirements of a pollinator garden;
1) The garden must provide food sources for the pollinator. They are particularly interested in pollen (source of protein), nectar (source of energy), and a host plant in which to eat and lay their larvae (caterpillars of moths and butterflies). This can be accomplished by choosing an array of colors, size and shape of plants that will assist in attracting a diverse group of pollinators. Selecting plants that overlap bloom times from early spring to late fall will provide the necessary sources for pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. Planting groups of like flowers together helps, making them more visible and accessible to the busy pollinator.
2) Water is essential and must be easily accessible to the pollinators. It is required for drinking, cooling and reproduction in the garden. Water sources may be an existing pond or stream or can be as simple as providing a birdbath, hanging a dripping water bottle, or placing small open containers of water around the garden.
3) The garden must provide areas of shelter for nesting. Proper nesting sites are dependent on which type of pollinators frequent the garden. Don’tbe afraid to leave an old log (dead wood) in your garden which can provide nesting sites for beetles, bees, wasps and ants. Bumble bees’ nest in grasses, cavities of trees or old mouse holes. In addition, consideration must be given to creating year-round shelters for the pollinators by waiting until spring to clean up your gardens. Grasses, leaves and perennials left in the garden will provide pollinators overwintering sites in which to live.
4) The habitat created in your garden must be safe for the pollinators. First and foremost, all pesticide use must be eliminated. If invasive plants are present in the garden they should be removed and replaced with native species (this can be accomplished over time). It’s important to remember that the overall goal of the pollinating garden is to create a biodiverse, self- regulating ecosystem. Additionally, remember that the flowers that attract pollinators also attract predators in particular insects that prey and feed on plant eating caterpillars. It is particularly important to protect these caterpillars as they are the primary food source for garden birds that nest within the habitat. All in all, accept your gardens imperfections. Visit your garden often, observe and listen for many forms of life and note who lives there. Remember that when you notice signs of feeding (holes in leaves) it is an indication that you are well on your way to establishing a biodiverse habitat. Now it’s time to let nature take its course. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Suggested Native Flowering Plants for Pollinator Gardens ( Zones 3 through 8).
Spring to Early Summer Blooming: May to July
1) Botanical Name: Penstemon heterophyllus Common Name: Foothill Penstemon
2) Botanical Name: Coreopsis lanceolata Common Name: Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Summer to Early Fall Blooming: June through September
- 1) Botanical Name: Agastache Foeniculum Common Name: Anise Hyssop
- 2) Botanical Name: Eutrochium maculatum Common Name: Joe Pye Weed
- 3) Botanical Name: Monarda fistulosa Common Name: Bee Balm or Wild Bergamot
- 4) Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa Common Name: Milkweed or Butterfly Weed
- 5) Botanical Mane: Liatris spicata Common Name: Blazing Star
- 6) Botanical Name: Echinacea ‘Pica bella’ Common Name: Pica Bella Coneflower
- 7) Botanical Name: Solidago speciosa Common Name: Showy Goldenrod
Late Summer, Early Fall Blooming: August through October
1) Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum spp. Common Name: Aster
References:
- 1) Balogh, A. ( June 15, 2021). The Best Perennial Plants for Pollinators. Garden Design. https://www.gardendesign.com/perrinals/pollinators.html.
- 2) Engles,L. (February 28, 2022). What to Know About Pollinator Gardens. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/all-about-pollinator-gardens-5195334
- 3) Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard. Pollinator-Friendly Garden Certification. The University of Maine. https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/pollinator-garden-certification/
- 4) Certify Your Garden as Pollinator Friendly. Penn State Extension.
https://extension.psu.edu/certify-your-garden-as-pollinator-wildlife-
friendly.
- 5) Pollinator Garden: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide.
https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/gardeningguides/pollinator-…
