The Best Way to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden
Want to see more butterflies fluttering by and bees buzzing happily through your flowers? It all starts with planting the right things. Pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies are essential for a thriving garden — and you can support them with a few simple strategies.
Plant a Variety of Flowers
Diversity is key. Different pollinators are drawn to different colors, flower shapes, and bloom times. Aim for a mix of plants that bloom from early spring through fall to keep them coming all season long.
Group Similar Plants Together
Instead of scattering flowers around your garden, plant them in clumps. Larger patches are easier for pollinators to spot and access.
Include Native Plants
Native species tend to attract more local pollinators and are better adapted to your climate. They also usually require less maintenance once they’re established.
Avoid Double Blooms
Those extra-fluffy flowers may look pretty, but they often hide the nectar and pollen. Go for single blooms with visible centers — they’re easier for pollinators to feed from.
Cut the Chemicals
Pesticides and herbicides can harm pollinators. Try natural pest control methods instead, like attracting ladybugs or using insecticidal soap only when absolutely necessary.
Great Plants for Pollinators:
- Lavender
- Bee balm
- Coneflower
- Milkweed
- Yarrow
- Sunflowers
- Catmint
Creating a pollinator-friendly space doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few intentional plant choices can turn your garden into a vital stop for bees, butterflies, and birds — while making your yard more colorful and alive in the process.
