Garden Additions: Pollinator Pleasers
Pollinator Pleasers
“SAVE THE BEES!”
So what?
Why should we care?
Pollinators of all kinds (not just bees) are a vital step in our ecosystem. They are responsible for assisting with plant reproduction, help to create biodiversity, and therefore are fundamental in helping to make the food we consume everyday!
Some scientists project that pollinators can be credited for one out of every three bites of food we eat.
That’s a lot!
How can we as gardeners do our part to help our indispensable pollinator friends? This should be a give in, do what we do best - plant and grow!
Pollinator Pleasing plants are wonderful additions to home gardens! Not only are they attractive to pollen carrying insects, but with their bright colors and often enticing aromas, they are attractive to people as well!
Pollinator plants are flowers and shrubs and even trees that provide essential pollen or nectar to pollinating critters such as bees, butterflies, birds, beetles, squirrels and even bats! You are sure to experience joy bringing pollen carriers into your garden, here are some of our favorite pollinator pleasing plants!
Here are some of our favorite Pollinator Pleasers!
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Cosmos
These happy looking flowers come in vibrant shades of pink, magenta, purple, red, white and yellow. Cosmos are annual flowers, and are widely known to be hearty - despite their dainty appearance!
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Cone Flowers
Similar to cosmos, Cone Flowers (or, Echinacea) are drought resistant, easy to grow, vibrant, and very attractive to pollinators!
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Poppies Poppies of all varieties are a great choice for a pollinator friendly garden! California, Matilija, and Oriental, poppies are a cheerful crowd pleaser to both people and pollinators!
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Verbena This flowering plant is usually found in shades of purple, but can also come in shades of red, pink and even blue! Verbena does best in full sun and soil that is well-drained!
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Lilac
Shades of purple and blue drape this beautiful flowering shrub. Lilacs are known to carry a lovely light scent that has been revered for centuries. This plant does best in partial sun, and well-drained nutrient rich soil.
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Marigolds
These flowers are quite popular in areas that get a lot of sun! Marigolds add a bright punch of color to gardens, and are quite easy to grow.
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Zinnia
Drought resistant, full sun solid, and oh so pretty! Zinnias are like adding rainbow sprinkles to a garden! They come in a variety of colors and are sure to brighten up any garden.
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Hibiscus
Feeling tropical? Get yourself some beautiful hibiscus to liven up your garden! With their wide open faces and sweet nectar, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds will thank you for providing them such a resort to feed from!
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Butterfly Bush Also known as Buddleja, this striking and unique plant provides plenty of nectar for fluttering butterflies and bees alike.
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Blanket Flower
A very bee & butterfly friendly bloom! This plant has brightly colored flowers, is drought resistant, and very very easy to grow! This is a great plant for beginner and experienced gardeners alike!
