Creating a Pollinator Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide

Habitat loss, invasive plants and pesticides are all taking a toll on the native bee population – and the issue has scientists and environmentally-minded folks concerned.

Bees and other pollinators (including different insects and even some small animals) can hugely benefit from yards designed with their interests in mind. Pollinator gardens are vibrant, natural spaces that support the essential work of pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds. These gardens help sustain the natural ecosystem and also bring beauty and biodiversity to your backyard. If you’re ready to embrace the wild side a little in your yard, here’s how to get started:

Choose the Right Location

Pollinators thrive in sunny environments – so select a spot in your yard that is sunny for at least half of the day. Make sure the area is sheltered from strong winds, as pollinators prefer calmer conditions for their activities. 

Your pollinator area should also be in a relatively undisturbed spot, away from any heavy foot traffic (like where the kids play) and pet zones. That will give your pollinators a cozy spot of their own where they can get comfortable and stay safe.

Select Native Plants for the Area

Native plants are the best choice for attracting local pollinators. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and provide the most suitable food and shelter for the pollinators in your habitat. 

Research native plant species in your region and consider incorporating a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for your bees, birds and other friendly insects. 

Some good plant suggestions for the Midwest include:

• Bluebells, Columbine and Wild Geranium provide early nectar sources for emerging pollinators in the spring
• Coneflowers, Milkweed and Black-eyed Susans are continuous bloomers that attract a wide range of pollinators throughout the summer months
• Asters, Russian Sage and Chrysanthemums extend the foraging season into the cooler months even through the first frosts

Choose a mix of colors, shapes and sizes to appeal to different pollinators and aim for an ever-evolving garden that is designed to change with the seasons for the best results.

Diversify Your Plant Types

Incorporate a mix of flowers, shrubs and flowering or ornamental trees to create a layered garden structure. Different pollinators are attracted to different plant heights and types. Ground covers, perennials, and annuals all have roles in providing food and meeting the habitat needs of local pollinators.

Different plants support different stages of pollinator life cycles – and different pollinators. A variety of plants ensures food availability throughout the growing season for all the important little pollinators helping our world – so think in layers as you plant.

Start with ground covers like creeping thyme or clover that will provide a habitat for ground-nesting bees. Add in some perennials, like lavender, coneflower and salvia for consistent nectar sources year after year. Add height to your garden with shrubs like butterfly bushes and flowering dogwoods, which can support larger pollinators like hummingbirds, moths and bats.

Plant in Clusters

This tip is partly for practicality and partly for aesthetics – because there’s no reason that a pollinator yard can be pleasing to the eye and pollinators are actually more likely to visit plants that are grouped together. 

Planting in clusters makes it easier for birds, bees and other beneficial creatures to find their target flowers. Aim for clusters of at least 3-5 plants of the same species when you plant so that you have beautiful “clusters” of all the right plants. This makes it easier for pollinators to move between flowers without expending so much energy or putting themselves at risk from predators. 

Grouping plants with similar colors together can also be used to attract specific pollinators. Butterflies, for example, are particularly fond of plants in blues and purples, while native bees tend to enjoy flowers in the white or yellow spectrums.

Provide Water Sources

Pollinators need water for hydration and cooling – so “bee” a real friend and create shallow “baths” for all of the little creatures you’re trying to help. Water sources like birdbaths with stones for perching or shallow dishes filled with water make a perfect oasis for bees and butterflies on hot days. Water Features: Small fountains or ponds can be attractive and beneficial for larger pollinators like birds.

Ditch the Pesticides

Pesticide use on lawns is one of the number one things that has been linked to the declining pollinator problem, so it’s time to ditch them. 

Pesticides gained a lot of popularity because they’re quick and effective at creating a “manicured” look for a lawn and garden, so try to embrace the beauty of a little natural disorder. You can still use organic gardening methods and use natural pest control techniques like:

• Handpicking: Remove pests by hand when possible.
• Companion Planting: Use plants that naturally repel pests, such as marigolds and mint.
• Biological Controls: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on common pests.
• Pesticide Alternatives: Neem oil is an organic insecticide that can be effective against a variety of pests without harming pollinators.
• Insecticidal Soaps: Target specific pests and break down quickly, minimizing risk to pollinators.

Finally, you need to weed areas in your yard surrounding your pollinator garden by hand. If you must use a weed killer, try mixing 1 gallon of vinegar and a tablespoon of dish soap into a sprayer for a solution that won’t hurt the environment.

Create Shelter

Pollinators need places to nest and take refuge, and they like their homes to be close to their food and water sources. You can encourage pollinators to share your yard by using things like:

• Bee Hotels: You can build or buy these little structures filled with hollow stems or use drilled wood blocks for solitary bees. Place these in sunny, sheltered locations about 3-4 feet off the ground.
• Butterfly Houses: Sheltered spaces with slits for butterflies to enter. Position these in sunny spots near nectar-rich flowers.
• Brush Piles and Logs: Natural debris that can serve as nesting sites for various insects. Leave a corner of your garden wild with fallen leaves, twigs, and logs.

Creating a pollinator garden is a rewarding way to contribute to the environment while enhancing your outdoor space. By following these steps, you’ll be providing essential resources for pollinators and enjoying the beauty and diversity they bring to your garden. Happy gardening!