A pollinator garden does not need weekend after weekend of your time. It needs the right plants in the right places.
Start with natives
Plants that grew in your region long before your house did already know your soil and your weather. They need less water, less fuss, and almost no fertilizer.
Think purple coneflower, bee balm, milkweed, black-eyed Susan, and asters. Ask your local extension office or native plant society for a list that fits your zone. Or contact us and we will create a custom palette of flowers and grasses just for you.
Plant in drifts
Bees prefer clusters. Group three to five of the same plant together instead of scattering one of each.
Mulch once, water less
Spread two to three inches of shredded bark or leaf mulch after planting. It holds moisture and keeps weeds quiet. Water deeply during the first season. After that, most natives take care of themselves.
Let some things go
Leave seed heads and hollow stems standing through winter. Birds snack on the seeds. Native bees tuck in for the cold. Then cut everything back in spring, once the weather warms and the insects have emerged again.
Make it a moment of calm
Place a bench or a pair of chairs near the blooms. Ten quiet minutes watching bees at work is a reset button you can reach on foot.
