Pollinator Garden

Continued from page 20 friendly plants to work with that can either be planted in the ground, or in the “micro” format. Here are some of the most common and easiest to find.

Echinacea/Cornflower / There are many Echinacea/Cornflower varieties available on the market that will suit any garden. Most all have an exceptionally long bloom period and provide bees with both nectar and pollen.

Groundcover Sedum / Groundcover types of Sedum can be sturdy, compact and dense. They are easy to tuck into planting areas and can fill spaces between other plantings with beautiful foliage and pollinator-friendly flowers.

Moonshine Yarrow / This plant is a low-water, low-maintenance favorite for pollinators and beneficial insects. In the heat of summer, the bright yellow blooms of Moonshine Yarrow will be covered in pollinators. This is also a great choice to add bold color to dry landscapes.

Sunflowers / For some people, sunflowers are the “happiest” flower in the garden. They are also a great source of nectar for native bees and honeybees. Varieties that produce masses of flowers and bloom late into the year provide an outstanding source of reliable late-season nectar.

Lavender / Lavender is great to incorporate into your perennial and herb beds. The fragrance is fantastic and the activity level it will create with bumblebees is high. There are compact varieties with low water needs that produce prolific blooms for the pollinators. You can easily use lavender in your “micro” containers, as well as rock gardens and otherwise narrow spaces.

The key to being a good host to your insect population is creating a healthy ecosystem where they can thrive. And here's a bonus: an environment with a vibrant pollinator population is also great for supporting your local bird population.