Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees aren’t just pretty and entertaining to look at. These pollinators are also vital for maintaining the food systems animals and humans need to survive and thrive. If you’d like to contribute to their ecosystem, here are a few tips to attract these creatures to your plants and garden.

How to Entice Pollinators & Butterflies to Spend Time In Your Garden

1. Plant a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

The easiest way to attract pollinators to your garden is by giving them a buffet to feast on. Nectar- and pollen-rich plants like yarrows, beardtongues, honeysuckles, and sunflowers naturally attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Consider planting a combination of perennials, annuals, and shrubs, so pollinators have a rotating source to feed on during the growing season.

2. Provide Food & Water

Like humans, critters need to eat and drink water. Install special sections where they can seek nourishment like a water garden, rain basin, or pond. Birdbaths, fountains, or feeders are also good resources to provide if you’re limited on space.

3. Build Habitats

Provide pollinators with a shelter they can use for nesting and hiding from predators. Low-growing plants like shrubs and hedges, along with dead trees trunks with various nooks, are great locations for butterflies and ground-nesting bees to retreat to when they need protection. Building nesting boxes for bees can also help grow the pollinator population in your neighborhood.

4. Limit Pesticide Use

Toxic chemicals and poison not only harm pollinators but also kill beneficial organisms growing in your garden. Planting certain flowers like violets and roses are an eco-friendly way to deter detrimental pests. These plants attract predator insects such as ladybugs, dragonflies, and wasps that will feed on plant-damaging pests.

If you want to use pesticides, choose a product that is least toxic to pests, and apply in the evening when pollinators aren’t present.

Give your plants a little extra love with the help of P & M Garden Services in Eagle River, AK. This garden center has been a reliable resource for the community for the last 42 years, and their employees are happy to offer their insight when it comes to picking the right garden supplies and greenery for your home. Call (907) 694-9293 and visit their website to learn more about their offerings.