Quench Their Thirst: Build a Beautiful Pollinator Watering Hole

It's a sweltering summer afternoon, and the sun beats down relentlessly. You pour yourself a tall glass of ice water, the cool liquid instantly bringing relief. Have you ever stopped to think about where the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators get their water on days like these? I've often found myself wondering as I watch bees struggle to find a single drop of water on dry leaves or baked earth. Often, we focus on providing nectar, the sugary fuel that keeps them going, but forget that these essential creatures also need a reliable source of fresh, clean water.

As backyard gardeners, we can make a huge difference by providing this vital resource. By the end of this post, you'll discover how to build a simple, beautiful pollinator watering hole that not only supports a thriving pollinator community but also adds a touch of beauty and serenity to your homegrown paradise. Get ready to create a life-sustaining backyard project that is perfect for cozy living on your own slice of farmhouse life!

Why Pollinators Need Water (and Why You Should Care)

Just like us, pollinators need water to survive. It’s essential for hydration, regulating body temperature, and carrying out vital bodily functions. Bees, for instance, use water to cool their hives during hot weather. They’ll fan their wings to evaporate the water, creating a natural air conditioning system. Butterflies and hummingbirds also need water to stay hydrated and maintain their energy levels.

Unfortunately, natural water sources for pollinators are becoming increasingly scarce. Urbanization, climate change, and habitat loss have all contributed to the problem. Puddles dry up quickly in the summer heat, and natural springs may become inaccessible due to development or drought. This makes it harder for pollinators to find the water they need to survive and thrive.

But providing a consistent water source in your garden goes beyond simply offering a drink. It creates a micro-habitat, a little oasis where pollinators can reliably find the resources they need. This is especially important in urban environments where natural water sources are limited. By creating a pollinator watering hole, you’re not just helping them survive; you're helping them flourish. Plus, you get the added bonus of observing these fascinating creatures up close, adding a touch of wonder to your seasonal harvest and sustainable home.

Design Ideas: Pollinator Water Feature Options

The beauty of a pollinator watering hole is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are many different designs you can create, depending on your space, budget, and personal style. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Shallow Dish/Saucer: This is the simplest option. Take a terracotta saucer or a shallow dish (about 2-3 inches deep) and fill it with pebbles or marbles. Add water, making sure the pebbles or marbles are partially submerged. These provide safe landing spots for pollinators, preventing them from drowning.

• DIY Bird Bath Modification: If you already have a bird bath, you can easily adapt it for pollinators. Simply add rocks, marbles, or even wine corks to the basin to create shallow areas. Make sure the water level is always low enough for pollinators to reach the landing spots. You can also angle a flat rock into the side for easier access.

• Mini Bog Garden: For a more naturalistic approach, consider creating a small bog garden. Dig a shallow depression in the ground and line it with a pond liner. Fill it with a mix of compost, soil, and peat moss, and plant moisture-loving plants like cardinal flower or joe-pye weed. Add a shallow pool of water to one side, making sure there are plenty of rocks and pebbles for pollinators to land on.

• Upcycled Water Feature: Get creative and use recycled materials to build your pollinator watering hole. An old tire, for example, can be transformed into a beautiful water feature. Simply line the tire with a pond liner, fill it with water, and add rocks, plants, and other decorative elements.

No matter which design you choose, remember to keep the water shallow. Pollinators are small and can easily drown in deep water. Providing plenty of safe landing spots is crucial for their safety.

The DIY Element: Building Your Own Pollinator Watering Station (Step-by-Step)

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to building your own pollinator watering station using a terracotta saucer:

Materials:

• Terracotta saucer (12-18 inches in diameter)
• Pebbles, marbles, or glass beads
• Water
• Optional: Small rocks or decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Container: Select a terracotta saucer that’s the right size for your garden. Make sure it’s clean and free of any debris.
2. Add Drainage (if needed): Most terracotta saucers will naturally weep water and provide drainage. However, if you are using a container that doesn't have drainage, add a few drainage holes by gently tapping a nail through the base of the pot. Be sure to wear safety glasses!
3. Create Safe Landing Spots: Arrange the pebbles, marbles, or glass beads in the saucer. Make sure they’re close enough together so that pollinators can easily walk from one to another. The goal is to create a network of dry “islands” within the water.
4. Add Water: Slowly pour water into the saucer until the pebbles or marbles are partially submerged. The water level should be just below the top of the pebbles, so pollinators can easily reach it without drowning. Make sure to fully cover the pebbles with water so the insects are able to walk to the sides and get out if needed.
5. Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the water feature to prevent algae growth and mosquito breeding. Empty the water and scrub the saucer with a brush and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with fresh water.

Plant Power: Enhancing Your Water Feature with Pollinator-Friendly Plants

To make your pollinator watering hole even more attractive, surround it with pollinator-friendly plants. These plants will provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, as well as shade and shelter. Here are a few moisture-loving options to consider:

• Bee Balm (Monarda): This fragrant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and purple.
• Milkweed (Asclepias): The host plant for monarch butterflies, milkweed is a must-have for any pollinator garden. It also attracts other butterflies and bees.
• Lavender (Lavandula): This fragrant herb is a favorite of bees and butterflies. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some moisture.
• Mint (Mentha): Mint is an easy-to-grow herb that attracts a variety of pollinators. Be careful, though, as it can be invasive.
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): This vibrant red flower attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): This tall, stately plant attracts butterflies and bees. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.

When planting around your water feature, consider the placement of the plants. Place taller plants behind the water feature to provide shade and shelter. Plant shorter plants in front so they don’t block access to the water. Remember that local nurseries specializing in native plants can offer personalized recommendations for your specific region and organic gardening needs.

Location, Location, Location: Optimal Placement and Maintenance

Where you place your pollinator watering hole is just as important as how you design it. Here are a few tips for optimal placement:

• Sunlight and Shade Balance: Choose a location that receives both sunlight and shade throughout the day. Pollinators need sunlight to warm their bodies, but they also need shade to cool down.
• Accessibility for Pollinators: Place the water feature near pollinator-friendly plants so that pollinators can easily find it. Avoid placing it in areas with heavy foot traffic, as this can disturb them.
• Maintenance Routine: Regularly clean the water feature to prevent algae growth and mosquito breeding. Empty the water and scrub the saucer with a brush and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with fresh water. You can also use mosquito dunks, which are safe for pollinators but kill mosquito larvae.
• Seasonal Considerations: In colder climates, you may need to winterize your water feature to prevent it from freezing and cracking. You can do this by emptying the water and storing the saucer indoors. Alternatively, you can use a bird bath heater to keep the water from freezing.

Creating a pollinator watering hole is a simple yet impactful way to support these essential creatures. By providing a reliable source of water, you’re helping them thrive and contributing to a healthier ecosystem in your own backyard. It’s a win-win for both you and the pollinators! As you nurture your sustainable home, remember that every small action counts.

As the summer heat intensifies, now is the perfect time to create your pollinator watering hole. By providing this essential resource, you’ll be helping pollinators survive and thrive during the hottest months of the year. Share your pollinator water feature creations with us using #BetterHomesAndHarvests and #PollinatorWater.