Spring Forward with Buzz: Plant These 7 Blooms for a Pollinator Party

Spring is in the air! You can feel it in the warmer breezes, hear it in the return of birdsong, and see it in the first brave blossoms pushing through the soil. As we shake off the winter chill and start dreaming of vibrant gardens and bountiful harvests, there's one crucial element we can't afford to overlook: our precious pollinators. These buzzing, fluttering friends are essential for a healthy ecosystem and a thriving garden, and spring is the perfect time to welcome them back with open arms – and the right plants!

Sadly, pollinator populations are facing significant challenges. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are all taking a toll. But the good news is that we, as gardeners and homeowners, have the power to make a real difference. With a few simple choices, we can transform our gardens into pollinator paradises, providing vital food and shelter for these essential creatures. And the rewards are immense: healthier plants, more abundant harvests, and the joy of watching our gardens come alive with activity.

This spring, let's commit to creating havens for pollinators in our own backyards. Here are 7 easy-to-implement tips to get you started, transforming your garden into a buzzing, beautiful ecosystem!

1. Embrace Native Blooms for Local Buzz

When it comes to attracting pollinators, native plants are the undisputed champions. Unlike non-native ornamentals, which may offer little to no nutritional value, native plants have evolved alongside local pollinator populations, creating a perfect symbiotic relationship. Our native bees, butterflies, and other insects are specifically adapted to feed on and pollinate these plants.

Think of it this way: planting native is like offering a familiar and delicious meal to a hungry guest. They know exactly what to do with it! Non-native plants, on the other hand, might be pretty to look at, but they're often like offering a dish that your guests have never seen or tasted before - they might not be able to use it.

Not sure where to start? The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (xerces.org) and the USDA Plants Database (plants.usda.gov) are excellent resources for researching native plants specific to your region. Your local extension office can also offer valuable advice.

This spring, make it a goal to add at least one or two new native plants to your garden. Even a small contribution can make a big difference! And, once you start to notice how the plants belong in your garden, you can incorporate more and more natives.

Here are a few easy-to-grow native plants ideal for attracting pollinators in the Mid-Atlantic region:

• Bee Balm (Monarda): Blooms in mid-summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Coneflower (Echinacea): A late-summer bloomer that provides nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators.
• Milkweed (Asclepias): Essential for monarch butterflies, as it's the only plant their caterpillars can eat.
• Goldenrod (Solidago): A late-season bloomer that provides a crucial source of nectar for pollinators preparing for winter.

2. Ditch the Sprays: Prioritize Organic Gardening Practices

Pesticides, even those labeled "organic," can be incredibly harmful to pollinators. These chemicals can disrupt their nervous systems, impair their ability to navigate, and even kill them outright. A chemical-free gardening approach is an essential part of protecting our buzzing buddies.

Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, focus on building healthy soil. Healthy soil leads to healthy, resilient plants that are better able to resist pests and diseases. Amend your soil with plenty of compost, aged manure, and other organic matter. Also ensure the garden is free of weeds, through planting, hand removal, or flame removal.

When pests do strike, try these alternative control methods:

• Companion planting: Plant herbs and flowers that repel pests. Marigolds, for example, are known to deter nematodes and other garden pests.
• Beneficial insects: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to prey on aphids and other harmful insects.
• Hand-picking: Remove pests by hand, especially for infestations. This is best for larger pests, like slugs and snails.

If you absolutely must use a pest control spray, opt for a homemade organic solution and always apply it in the evening when pollinators are less active.

Here's a simple recipe for a homemade organic pest control spray:

Neem Oil Spray: Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil, ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap, and 1 quart of water. Spray directly on affected plants, avoiding application during peak pollinator activity.

3. Create a Pollinator Buffet with Successional Blooming

Imagine going to a restaurant that only serves one dish, and only for a short period of time. Not very appealing, right? Pollinators need a continuous source of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season, so it's important to plan your garden with successional blooming in mind.

This means choosing plants that bloom at different times of the year, from early spring to late fall. Pay special attention to early-blooming plants like crocuses, snowdrops, and tulips. These provide a crucial source of food for pollinators emerging from their winter dormancy. Also, late-blooming flowers like goldenrod and asters will support the pollinators as they prepare for the winter.

Here's a chart of some plants categorized by bloom time:

• Early Spring: Crocus, Snowdrops, Hellebores
• Late Spring: Lilac, Phlox, Tulips
• Summer: Lavender, Zinnias, Bee Balm
• Fall: Asters, Sedum, Goldenrod

Remember to adapt the list to your specific region and climate.

4. Offer a Refreshing Oasis: Provide Water Sources

Pollinators need water just like any other living creature. But they can easily drown in deep water sources. The key is to provide shallow water sources where they can safely drink.

Here are a few easy ways to provide water for pollinators:

• Bird baths with pebbles: Place pebbles or stones in a bird bath to create shallow areas for pollinators to land on.
• Shallow dishes: Fill a shallow dish with water and add pebbles or marbles for the bees to land on.
• Leaky hoses: A gently dripping hose can provide a constant source of water for pollinators.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to keep the water clean and fresh. Change it regularly to prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria.

Creating a simple bee watering station is quick and easy:

Fill a shallow dish with water and add pebbles or marbles for the bees to land on. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and clean.

5. Shelter from the Storm: Create Nesting Habitats

While providing food is important, pollinators also need safe places to nest and reproduce. Many pollinators, such as solitary bees, don't live in hives like honeybees. Instead, they nest in the ground, in hollow stems, or in small cavities.

Here are a few ways to create nesting habitats for pollinators in your garden:

• Leave patches of bare ground: Ground-nesting bees need access to bare soil to build their nests.
• Build a bee hotel: Bee hotels provide cavities for cavity-nesting bees to lay their eggs. You can build your own using natural materials like bamboo, wood scraps, and pinecones. When hanging, always ensure safety for children and pets.
• Leave leaf litter: Butterflies and other insects often overwinter in leaf litter. Resist the urge to clean up every last leaf in the fall, and leave some areas undisturbed.

Building a simple bee hotel is a fun and rewarding project:

1. Gather natural materials like bamboo, wood scraps, and pinecones.
2. Drill holes of varying sizes (about 1/8 to 3/8 inch) in the wood scraps.
3. Bundle the bamboo together.
4. Place the materials inside a wooden box or frame.
5. Hang the bee hotel in a sunny location, ideally facing east.

6. Brighten Your Space with Flowers: Focus on Pollinator Color Preference

Attract more pollinators with color! Did you know that different pollinators are attracted to different flower colors? Bees tend to be drawn to blue, purple, white, and yellow flowers, while butterflies prefer yellow, orange, pink, and red blooms. Keep in mind that color is often more important than smell when it comes to attracting pollinators.

Planning your garden with a diversity of colors will help you attract a wider range of pollinators. Consider using a color wheel to create visually appealing and pollinator-friendly combinations.

![Split image. Right side, garden with red flowers. Left side, garden with blue flowers.]

7. Compost and Protect: Encourage Healthy Living and Reduce Pollution

Composting isn't just good for your garden; it's good for pollinators, too! Using compost reduces pollution by decreasing the need for commercial fertilizers, which can harm pollinators and disrupt the ecosystem. It also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting those fertilizers.

Healthy soil, rich in organic matter, helps plants thrive and resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. Plus, compost provides essential nutrients for pollinators, supporting their overall health and well-being.

Here's how to get started with composting:

1. Set up a compost bin in a convenient location in your yard.
2. Add a mix of "green" materials (like grass clippings and vegetable scraps) and "brown" materials (like leaves and shredded paper).
3. Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it.
4. In a few months, you'll have nutrient-rich compost to add to your garden.

You can also test your soil to determine what nutrients it needs. This will help you tailor your composting efforts and ensure that your plants are getting the right balance of nutrients.

Cultivate a Thriving Ecosystem, One Bloom at a Time

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding experience that benefits both you and the environment. By implementing these simple tips, you can transform your backyard into a haven for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

As you plan your pollinator gardens now, remember the beauty you find in planting a pollinator garden is the same joy felt by a pollinator when finding food. Remember to stop by a local nursery to learn more about regionally beneficial plants.

Certified Naturally Grown is a great way to find safe, reliable organic providers!

This spring, consider planting just one plant to improve pollinator health and food security. Your community will thank you!
If you would like to learn more about pollinator health, please visit the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website!

What are your favorite plants for attracting pollinators? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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