If you’re interested in growing a pollinator garden, make the lawn and woodland edge part of the plan. These areas are perfect spots for sustainable gardening that offers long-term benefits for both the environment and your space.
Lawn Area as Pollinator Habitat: When people ask me what to plant in their yard for pollinators, my first recommendation is always the lawn. Consider adding flowering species and letting it grow. Simple additions like Dandelions and Clover (though not native, both are highly beneficial to bees) make a difference. Dandelions are easy to grow and offer early nectar, while Clover is a longer-lasting bee favorite — both species support hungry overwintering pollinators. #nomowMay
If you want to go native, you can’t beat Canadian Anemone. This beautiful white-flowering plant thrives like Clover and is similarly a great nectar source. Golden Alexander is an alternative to Dandilion that blooms early and produces a yellow flower that native bees go nuts for. Self heal (Prunella vulgaris) is a fantastic purple flowering groundcover. An alternative to Ajuga (or Bugleweed), it is native and easily grown from seed.
Woodland Edges for Pollinators: Remember the woodland edge! Designing a garden that infiltrates the edge of your woodland area provides lasting benefits for your entire yard. More native plants = more pollinators, as long as the overwintering insects have shelter. #leavesomeleaves
Consider my Favorite Woodland Edge Plants: Strong rooted, rhizomatous plants like Wild Raisin, Rosy Meadowsweet, and Aster spread easily and outcompete invasive species. Mix groundcovers, shrubs, and perennials in clusters of 3-5 to create a thriving, pollinator-friendly garden.
- Adam’s Needle (Yucca): This dry soil loving perennial is perfect for sun to part-sun open forest edges, adding structure with its towering flower stalks.
- Wild Raisin, Rosy Meadowsweet, and Aster: These lovely native plants are excellent in a range of soils, including droughty ones, will spread over time and will enhance pollinator habitat in your garden.
Design for Pollinators: When designing a garden, think about your space: open forest areas, forest edges, meadows, lawns, and shade spots all support pollinators in their own way. By planting strategically, you can create a haven for these important plants and insects.
** Ready to transform your yard into a pollinator paradise? Contact me today to discuss your vision, explore options, and create a beautiful garden for the future! **
Chadd G Hippensteel 