This is part of a new series of blog posts for beginner gardeners. These posts may be a little shorter and more specific in nature.

1. Understanding Pollinator Preferences

It’s important to understand what attracts pollinators:

• Nectar and Pollen: Pollinators are drawn to plants whose flowers offer ample nectar and pollen. 
• Color: Brightly colored flowers, especially in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and orange, tend to attract bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red and tubular flowers.
• Scent: Many pollinators are attracted to sweet-smelling flowers, which help guide them to the nectar source.
• Flower Shape and Structure: Different pollinators are suited to different flower shapes. For example, long-tongued bees and butterflies are better at accessing tubular flowers, while short-tongued bees and other insects prefer flat, open flowers.

2. Essential Plants for Pollinators

Here are some excellent plant choices to support a variety of pollinators:

Flowers for Bees:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Bees are particularly attracted to lavender’s fragrant purple flowers. This perennial herb also has the added benefit of being drought-tolerant.

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Also known as coneflower, echinacea’s large, daisy-like blooms are a favorite of bees.
• Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum): Leeks are actually popular with a variety of pollinators, in addition to being tasty to humans.

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum): In addition to its culinary uses, basil’s small, aromatic flowers attract bees.

• Oregano, Thyme, and Rosemary

• Mints, Penstemons, and Catmint (be careful where you plant mint, as it can take over).

• Oregon’s Native Pussywillows (in fall)

• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

• Fruit trees (in spring)

• Chives and Garlic Chives

• Dandelions (the first flowers of spring)
• Artichoke flowers
• Roses
• Elecampane flowers

Flowers for Butterflies

• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies, milkweed provides both nectar and a place for butterflies to lay their eggs.

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): With its bright yellow petals and dark center, this plant is a magnet for butterflies.

• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): As its name suggests, this shrub is known for attracting butterflies with its long, dense flower spikes. It is, however, not native everywhere, and it’s considered controversial in some regions.

Flowers for Hummingbirds

• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): The tubular flowers of bee balm come in vibrant colors and are highly attractive to hummingbirds.

• Salvia (Salvia spp.): Salvia’s spikes of colorful flowers provide a plentiful nectar source for hummingbirds.

• Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans): This vigorous vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are ideal for hummingbirds.

• Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius capensis): This plant grows easily and needs little water. It’s also easy to get new plants from cuttings or through layering.

General Pollinator-Friendly Plants – especially bumblebees

• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): Cosmos are not only beautiful and easy to grow, but their open flowers are accessible to a range of pollinators.

• Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): Available in a variety of colors, zinnias attract both butterflies and bees.

• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): Large, sunny blooms attract a wide array of pollinators and provide seeds for birds in the fall.

3. Additional Tips for a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

• Plant in Groups: Pollinators are more likely to visit a group of plants of the same species. Planting in clusters can make your garden easier for pollinators to navigate.

• Provide Continuous Bloom: To support pollinators throughout the growing season, include a variety of plants that flower at different times. Aim for a garden that blooms from early spring to late fall. Think of dandelions and hellebores for early spring, and sunflowers or zinnias for fall.

• Avoid Pesticides: Many common pesticides are harmful to pollinators. Please use organic or natural pest control methods to keep your garden safe for all creatures.

• Include Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and are often the best choice for supporting local pollinator species. They also tend to require less water and maintenance.

4. Creating a Habitat

In addition to planting flowers, consider creating habitat features such as:

• Nesting Sites: Provide bee hotels (Mason bees), dead wood, or leave plant detritus and leaves on soil patches for nesting bees (various bumble bees and wasps).

• Water Sources: A shallow water dish with stones or gravel can provide a safe drinking place for pollinators.

• Shelter: Incorporate dense plantings or brush piles to offer shelter for butterflies and other pollinators.

By choosing the right plants and making thoughtful additions to your garden, you can create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly space. Your garden will not only be a haven for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but also more beautiful and productive. If you plant for pollinators, you’ll be rewarded with a larger food harvest. There can be enough for everyone!

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