From butterflies and bees to insects and birds, pollinators help feed the world. But they need human support to do their jobs.
“The best way to help pollinators is to plant a pollinator garden,” says Stephanie Hazen, a retired veterinarian and master gardener in Salem, Oregon. “That way, you’re helping provide pollinators a source of food, a place to nest and shelter from other predators.”
Stephanie says she started a new mission when she retired: focus on pollinators and native gardening, growing trees, shrubs, perennials and nonhybrid plants adapted to specific climates, soil conditions and environments.
“When you choose plants that are native to your area, you’ll be supporting the groups of insects, birds, bees and butterflies common where you live,” she says. “These creatures have four-season relationships with plants, and what better way to feed this symbiotic relationship than to include plants that naturally grow where you live? The pollinators will be attracted to them all year long.”
Stephanie recommends a mixture of plants that provide four-season interest to help pollinators.
“Pollinators need more than just blossoms in the spring, summer and fall to thrive,” she says. “Perennials, such as evening primrose, goldenrod and yarrow, are excellent choices. Once they bloom, the spent foliage and the hollow flower stems can become shelter for insects.”
Stephanie also suggests planting milkweed for Western monarchs.
“These beautiful butterflies rely on milkweed as their only host plant,” she says. “They lay their eggs on milkweed, and when the larvae hatch, they will feed on the leaves as they grow into caterpillars.”
A perennial garden should provide shelter and a shallow water source as well.
Sources for native plants include local nurseries, local plant sales and various states’ Native Plant Societies. Some states’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts hold native plant sales as well. Each state’s Cooperative Extension Service, managed through land-grant universities, offers detailed pamphlets, plant lists and how-to publications that are free to read online or download.
“Anyone can add pollinator attractors to their landscapes, even if you live in an apartment or a condominium,” Stephanie says. “All it takes is a planter with a few flowering plants, and you’re all set.”