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around for humans and wildlife ; by protecting local pollinators , we are able to walk a more harmonious path with nature .
GIFTS OF GARDENING When creating a pollinator garden at home , there are many elements to consider . The most important , of course , is which types of plants to include . You ’ ll want to think about the different types of pollinators and figure out what their host plants are , so that you can procure vegetation on which they can lay their eggs .
You ’ ll also want to think about how much light your space has — whether it offers full or partial sun or if it ’ s shaded — as well as how dry it is , what the irrigation is like and how much wind typically whips through . For larger gardens , Ford also likes to design landscaping that is pleasing to the eye : “ different heights and different types of texture and color ,” she notes .
Gardeners , whether just starting out or adjusting a previously planted space , should also seek out a variety of plants that flower in different seasons so that your plot has continuity . As spring plants are dying out , those that peak in summer or fall will just be beginning to bloom , ensuring that there are places available for pollination year-round .
And , of course , native plants are key . “ The beauty about California natives is that , once they are established , you really don ’ t have to water them very much ,” Leary says . “ They ’ ve kind of adapted to being here in the Mediterranean climate .”
Ford agrees , noting that healthy soil is another crucial component to planting a garden that aids the pollinators ’ plight . “ Soil is the foundation of everything . … One of the
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ways that you can create healthy soil is to plant native plants , because they actually feed the soil and have a symbiotic relationship with it ,” she says , “… so everything is working together .”
She adds that you can either design your plot entirely with regionally native species or include a mixture , incorporating things like California buckwheat , seaside daisies or coastal sunflowers as well to appeal to a wider range of generalist pollinators . Ceanothus , or California lilacs , and manzanita are other great options , as they bloom early and can be beneficial to queen bumblebees who are looking for nectar as they emerge after winter . “ If they can ’ t find nectar , they won ’ t be able to lay eggs and create bumblebee colonies for the future ,” Ford notes . “ So it all depends on those early queens being successful in finding food .”
Leary shares that some other types of plants that appeal to pollinators include yarrow , California aster , verbena , desert willow , coyote brush , rabbitbrush , lupin , monkey flower , native California sages and additional kinds of buckwheat . Planting in clusters can also provide bees and butterflies with a target of sorts to seek out .
What should you avoid ? Pesticides are a big one , as they contain chemicals that can be harmful to wildlife . But native plants do not attract pests the same way that non-native plants do , Ford says . Although common milkweed is not a native plant , it ’ s important to the survival of monarch butterflies , so she adds that , in cases such as this , you can plant native species around the non-native ones in order to help eliminate pests . If you must use pesticides , consider spraying them at night when fewer creatures are active .
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SMALL SPACES Laguna Beach backyards don ’ t always provide the kind of space you ’ d want for a large garden , but think small : Pollinator gardens can be set up on patios or in small spaces as well .
Ford started a small garden on the patio of her Dana Point home consisting entirely of potted plants . “ It ’ s worked in its own way ,” she says . “ We have monarchs making chrysalises on our front porch . We ’ ve even had a little bird nesting above our front door .”
These quaint spaces can include the same kind of planning as larger gardens , with homeowners checking their light and irrigation before deciding on which pollinatorfriendly plants to incorporate . While it may seem like these porch gardens wouldn ’ t offer enough for bees and butterflies to explore , Ford notes that sometimes the quality of what you plant is more important than the quantity . Find plant species that appeal to them and they will come .
“ You don ’ t have to have a ton of space to make it functional ,” she explains . “ One pot , in fact , will even work to bring in butterflies .” She will also be giving out roughly 10 butterfly
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FROM LEFT : PERRY STAMPFEL ; ASHLEY RYAN |
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