Always make sure any plants you are buying for your pollinator garden haven ' t been treated with neonicotinoids . These pesticides are absorbed by the plants and are very harmful to pollinating and beneficial insects .
Think Natural
Try to create an environment that pollinators and other wildlife will not only want to visit , but actually choose to stay . Bee hotels are very popular . It can be as simple as wrapping some twigs and pinecones in twine and hanging them from a shed or tucked in a dry corner of your garden . Most wild bees are solitary and don ’ t build hives . The bee hotels give these insects of dwindling numbers a place to spend the night . A stumpery is another way to give shelter to insects while adding interest to your garden . It consists of various sizes of tree stumps arranged in a creative way . It can really lend to a natural feel for your garden . Many parts of the U . S . and Europe have been experiencing severe droughts in recent years . Having a water source for your pollinators and birds can help bring them to your garden . A bird bath is one great option . A simple yet effective alternative is to have a dish layered with small stones and pebbles which you fill with water . The stones and pebbles allow access to the entire dish , not just the rim , and let any insects that get in the water climb out safely . This will help thirsty bees and butterflies find a drink on a hot day .
Make it Beautiful
A wildflower garden doesn ’ t have to be an overgrown mass of scattered flowers . Think carefully about where you want to plant each variety and how it will look . You should choose complementary colors that don ’ t clash . Maybe allow a path through your garden or a seating area if you plan on spending time in it . Adding things like rocks or small boulders can add interest and break things up a bit . Beauty does matter to most gardeners and it will keep your neighbors happy . Although perspective is changing , many cities and counties still have antiquated bylaws that limit what you can grow in your front garden and the height these “ weeds ” can reach . Just recently in the city I live in , a woman came home from holiday to find that the city had mowed down her pollinator garden after a neighbor complained . She also received a fine . My thoughts are that the best way to combat complaints from neighbors is to make your front garden as attractive as possible .
There are so many benefits to growing a pollinator and wildlife garden . Insect and bird populations are declining significantly and loss of habitat is one of the main reasons . It ’ s time gardeners and governments think outside the box and support our pollinators by growing more native plants and having fewer mowed lawns . The planet will thank you .
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