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Pollinator Gardening
Introduction
Dreaming of a garden buzzing with life? Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are essential to healthy ecosystems, and they need our help. Thankfully, turning your yard into a welcoming space for pollinators is easier than you might think! Keep reading to discover the tips and tricks of creating your own pollinator garden!
Location, Location, Location
Start by choosing a sunny spot. Most pollinator plants thrive in full to partial sun and prefer areas sheltered from strong winds. Even small spaces like patios or balconies can work with the right containers.
Garden Prep: Ready to Grow
Before planting, remove any turf grass, invasive species, or aggressive non-native plants. They compete with native plants and can make it harder for your garden to thrive. Loosening the soil and adding compost will give your new plants a strong start.
Native vs. Non-Natives: Why it Matters
Native plants are adapted to your local environment—and to the needs of native pollinators. They require less water and maintenance and are much more beneficial than popular non-native garden plants. Plus, many native species support pollinators throughout all seasons, from early spring bloomers to late fall nectar sources.
Check out these helpful guides for ideas:
Design Tips for a Pollinator Paradise
Pollen Pockets: Group the same plants together in clumps rather than scattering them. Bigger patches are easier for pollinators to find.
Shape, Color, and Height: Different pollinators are drawn to different flower shapes and colors. Butterflies love bright blooms like purple and yellow, while hummingbirds are drawn to reds. Vary the plant heights too—layering tall, medium, and low plants creates more foraging opportunities.
Just Add Water: A simple bee bath (a shallow dish of water with stones for landing) can make your garden even more welcoming.
Shrink Your Lawn: Lawns offer little food or shelter for pollinators. Replacing even a small portion with native plants can make a big difference.
Native Plant Favorites
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Flowers: Wild blue phlox, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, goldenrod
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Shrubs: Virginia sweetspire, buttonbush, New Jersey tea
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Trees: Eastern redbud, serviceberry, flowering dogwood
Tip: Pollinator gardens don’t have to be perfectly tidy—leaving seed heads, brush piles, and even patches of bare soil gives pollinators places to rest and nest. Nature loves a little bit of “wild!
Conclusion
By creating even a small pollinator-friendly space at home, you’re helping to support local ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and add beauty to your surroundings. Every native plant you grow makes a difference! Whether you start with just a few flowers or transform your whole yard, your garden will soon be buzzing, fluttering, and thriving with life. Happy planting!
If you have any questions that weren’t answered or need more information, feel free to stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We’re here to help you grow better!
Connect with Strange’s:
Instagram: @StrangesRVA Facebook: @Strange’s Florist
Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200 West Broad: 804-360-2800
