
Butterflies and bees are important garden visitors — they’re both pollinators, which means they help plants reproduce.
When planning your garden, you might want to consider ways to attract these helpful insects. They fertilize plants and keep nature’s cycle going. But how can you make your yard pollinator-friendly?
It’s all in what, when, and how you plant.
Plant Accordingly
One of the best ways to keep butterflies and bees returning all year (except in harsh winters if you live in a seasonal climate) is to plant flowers that bloom at different times. That means planting varieties that will flower in the spring, summer, and autumn months. Make sure you include native ones, because that’s what your pollinators will be looking for and are accustomed to.
Additionally, opt for cluster flowers, rather than individual ones. This will give the pollinators more of a selection and draw them in. Nectar is what these critters are after, so make sure your flowers are rich in both nectar and pollen.
Butterfly-Friendly Plants
There are many plants that draw our beautiful winged insects. What you plant will depend on where you live and if the varieties can thrive in that climate, but Shasta daisies, lavender, goldenrod, purple coneflower, marigolds, and asters are all good options. Include milkweed in your plant varieties if you want to attract monarch butterflies.
If you plant herbs, then sage, oregano, and fennel will bring the butterflies to your yard.
Bee-Friendly Plants
Bees are attracted to many of the same flowers as butterflies, but you can differentiate by adding poppies, bee plants, geraniums, sunflowers, wild roses, and a variety of trees.
Bees also like herbs, particularly rosemary, basil, mint, and thyme.
Do Away With Pesticides
Don’t use pesticides in your garden if you want to attract pollinators. These chemicals are not only harmful to butterflies and bees, but they also make their way into the nectar. When bees and butterflies consume the nectar, it can kill them.
Making matters worse, bees bring the nectar to their hives, which can spread the toxicity. Even organic pesticides can be toxic, so consider alternative methods for pest control, like companion planting, to keep them at bay.
If you’re buying pre-grown plants from a nursery or garden center, make sure it hasn’t been pre-treated with pesticides. The same goes for seeds. Research is your friend here when you’re purchasing from a new source.
Provide Resting Spaces
Pollinating and flitting from flower to flower is hard work! Make sure you set up an area or two in your garden where butterflies especially can take a break. They often like to settle on rocks or sturdy surfaces to rest and seek protection from the elements.
You can hang bird or bee houses around your yard, too, for hummingbirds (another pollinator) and bees to nest. A bird bath is also a good idea because butterflies and bees also get thirsty.
But doesn’t water attract mosquitoes, too? It does, but if you keep the water source clean, you can prevent infestations. In other words, don’t just set it and forget it.