When you step into your garden in the warmer months, chances are you’ll spot bees buzzing and butterflies flitting from flower to flower. They’re not just beautiful to watch—they’re essential workers in your garden and beyond. These tiny pollinators help plants reproduce, keeping your flowers blooming and your fruits and veggies thriving.
Experts at the US National Science Foundation estimate pollinators are responsible for between $235 and $577 billion in global food production every year. That’s a staggering amount, and it means everything from your morning berries to the almonds in your snack mix owes a little thanks to these hardworking creatures.
Instead of shooing them away, it’s worth making your garden a welcoming place for them—especially for bees, whose numbers are on the decline. The good news? You might already be doing some of the right things without even realizing it.
They’re Vital Pollinators
Bees and butterflies, along with hummingbirds, bats, and other insects, are vital pollinators. They do our gardens (and plants as a whole) an important service by moving pollen from male parts to female parts of flowers and crops, helping the plants reproduce.
But it’s not just plants that are benefiting; the USGS states that even coffee drinkers benefit from pollinators!
What Happens if Pollinators Decline?
If pollinators were to decline significantly, it would be devastating to the agricultural industry because the majority of crop species rely on them to do the work organically.
This is why so many are working overtime to ensure the bee population doesn’t die off. Bees are important for more than just the honey they produce.
How To Draw in Pollinators
If you’ve noticed pollinators in your garden, lovely! If you haven’t and you want to draw them into your yard, there are a few simple things you can do. First, you want to research which ones are in your region. Then, you can plan out additions to your garden.
Choose Plants They Love
If you want to attract pollinators, start by planting what they love—because that’s what will keep them coming back. Bees, butterflies, and other helpful garden visitors are on the lookout for nectar-rich flowers to fuel up or bring back to their hives.
A few tried-and-true favorites? Asters, milkweed, and bee balm. These blooms are like a five-star buffet for pollinators, offering plenty of nectar while adding beauty to your garden. Plant a variety, and you’ll have a buzzing, fluttering oasis in no time.
Make Sure they Have Water and Resting Places
Like all creatures, pollinators need basic essentials like water to stay hydrated and a safe place to rest. Fountains, if you have the room, are a good option for both birds and bees. Butterflies tend to seek out warm, flat spaces, so a few strategically placed rocks are really all you need.
Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators—sometimes wiping them out before they’ve had a chance to do their important work. Even organic options can pose risks, so if you can, it’s best to skip the chemicals altogether. Instead, try natural pest control methods like companion planting, handpicking pests, or encouraging beneficial insects. A little balance goes a long way in keeping your garden thriving and pollinator-friendly.
