What is a Pollinator Garden?

A pollinator garden is just what it sounds like. A garden specifically planted to support local pollinators. When wild areas with native plants are lost due to development, roads, farming, and lawns, these insects have nowhere to go; and as a result, their population plummets. Pollinators need plants to feed and live on in order to survive. 

As important as pollinators are to what we plant, what we plant is also hugely important to them. Many plants that may seem lovely and harmless to us, don’t have the important things that the local pollinators need. Non- native and invasive plants (plants that are native to other ecosystems but not our local one) often are not plants that native pollinators can't use or do anything with. 

This is why when we plant pollinator gardens, the key thing is planting native. Native plants that are known to be good for native pollinators are the best. And by planting them in a designated cared for area, we can help support populations of pollinators that need the resources from those plants. 

Why are Pollinator Gardens Important? 

Pollinator populations are at risk due to loss of habitat. Further development of roads, farms, and lawns destroy the native plant species that pollinators rely on for food and laying eggs. The use of pesticides and insecticides in these areas also kill these key pollinator species. In our garden, and gardens across the country, we dedicate the space to growing native plants, so that pollinators have a place to grow, and hopefully increase their numbers. Pollinators are important for more than just the native flowers in our gardens, as they help surrounding trees and crops flourish and grow as well. Providing these hard-working insects with a safe and uninterrupted habitat is one of the foundational ways of protecting the ecosystem around us. 

Garden Photos!