Pollinator Garden

Introduction

Pollinators come in many forms, even some we might not think about: bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, birds, and bats. Pollinator gardens provide these important species with adequate food, and sometimes other resources too like shelter, water, and nesting materials like tall blades of grass or a bare mud patch for nest builders to build with.

Meadow and prairie gardens change year round as the wildflowers bloom, die, and are replaced by others. Some mowing may be needed, but we suggest a push real mower or a scythe to reduce harm to the garden and animals living in it. Farmers for Monarchs gives this advice for mowing a Monarch habitat so as not to kill your pollinators. 

Key Species

Wildflowers

Wildflowers encompass many plants species from tiny duckweed flowers which can't be seen with the naked eye to massive trees.

Always try to match local natives to your landscape which are appropriate for the area. These are the best for providing food and shelter to native pollinators, while imported species or aggressive invasives can actually push out beneficial plants sometimes without even being edible or useful to the local wildlife.

Even if you don't see any pollinators in your garden now. Wildflowers provide the basis for their food chain and some provide protection and nutrients to their offspring. Much like protected bike lanes placed in a spot where few people are willing to ride, wildflowers are among those things that "if you provide them, they will come". Scientists have determined that even a 

Click the Wildflower button to find our wildflower resources. They include guides and apps to help you find the right species for your area, seed swaps, and other methods of obtaining seeds, cuttings, or plants.

We also have a Monarchs page which has a growing listing of monarch networks, advice on how to create a habitat for them, how to help scientists monitor them, garden certification programs, and more useful info.

Apps & Tools

Europe

UK

Guides

Support Pollinator: DIY Habitat Manual

Bee-Friendly Gardening

Community Gardens

How-To: Seed Bombs

Nature-Friendly Gardening

Europe

UK

Oceana

Australia

Pollinator Garden Networks & Programs

North America

Canada

USA

Oregon

Groups

Europe

UK

North America

Canada

North America

USA

Minnesota

Oregon

"Montavilla Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon"

Maps

International

Europe

UK

Grants & Funding

Europe

UK

National award schemes There are a number of key organisations offering grants and advice to community based projects e.g. 

Oceana

Australia

Western Australia

Native Plant Subsidy "Native plants provide natural food sources and shelter for native animals, are water wise and can help cool your home naturally. To help you create a waterwise garden, the City of Cockburn offers native plant subsidies to both residents and schools."