POLLINATOR PLANTS AND GARDENING TIPS

Q: Which plants are being grown in the Pollinator Pathway Gardens so far?

A: Each garden is planted a little differently, depending on its size, location, and sun exposure.   All the new Pollinator Pathway Gardens, and the existing garden at the Arivaca Dancehall, have been planted only with Southern AZ natives that are known to be an especially beneficial source of nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and/or beneficial food source for caterpillars.  The existing garden at the Arivaca Library has been planted with a mix of Southern AZ natives as well as non-native ornamental plants, many of which also attract and nuture pollinators.  The full plant lists for each garden are listed below!

Important Notes:

• All the gardens contain one or more species of Asclepias (Milkweed) in order to provide food for migrating adult Monarchs and their caterpillars.  

• All the gardens contain Conoclinium greggii (Gregg's Mistflower) because of its intense attraction for all butterflies in our region. 

• Cosmos, Nasturtium, and other pollinator-friendly annuals have been planted here and there in some gardens as "temporary fillers" between the shrubs and perennials while the plants become established. 

Q: Where have the Pollinator Pathway Project plants come from?

A:  The majority of plants have been purchased from Arivaca's wonderful local nursery, Whorled Leaf Nursery, located at 36480 S Arivaca Ranch Rd.  They are open 9am-3pm on Thursday-Sunday from March-November.

We are also grateful to have received a large donation of Gregg's Mistflower plants from Desert meadows Garden in Green Valley AZ, and that several Arivaca home gardeners have donated plants and starts from their gardens!

If you are planning a brand new pollinator-friendly garden, or want to enhance your existing garden, here are some tips from DCNatives.org that apply to all climates (with Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project coordinator notes in parenthesis) 

Location

• Light: Gardens need at least six hours of sun per day (Dappled sun is A-OK here in the desert)

• Water: A water source is absolutely necessary. Your hose (or drip irrigation system) should easily reach your garden. Watering cans may be enough for container gardens.: 

• Surface: Gardens can go in-ground, in a raised bed or in pots or containers. (Pots or containers should be 1ft or more in diameter for best water rentention here in the desert)

• Traffic: A little distance from active play areas and pet spaces will keep your corner of beauty safe. (Protect from wildlife herbivores such as deer, rabbits, and javelina too)

Design:

• Rule of 3: Plant for 3 seasons: spring, summer, and fall; aim to have 3 different species in bloom each season; and plant in groups, at least 3 of each variety. (If you have the space)

• Color: Pick what you love. Some plants come in a variety of colors, so read labels carefully. Different colors attract different pollinators.

• Height: Plants can range from 6″-6′ Consider the size of your space. For example: Tall plants can look great against a wall or fence; Walkways can look beautiful lined with knee-high blooms.

• Season of Blooms: Nature offers plants that bloom early spring through late fall. Pair early flowers with later bloomers to have color all season.

• Host and Nectar Plants: Host plants support pollinators throughout their life cycle as homes and as food. Some species need specific plants.  Monarch butterflies, for example, require Asclepias (Milkweed) species for their survival as they are the only plants on which the caterpillars can feed. Other plants are beautiful and good nectar sources. With a mixture of larval host plants and nectar sources, you can attract pollinators throughout their life cycles.

• Native and Non-Native Plants: While native plants are essential host and nectar plants, some non-native plants are good nectar sources. Limit the use of non-native species to 15% or less of your pollinator garden.  Also, it is more beneficial for the pollinators to use straight species as often as possible rather than hybrids that are often developed for commercial sale. (All the Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project gardens have been created with native perennial and shrub plants)

• Generalist and Specialist Pollinators: Some pollinators are “generalists” and supported by many types of plants; some plants are “specialists” and provide the only source for specific pollinators. Plant for the specialists since their plants also serve generalists.

• Don’t Forget the Annuals: Annual flowers need to be replanted every Spring. Perennials return year after year. Both have value to the pollinators. Some recommended annuals include zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers. Pollinators also love herbs when they flower: Dill, Parsley, and Cilantro are common favorites.