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How to Create a Pollinator Garden | Support Bees, Butterflies & More


Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems. From honey bees and bumblebees to butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and native solitary bees, these vital creatures ensure that plants reproduce, which means more fruits, vegetables, and flowers for all of us.


Creating a pollinator garden isn’t just beautiful, it’s a tangible way to support biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems, and help reverse pollinator decline. The best part? It doesn’t take acres of land to make a difference. Even a small patch, balcony, or border filled with nectar-rich plants can become a buzzing oasis.


Start with the Right Foundation


Sunlight & Soil:

Most pollinator plants thrive in full sun (6+ hours/day) and well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay like (common in many parts of North Carolina), consider raised beds or amend with compost and organic matter to improve aeration and drainage.


Avoid Chemicals:

Pesticides, herbicides, and even many “weed and feed” lawn products harm pollinators directly or contaminate their nectar sources. Choose organic or integrated pest management (IPM) approaches instead. This advice is echoed by several conservation groups. 


Diversity is Key:

The more plant diversity you have in color, shape, bloom time, and scent, the wider the range of pollinators you’ll attract. According to the Xerces Society and other resources, including a variety of flower types is important for attracting different bee species. 


Plan for Continuous Bloom


Pollinators need food from early spring through late fall. Choose species that bloom in succession so something is always in flower. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also advises planning for more than just summer. 

Season

Example Plants

Pollinators Attracted

Early Spring

Willow, Redbud, Dandelion, Creeping Phlox, Wild Blue Indigo

Honey bees, mason bees, bumblebees

Late Spring

Coreopsis, Bee Balm, Salvia, Clover, Catmint

Native bees, hoverflies, butterflies

Summer

Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Zinnia, Liatris, Lavender, Milkweed

Monarchs, swallowtails, carpenter bees, hummingbirds

Late Summer/Fall

Asters, Goldenrod, Sedum, Joe Pye Weed, Sunflowers

Migrating monarchs, bumblebees, honey bees storing for winter


Match Plants to Pollinators


Each pollinator has a favorite type of flower, understanding their preferences helps you plant strategically.


Honey Bees & Native Bees

  • Prefer blue, yellow, and white flowers with open or shallow blooms. 

  • Thrive on clusters of flowers where they can forage efficiently. 

  • Love: Bee Balm, Borage, Lavender, Sunflowers, Clover, Goldenrod, Mint-family plants.


Butterflies

  • Attracted to flat-topped or clustered blooms that provide landing pads.

  • Need nectar plants for adults and host plants for caterpillars.

  • Love: Milkweed (Monarchs), Parsley/Dill (Swallowtails), Asters, Zinnias, Verbena.


Moths & Bats

  • Moths prefer pale, night-blooming flowers with sweet fragrance.

  • Bats are drawn to large, white or pale blooms that open at dusk.

  • Try: Evening Primrose, Moonflower, Yucca, Four o’Clocks.


Hummingbirds

  • Seek red, orange, and tubular flowers high in nectar.

  • Prefer blooms positioned where they can hover easily.

  • Love: Trumpet Vine, Cardinal Flower, Bee Balm, Salvia, Columbine.


Beetles & Flies

  • Often overlooked but essential for pollination, especially of native shrubs.

  • Attracted to spicy or fruity scents and broad, open blooms.

  • Love: Spicebush, Dogwood, Queen Anne’s Lace.



Design with Nature in Mind


  • Plant in clumps: Group 3–5 of the same plant species together, this makes foraging more efficient and helps pollinators find you. 

  • Layer your garden: Include ground covers, mid-height flowers, and taller shrubs or small trees for shelter and variety.

  • Add water: A shallow dish with pebbles and fresh water provides bees a safe place to drink. 

  • Leave some wild: Bare soil patches, old stems, and hollow reeds offer nesting spots for native bees. 

  • Avoid hyper-tidiness: A little mulch, leaf litter or woody debris helps overwintering insects and nesting bees. 


Go Native Whenever Possible

Native plants are best suited for local pollinators, they’ve evolved together for thousands of years.   A few excellent choices for most regions in the U.S. (including the Southeast) include:


  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

  • Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

  • Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

  • Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

  • Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)



Why It Matters


One out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. Yet habitat loss, pesticides, and disease have led to declining bee, butterfly, and bird populations worldwide. By planting a pollinator garden, you become part of the solution, helping ensure that honey bees and native pollinators continue to thrive for generations to come.


Creating a pollinator garden isn’t just about growing flowers, it’s about cultivating connection. Every bloom you plant helps sustain life, from the smallest solitary bee to the monarchs that migrate thousands of miles.


Start small, plant smart, and let your garden buzz with purpose.🌼


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