{"id":22950,"date":"2022-04-27T14:43:16","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T18:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/?p=19125"},"modified":"2024-06-28T10:42:08","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T14:42:08","slug":"creating-a-pretty-pollinator-garden-to-help-your-local-ecosystem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/your-life\/creating-a-pretty-pollinator-garden-to-help-your-local-ecosystem\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Pretty Pollinator Garden to Help your Local Ecosystem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pollinators are precious.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Dirt on Bee\nGardens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The importance of bee gardens (or pollinator gardens as some refer to them), cannot be understated. Providing pollinators, which include bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds and bats, places to access the food, water and nutrients they need to survive can have a big impact on your local ecosystem. Due to habitat loss and pesticide use, native pollinators are under more stress than at any other time in history. They need people to step up to protect them in ways both big and small. And that\u2019s where we come in! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading for a rundown on top ways to make a pretty pollinator garden, a process that will help you relax and commune with nature while helping the bugs, bees and butterflies in your neck of the woods (or the city) continue to do their work helping plants reproduce. And don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re short on outdoor space. We\u2019ve got tips to attract garden pollinators no matter how limited your area \u2013 and your experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing Your Pollinator Garden<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Pollinator gardens aren’t just beautiful, they’re functional.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to where to put your pollinator gardens, the options\nabound. From front steps to back patios to backyards, just about any spot can\nwork, though there are a few rules of thumb to take into consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Here Comes the Sun.<\/strong> Butterflies and bees are most active in sunlight and are especially drawn to wildflowers that grow in sunlight. Although you can still install some flowering plants in the shade, your typical garden pollinator will be more attracted to anything that keeps them warm in the sunshine. (Honestly, who blames them?) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Gimme Shelter. <\/strong>Wind can be very threatening for fragile bugs and birds. If you are able, consider a location for your bee garden that can also accommodate different types of shelter. Some of the most common are native grasses and perennials, trees, shrubs and even decaying piles of leaves and other yard debris. Many outdoor preservationists have taken to putting off the traditional \u201cfall cleanup\u201d until spring, leaving the dead stalks, branches and leaf piles to decompose naturally while providing a spot for pollinator eggs.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Chasing Waterfalls. <\/strong>The last must-have for your pollinator garden location is easy access to water. Our bug and bee friends need the stuff to not just drink and take in nutrients but also to reproduce. If there aren\u2019t any waterfalls in your outdoor spots, consider adding a bird bath, dripping bottle or even an entire water feature. Butterflies tend to flock towards \u201cpuddling areas,\u201d which are essentially shallow pans or rocks filled with a mix of compost, sand and water. A simple bowl of pebbles with water on it resting in your garden will also do wonders for thirsty travelers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you know what your garden needs at its new location, scan your outdoor living areas for possible contenders. If you\u2019re short on suitable real estate, decks and patios can also be made into petite pollinator stops for them to rest and refuel.  Make the spot inviting by clearing out and pack away excess items you don\u2019t need into a convenient self-storage unit<\/a>, and then placing standing garden beds and water features in the sunniest areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Plants for Pollinators<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Feed your Buckeye butterflies their favorite feast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    One of\nthe best aspects of a pollinator\ngarden is that it doesn\u2019t require anything particularly fancy. The best plants for pollinators vary\nby state and USDA\nhardiness zone<\/a>, but one thing is always consistent: they\nmust be organic and cultivated without the use of any sort of pesticide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Speaking\nfrom personal experience, you\u2019ll also have a lot better go of it if you choose\nplants for pollinators that are native to your geographic location. For ideas\nand advice, check out the incredible lists\nof pollinator-friendly native plants<\/a> put together by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation<\/em>. You can filter by\nstate to find the right list for your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The\naddition of native plants into your bee garden also helps the larger ecosystem. Native plants don\u2019t\nrequire fertilizers and need substantially less water than their more exotic counterparts.\nIn general, they\u2019re much hardier and easier to maintain, with much better\nresistance to local weather. According to the Audubon\nSociety<\/a>, landscaping with native plants not only helps fight the impacts of\nclimate change, but also provides vital habitats and shelter for birds, bugs,\nbees and butterflies. Win win!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While\nwe can\u2019t tell you exactly which plants you\u2019ll have the most success with in\nyour pollinator garden,\nthere are a couple of good guidelines to be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Different Strokes.<\/strong> Make sure your plants are varied. Buy plants of different heights, colors, fragrances, and even season to attract a number of different types of pollinators. Put taller plants towards the middle of your garden to make them easier to reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Group \u2018em Up.<\/strong> Clump together groups of five or more plants of the same type to create clusters, and make your garden look more intentional. Plan for one plant per square foot. Crowding them together will help cut down on weeds and retain moisture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Mulch Baby, Mulch<\/strong>. Use only a thin layer of natural mulch (avoid dyed mulch or chunky mulch). Make sure to pull it back from the stem of the plant by two to three inches. Mulch isn\u2019t a blanket, and isn\u2019t meant to warm plants up. In fact, any mulch next to a plant stem is actually really harmful to the plant, and can invite disease, rot, and even pests. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Small-Scale Bee Gardens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      Even small spaces are great for pollinator gardens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      A\nbeautiful and functional bee\ngarden doesn\u2019t need much space to thrive. If you\u2019re big on ambition but\nshort on outdoor square footage, don\u2019t despair: there are plenty of ways to\nhelp pollinators and beautify your own balcony, patio or small garden space\nwhile you\u2019re at it. Just make sure to clear any upcoming garden projects with\nyour landlord if you\u2019re renting and any downstairs neighbors if you\u2019re in a\nhigh rise.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Here\nare some of our favorite tips for small space pollinator havens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n