Create a Pollinator Paradise with Native Plants

This time of year, you can find me tending to my garden. It's my way of grounding myself and connecting with nature. I spend hours pruning, feeding, watering, and talking with all the different types of plants, insects, and animals. I am in awe of the pollinators buzzing and crawling around, helping to create the circle of life.

The Importance of Pollinators

Pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Without them, the human race and all of the earth's terrestrial ecosystems would struggle to survive.

A hummingbird pollinating flowers in my garden.

Recently, I’ve been exploring ways to support our ecosystem more effectively. I attended a weekend retreat at Forest Flowers and Retreat, where the facilitator explained the impact of native plants. This sparked my interest in how my garden could better support the pollinator habitat through native plantings.

My daughter Emma: Teaching the next generation to be good stewards of nature!

Shortly after, I discovered a new lunch spot called Bloom Cafe. My daughter and I enjoyed wandering through their magnificent gardens. They had a stand of pamphlets about creating bird and pollinator habitats in your backyard with native plants. Talk about divine timing!

I learned that many popular ornamental plants originated in other countries and therefore provide little habitat for local wildlife. In Pennsylvania alone, there are over 2,000 native plants to choose from, offering plenty of options!

If you’d like to learn more about the native plants of Pennsylvania, here is a resource from The Audubon Society: The Audubon Society’s Native Plant Nursery.

With climate change and the overuse of pesticides, it's crucial to understand the importance of gardening with native plants to help preserve our local environment.

The Benefits of Native Plants to Pollinators

Incorporating native plants into your garden not only beautifies your space but also plays a vital role in supporting the health and diversity of pollinators. Following are some of the ways native plants benefit pollinators:

Food Sources:

Nectar and Pollen: Native plants provide abundant and accessible nectar and pollen, which are critical food sources for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Seasonal Availability: They bloom at various times throughout the growing season, ensuring a continuous food supply for pollinators.

Habitat and Shelter:

Nesting Sites: Native plants offer natural habitats for pollinators to nest and reproduce. For example, certain bees nest in hollow stems or the ground around native plants.
Shelter: They provide shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions, creating safe environments for pollinators.

Biodiversity Support:

Plant-Pollinator Relationships: Native plants and local pollinators have co-evolved, establishing mutually beneficial relationships that enhance pollinator health and survival.
Diverse Ecosystems: A variety of native plants supports a wide range of pollinator species, promoting biodiversity.

Reduced Chemical Exposure:

Lower Pesticide Use: Native plants are typically more resistant to local pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides that can harm pollinators.

Healthier Offspring:

Nutrient-Rich Pollen: Native plants often produce more nutritious pollen, contributing to healthier and more resilient pollinator offspring.

Eco-Friendly Gardening:

Sustainable Practices: Growing native plants supports sustainable gardening practices that align with the natural environment, promoting overall ecological balance.