Pollinators

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Pollinators are so important to our planet! They help plants reproduce, and therefore help sustain our ecosystem and supply our natural resources. At least 75% of all flowering plants on Earth need to be pollinated – that’s over 180,000 different species and over 1,200 crops! Pollinators bring us one out of every three bites of food you eat.

What Is A Pollinator?

A pollinator is any animal that transports pollen grains from one plant to another. This transportation process, known as pollination, helps plants produce seeds, fruits, and other plants. Bees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies, moths, beetles, wasps, and other small animals are all pollinators.

How Can You Help Pollinators?

Pollinator populations are in decline, but there are easy ways you can help them!

  • Plant pollinator-friendly plants. Make sure your garden includes lots of plants that provide nectar and pollen! Be sure to include native plants, as well. Native plants support native wildlife! A Native plant is one that was here prior to the European settlement of America. They are already adapted to our conditions and require less maintenance, including a minimal use of pesticides!
  • Plant milkweed. Milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies. It is the only plant on which a monarch caterpillar feeds.
  • Use pesticides properly. Don’t apply chemicals to any plant that has pollinator activity. When you do need to use a pesticide, apply it at night when animals aren’t as active. Also, consider non-chemical alternatives. Releasing beneficial insects into your garden is a 100% organic pest control method!

HummingbirdsBeesButterflies

Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Annuals

Ageratum
Bougainvillea
Calibrachoa
Cuphea
Dahlia
Fuchsia
Hibiscus
Impatien
Lantana
Nicotiana
Pelagornium
Pentas
Petunia
Salvia
Verbena
Zinnia

Perennials

Buddleia
Canna
Columbine
Daylily
Foxglove
Hardy Hibiscus
Heuchera
Honeysuckle
Hosta
Iris
Liatris
Lobelia
Monarda
Nepeta
Penstemon
Phlox
Salvia
Spirea
Veronica
Weigela

Plants That Attract Bees

Annuals

Alyssum
Aster
Cosmos
Marigold
Sunfowers
Sweet Pea
Zinnia

Perennials

Basil
Columbine
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Dogwood
Elderberry
Iris
Lavender
Liatris
Lobelia
Joe Pye weed
Maple
Milkweed
Monarda
Nepeta
Phlox
Redbud
Rudbeckia
Sage
Thyme
Tickseed

Plants That Attract Butterflies

Annuals

Alyssum
Aster
Cleome
Cosmos
Gallardia
Impatien
Lantana
Marigold
Nasturtium
Pentas
Plumbago
Salvia
Snapdragon
Verbena
Zinnia

Perennials

Agapanthus
Astilbe
Buddleia
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Dianthus
Dill
Dogwood
Eastern ninebark
Foxglove
Hardy hibiscus
Iberis
Joe Pye weed
Lavender
Leucanthemum
Liatris
Milkweed
Monarda
Nepeta
Penstemon
Phlox
Rose
Rosemary
Rudbeckia
Sedum
Spicebush
Tickseed
Veronica
Wisteria
Yarrow

National Pollinator Month

June is National Pollinator Month! It’s a time to celebrate pollinators and bring awareness to the problems that they face. In 2007, the United States Senate unanimously designated a week in June as National Pollinator Week as a way to bring further awareness to the declining populations of pollinators.

In 2020, National Pollinator Week falls on June 22-27.

Learn More

Read Our Blog Posts

Pollinator Week 2018 - Martin's Home & Garden - Murfreesboro TN

Save the Monarchs

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Read more

Activities for Kids

Even your littlest gardeners can support pollinators! Help them learn about local wildlife and plants, and plant the love of gardening in them that will grow through the rest of their life.

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