Why is pollination important to our planet? A pollinator helps 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?
While some plants and flowers can do self-pollination, others need assistance to pollinate effectively. 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. Pollinating insects include different types of bees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies, moths, beetles, and wasps. Other small animals can also be pollinators.

How Can You Help Pollinators?
Pollinator populations are in decline, but there are easy ways you can help them in your very own garden!
- Plant pollinator-friendly plants. Make sure your pollinator 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! Want to pick up a pollinator-friendly plant? We always have an assortment of plants available at our Murfreesboro nursery. Ask the team at our local garden center and we’ll point you in the right direction!
- 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!
Find pollinator-friendly plants, pesticide alternatives, milkweed, and more available at our garden store in Murfreesboro.
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Ageratum
Bougainvillea
Calibrachoa
Cuphea
Dahlia
Fuchsia
Hibiscus
Impatien
Lantana
Nicotiana
Pelagornium
Pentas
Petunia
Salvia
Verbena
Zinnia
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
Alyssum
Cosmos
Geranium
Hyacinth
Lantana
Marigold
Nasturtium
Poppy
Primrose
Snapdragon
Sunflower
Sweet Pea
Vegetables
Verbena
Zinnia
Basil
Chives
Columbine
Coreopsis
Creeping Thyme
Echinacea
Gaillardia
Gaura
Hyssop
Lavender
Monarda
Nepeta
Rudbeckia
Sage
Shasta Daisy

Plants That Attract Butterflies
Alyssum
Aster
Cleome
Cosmos
Gallardia
Impatien
Lantana
Marigold
Nasturtium
Pentas
Plumbago
Salvia
Snapdragon
Verbena
Zinnia
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. Keep an eye on our events page or Instagram to see how we plan on celebrating National Pollinator Month at Martin’s Home & Garden.
In 2021, Pollinator Week will last from June 21-27.
Learn More About Pollinators
We know that some types of pollinating insects like wasps or bees are not ideal for some to have buzzing around their garden. However, these common pollinating insects are just misunderstood! These valuable resources can help anyone learn more about the type of pollinators found in the Middle Tennessee area, the benefits of pollination, and more in order to help all types of gardeners keep their plants healthy.
Eastern Broadleaf Forest Pollinator Planting Guide, Pollinator Partnership
Backyard Wildlife, University of Tennessee Extension
The Plight of Pollinators, University of Tennessee Extension
Southeast Plants for Native Bees, University of Tennessee Extension
Know Your Native Bees, University of Tennessee Extension
Planting For and Identifying Pollinators, American Meadows
Regional Plants Attract Regional Pollinators, American Meadows
Pollinator 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.
Five Things Kids Can Do To Help Pollinators, Pollinator Partnership
Build A Bee Condo, Pollinator Partnership (adult assistance needed)
Pollinator Crossword Puzzle, Pollinator Partnership
My Garden Pollinators, Proven Winners’ Club Sprout
Make A Butterfly Feeder, Proven Winners’ Club Sprout (adult assistance needed)
PollinatorLIVE, the USDA Forest Service – Conservation Education
Pollinator Activity & Lesson Plan Kit, KidsGardening
Questions About Pollinators For Your Garden?
Not only does Martin’s Home & Garden offer many different types of plants, flowers, and garden essentials, but we can help you grow the garden of your dreams! From finding the top pollinator-friendly options for your garden to figuring out what type of pollinators are attracted to a type of plant, we’ve got you covered. If you have any questions about pollinators, pollinator-friendly plants, pesticide alternatives, or just want to know more about pollination, feel free to give us a call or ask us during your next visit to our garden center!