[b]Sweat bees are important native pollinators.[b]
Colleen Vanderlinden
Did you know that it's National Pollinator Week? For the last three years, the last week in June has been designated National Pollinator Week to promote understanding and appreciation of the importance of pollinating insects. While many areas have organized activities for this week, the best way to celebrate pollinators is to provide a safe haven for them in your own garden.
Five Tips for Planting a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
2. Add plants with different colors and shapes to your garden. This ensures that a variety of pollinators, from bees to beneficial wasps, to butterflies, will have a food source.
3. Plant in groupings. This makes it easier for pollinators to find a plant they like and stay a while.
4. Try to plan so that you have several different plants blooming at all times. This can be tricky, but if you plant a good selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and herbs, chances are good that you'll always have something in bloom.
5. Don't use pesticides! These kill the good bugs along with the bad -- definitely not what we want!
20 Great Plants for Pollinators
If you plant all of these plants (or even just some of them) you will be providing your local pollinators with a valuable source of food. Many of them can be planted in a windowbox or pot -- so you balcony and patio gardeners can get in on the fun, too.
1. Anise Hyssop (Agastache)
2. Aster 3. Basil 4. Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) 5. Calendula 6. Cosmos 7. Dill 8. Goldenrod (Solidago) 9. Joe Pye Weed 10. Lantana 12. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia) 13. Milkweed (Asclepias) 14. Mint 15. Purple Coneflower 17. Sunflower 18. Verbena 19. Zinnia
