Pollinator Garden: Bee-autify your community
What is a pollinator garden?
Bees, monarch butterflies and other pollinators rely on specific plants to sustain a wide range of plant and animal species. By cultivating pollinator-friendly plants, we invite these essential creatures to visit and help transfer life-giving pollen to other plants.
Planting these types of flowers is like putting up a welcoming billboard for our favorite pollinators, including the magnificent monarch butterfly.
Why are pollinator gardens important?
Bees are in trouble. The American bumblebee has disappeared from eight states, the rusty-patched bumblebee is now endangered and the Southern Plains bumblebee could soon follow suit. Butterflies including the eastern regal fritillary and the iconic monarch are suffering from many of the same threats, especially habitat loss and pesticides. With 75% of crops relying on bees and other pollinators for vital nutrients, it is crucial that we take care of our buzzing buddies so we can continue to enjoy our favorite fruits, vegetables and nuts — and the beauty and awe they give to the world.
How does this bee-autify my community?
Pollinator gardens bring in all kinds of wonderfully colorful flowers to any landscape. Providing a beautiful array of vibrant flowers and other plants, these gardens are a great way to liven up your neighborhood. Not to mention, these gardens attract gorgeous butterflies and cute little bees that are sure to make you smile.
How can I help?
Many states have begun planting pollinator gardens along roadsides and highways, creating essential habitats for bees and providing us with beautiful scenery on our daily commutes. But these programs are only reaching a fraction of their potential, because states don’t have much money to put plants in the ground. For now, many states are simply trying to mow less, a helpful first step that avoids disturbing pollinator habitat at keys times of the year but insufficient in the face of continued bee and butterfly declines.
Tell your representative to support funding for the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program, so that roadsides everywhere can be transformed into a haven for our bees and other pollinators.
You can also plant your own pollinator garden. Growing pollinator-friendly plants like milkweed in your backyard can attract monarch butterflies and support a range of pollinators. Learn more about how to create your perfect pollinator garden.
