There are many reasons people plant gardens in the summer – for food, for spices and herbs, for medicinal plants, for the beauty, because putting our hands in the soil is good for the soul – and one of those reasons is usually that we want to do our part for the disappearing pollinators of the world.
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and all of the other beautiful little things that keep our gardens healthy and growing are necessary – so here are 7 plants that will keep pollinators coming back to your yard for more.
7. Lupine
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzv_PwVpNuA/
These plants can tolerate some shade, but with lots of sun and well-drained soil, they’ll definitely thrive and give you more beautiful flowers.
They can not only attract butterflies, but raise the fertility of your soil, in time.
6. Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gntLuHa3k/
These pretty pink flowers are easy to grow and, beyond dry, well-drained soil and full sun, don’t need much care.
They smell amazing and attract bees, wasps, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
5. Gaillardia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzAf0fRCn-S/
I love these two-toned flowers, sometimes called blanket flowers, and it’s awesome that the bloom all the way to the end of the season.
They require dry, sunny spots and will keep the butterflies, bees, and moths calling into the fall.
4. Honeysuckle
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3rykvMAovM/
The smell of honeysuckle is synonymous with spring and summer!
These plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and if you really get them growing well, they’ll enjoy some support from a trellis or fence as they attract hummingbirds and hawk moths to your garden.
3. Sunflower
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WtaNngl7I/
These plants need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day and are fairly tolerant of drought.
The bees and birds will love you!
2. Lavender
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfqBraSgaYK/
Lavender smells amazing, has quite a few applications in your home and on your table, and attracts honey bees and butterflies to your yard.
What’s not to like?
1. Yarrow
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hyAu_gQ1z/
The perfectly blooming yarrow plant needs full sun and well-drained soil, but if you want smaller plants, it will also do fine in average or poor soil.
Big or small, butterflies and bees will flock to it.
This is a great resource to have – my garden and my bees will definitely thank me for putting it into practice!
Do you have any tips and tricks for helping the bees with a backyard garden? Share them with us in the comments!
