Many Texas gardeners are busy imagining what their gardens will look like this year or maybe you’ve already started. Soon your gardens will be bursting with color, thanks to the pollinators who make it all happen. Without pollinators, nothing would grow. Plants rely on insects such as bees and butterflies to carry pollen to other plants so they can create seeds and reproduce. If you want your garden to thrive and your flowers to bloom with color then keep reading to see how you can attract them to your yard.
Pollinators Are Your Friend
Many people have a fear of insects and for good reason. But these insects are a major benefit for our ecosystem. Remember, bees are not trying to sting you, they are just looking for nectar.
Other helpful pollinators include:
- Moths
- Butterflies
- Beetles
- Hummingbirds
- Bats
Flowers and Plants
The key to getting the most out of pollinators is to plant a variety of flowers. Not all insects are attracted to the same flowers. There’s not really a downside to planting more flowers is there? Try a variety of flowering annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets to ensure a large number of pollinators pay you a visit.
Here are some other plants that are popular with pollinators.
- Butterfly bush
- Calendula
- Zinnia
- Daylily
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Alyssum
- Delphinium
- Dianthus
- Goldenrod
- Hollyhock
Pollinators Need To Drink
Insects may travel a long way to come to your garden which means they have to travel a long way back. You can entice them to stick around longer by giving them a place to rest and rejuvenate. Good sources of water can be as simple as a pan filled with water or as elaborate as a pond (without fish!). If you are using a pond or birdbath be sure to add an agitator or change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes.
Don’t Use Pesticides
When you see that your garden has been chewed on by hungry garden pests it can make you instinctively grab the pesticide. But unless you have a large infestation, there are other ways you can can combat garden pests without using pesticides. One of these ways is through the use of other insects. Many beneficial insects that visit your garden also prey on aphids, beetles, and caterpillars that feed on your plants. By having a garden constantly buzzing with pollination activity it will dramatically cut down on the number of garden pests you encounter. You can even purchase beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises online or at your local nursery.
Add Some Trees
Flowers are just one part of your landscape. There are also flowering trees and shrubs that not only look amazing but can attract pollinators for miles. Trees such as crabapple, peaches, apples, pears, cherries, butterfly bushes, hydrangeas, and summersweet will definitely attract large numbers of pollinators from far and wide.
Hummingbird Feeder
Of all the pollinators that come to your yard, none will take your breath away like the hummingbird. Just the sight of one of these majestic birds will steal your attention until it flutters away. Hummingbird feeders and nectar can be purchased at any hardware or garden store near you. You can also make your own nectar at home. Just bring four cups of water to a boil, add one cup of sugar, remove from heat, and store in the refrigerator.
Hire the Lawn Experts at Ashton Walden
At Ashton Walden we have years of experience dealing with Texas lawns and the problems they face. Pretty soon it will be time to get back outside and start working on your landscapes. Our lawn care program consists of season-long treatments that include weed control, insect control, lawn fertilization.
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