pollinators, attracting, butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, garden, national garden week, flowers, flowering trees, shrubs, lawn maintenance, northwest Arkansas Buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and zooming hummingbirds are fun to watch. But they do more than entertain. They help fuel life. Pollinators carry pollen to other plants to create seeds and reproduce. Without these helpful insects, nothing would grow. Attracting pollinators is important to your garden and the world.

Pollinators are Friends, Not Foes

Honey bees and bumblebees are the top pollinators. However, many of these on this list also contribute to the pollination of our planet.

Who are the Pollinators?

When you think of pollinators, you probably recognize bees for their role in the environment. But did you know that there are other helpful pollinators? Some of these include:

  • Moths
  • Butterflies
  • Beetles
  • Hummingbirds
  • Bats
  • Wasps
  • Flies

While honey bees and bumblebees are the top pollinators, many of these listed also contribute to the pollination of our planet. We do our gardens and the world a favor when we make our yards a hospitable place for these important creatures.

Keys to Attracting Pollinators

The cucumbers in your salad or the berries in your yogurt wouldn’t exist without our pollinating friends. Here are a few ways you can roll out the welcome mat.

Plant a variety of Flowers

The key to attracting pollinating insects is to add various plants to your garden and flower beds. Not all insects are attracted to the same flowers. Try an array of annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets to entice them to visit you.

Give Them a Place to Rest & Rejuvenate

Pollinators need to drink. Entice them to stick around longer with a place to rest, rejuvenate, and get a drink. Provide good sources of water. It can be as simple as a pan filled with freshwater, birdbath, or pond (without fish). If you use a pond or birdbath, be sure to add an agitator or change the water frequently to prevent mosquito breeding.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides keep unwanted bugs away, but they also deter pollinators. There are natural ways to combat garden pests without using pesticides.

Plant Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Flowers are just one way of attracting pollinators. Flowering trees and shrubs will not only help make your yard beautiful, but it will attract a large number of pollinators for miles. Plant trees such as crabapple, peach, apple, pear, cherry, hydrangeas, and butterfly bushes.

Hummingbird Feeder

Give the hummingbirds a reason to come into your yard with a feeder. It’s best to avoid purchasing the red nectar purchased at the store. The red dye can be harmful to hummingbirds. Instead, make it yourself. It’s super easy. Bring four cups of water to a boil, add one cup of sugar, remove from heat, and store in the refrigerator. Make sure you change the solution frequently. Here’s all you need to know about keeping and cleaning hummingbird feeders.

National Garden Week

It’s the time of year when gardens explode in color. But that doesn’t happen without help. Pollinating insects are our friends who make it happen. Every garden needs pollinators. Happy National Garden Week!

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