Pollinators require two essentialGarden front yard by Matthew Shepherd components in their habitat: somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. Native plants are undoubtedly the best source of food for pollinators, because plants and their pollinators have coevolved. Many varieties of garden plants are also good for these important insects.

In many landscapes, flowers have been pushed to the margins, surviving on roadsides and field edges, as well as in wild areas and gardens. Providing patches of flowers is one thing we can do to improve the environment for pollinators. Creating foraging habitat not only helps the bees, butterflies and flies that pollinate these plants, but also results in beautiful, appealing landscapes.

3 things you can do to enhance pollinators in your garden!

By implementing the changes below, you’re on your way to protect pollinators and their habitats. Consider joining our Bring Back the Pollinators campaign. Sign the Bring Back the Pollinators pledge now!

Provide a range of native flowers. Native flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season enrich the landscape visually and provide food and nesting! Find a plant list for your region.
Create nest sites. Creating nesting sites for native bees is essential. To learn more about different nesting options, and which ones will easily incorporate into your landscape.
Avoid using pesticides. Pesticides reduce available nectar and pollen sources in the garden. To learn more about making informed pesticide choices,

Resources

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Million Pollinator Garden Challenge

The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other pollinators across America. Join the campaign to register a million public and private gardens and landscapes to support pollinators! You can register your garden by Read more …

Special thanks to: http://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/gardens/