Attracting pollinators to your backyard….hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are the three bigwigs of the group which also include moths, beetles and hoverflies to a smaller degree. Here are just a few tips that will bring color life and sweet-smelling flowers to your little slice of pollinator heaven.
Did you know butterflies and hummers need a place to water? Build a butterfly bath by placing sand in a shallow bird bath and just a small amount of water and surround this bath with flowering plants.
It is always best to use native plants when you can and remember color….hummingbirds love red and orange flowers, butterflies like white, yellow and orange and bees see ultraviolet so keep this in mind as well.
The shape of flowers is also key…small tubular flowers attract moths and bees and other pollinators with long proboscis. The longer tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Butterflies cannot hover to forage so they need mid-sized flowers with open petals for landings.
Be wary of your shrubs…birds love them to nest and will eat your butterflies, bees and moths. Hydrangea is a good garden shrub.
Now enjoy those garden beauties and remember… take lots of photos.
