7 Practices to Support Insects and Birds in Your Garden

A fritillary butterfly perched on a blooming swamp milkweed flower.

Are you ready to transform your garden into a thriving haven for local insects and birds?

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By adopting some simple yet impactful practices, you can create a pollinator-friendly garden that fosters biodiversity and supports your local ecosystem. Let's dive into seven you-can-do-it steps to make your garden a buzzing hotspot for these essential creatures.

7 Steps to Transform Your Garden into a Pollinator Paradise

1. Blooms All Season Long: A Floral Fiesta for Local Friends

Imagine your garden as a year-round party for pollinators! To achieve this, plan your plantings strategically with native species to ensure there's always something in bloom. Online native plant retailers, like Prairie Nursery, will note the bloom time for each plant in the listing. Start with early spring flowers like native wildflowers that provide a vital energy boost for emerging pollinators.

As the seasons progress, introduce a variety of nectar-rich native plants such as goldenrod, milkweed, and bee balm. These floral superstars will keep the party going and attract a diverse range of native pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds. Be sure to include late bloomers like asters for those autumn-loving insects.

2. Host Plants: VIP Suites for Local Little Ones

It's not just about the blooms – provide a cozy space for local pollinators to raise their families! Many insects lay their eggs on specific native plants known as host plants. By including these in your garden, you're creating VIP suites for caterpillars and larvae.

For example, monarch butterflies rely on native milkweed as their host plant. Plant a patch of native milkweed, and you'll soon witness the magic of caterpillars transforming into beautiful butterflies. It's like setting up a nursery for the next generation of local pollinators right in your backyard!

3. Go Big or Go Home: Planting Native Swaths

Local pollinators have a busy schedule, and they appreciate efficiency when it comes to finding food. Planting native species in large swaths makes it easier for them to locate the blooms they need.

Choose a few key native plant species and plant them in groups or drifts. This not only provides a visual feast for you but also serves as a beacon for local pollinators. They can easily spot the concentrated patches of native blooms and make efficient stops for nectar and pollen.

4. Bug Hotels: Cozy Retreats for Beneficial Bugs

Introduce bug hotels to your garden – miniature resorts that provide shelter for a variety of beneficial insects. These tiny creatures, including solitary bees, ladybugs, and lacewings, play crucial roles in pollination and pest control. Create bug hotels using a mix of natural materials like bamboo, twigs, and hollow stems. Place them strategically in your garden to offer cozy retreats for your six-legged allies.

5. Pesticide-Free Gardening Zone

I cannot stress this enough - Say no to pesticides, even those claiming to be targeted to certain species, like mosquitos. Pesticides, even seemingly selective ones, harm not only the intended pests but also beneficial insects and birds. By avoiding these chemicals, and adopting eco-friendly gardening practices, you allow the natural balance of your garden to thrive.

“But, I can’t live with the mosquitos in my yard! I have to spray!” Ever heard of mosquito dunks? These are are a safe, non-toxic way to kill mosquitoes. Using a bacteria toxic only to mosquito larvae, they are a preferred natural pest control method. Try them out and let me know how it goes.

6. Watering Holes: Quenching Thirst for Birds and Bees

Create water features, such as bird baths and shallow containers with stones, to offer a refreshing drink to your flying visitors. Insects, especially butterflies and bees, benefit from having a water source nearby. A simple dish filled with water and positioned strategically in your garden can make a significant difference, attracting a delightful array of birds and insects. Or have you heard of bee cups?! Be still my heart, they are the cutest things I have ever seen.

7. Leave Some Wild Spaces

Designate a corner of your garden as a wild, untamed space. Allow grasses and plants to grow freely, providing hiding spots and nesting areas for birds and insects. This unmanicured space becomes a haven for native wildlife, ensuring a healthy breeding ground for pollinators and a welcoming environment for birds seeking shelter. Live in an area where wild would be frowned upon? Consider stacking a few logs or sticks in a discreet corner, or build this highly ornamental bug snug!