When it comes to pollinator gardens, not all are created equal. Join Justine Hand as she attends a demonstration on pollinator gardens at the New England Wild Flower Society, and learns 8 steps for designing a landscape with native plants.
1. Choose native plants to help native pollinators.
Make sure you're choosing plants that effectively help native pollinators, not harm them.
2. Know the components of a native pollinator garden.
Include a wide variety of pollinator food and habitat in your garden to support all pollinator life cycles.
3. Do your research before you plant.
Try finding groups in your area working towards spreading knowledge on native pollinators.
4. Conduct a site analysis.
The first hands-on step to create a pollinator garden is to assess the qualities of your garden site to determine which native plant species will be most successful there.
5. Prepare the site.
Prepare your garden site by removing all sod, tilling the soil, and adding 1-2 inches of organic compost.
6. Lay out the garden and choose plants.
As with any garden, the next factor in determining what to plant in your garden is your hardiness zone.
7. Plant the natives.
8. Care for your pollinator garden.
In the first year of your native pollinator garden, make sure to pay it extra attention and keep track of your progress.