Creating A Pollinator Paradise in Your Garden
Happy National Pollinator Week! Although it is celebrated only one week a year, we at Farrill's always look out for our pollinators.
Pollinators are essential to our food system and the health of our environment. The best part? Supporting them is at easy as planting the right flowers and creating a welcoming habitat in your garden!
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths—play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help fertilize over 75% of flowering plants, including many fruits and vegetables we rely on. Without them, our gardens would be much less colorful and our food supply far less abundant.
Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. But the good news is, home gardeners can help turn things around. By planting a pollinator-friendly space, even on a small scale, you're creating a safe haven that contributes to the larger environmental picture.
What to Plant for Pollinators
Even in midsummer, there’s still time to add pollinator-friendly plants. Look for blooms that are rich in nectar and pollen, and try to provide a variety of shapes and sizes to attract different species.
Top picks for Late June - July planting:
Bee balm – A hummingbird favorite with bright, tubular blooms.
Echinacea (Coneflower) – Long-lasting flowers that attract butterflies and bees alike.
Black-eyed Susan – Hardy, sunny blooms loved by native bees.
Zinnias – Easy to grow and irresistible to butterflies.
Lavender – A fragrant magnet for bees.
Milkweed – Essential for monarch butterflies as a host plant.
Habitat Tips: It’s More Than Just Flowers
While nectar-rich blooms are key, there are a few extra steps you can take to truly make your garden a pollinator paradise:
Provide water: A shallow dish filled with pebbles and water gives pollinators a safe place to drink.
Avoid pesticides: Even natural options can harm pollinators—focus on healthy soil and companion planting instead.
Neem Oil – Disrupts insect growth and feeding. Great for aphids, whiteflies, and mildew.
Insecticidal Soap – Kills soft-bodied pests like aphids and mites on contact. Safe for most plants.
Diatomaceous Earth – A fine powder that dries out crawling insects like slugs and beetles.
Garlic Spray – Repels pests with its strong smell. Works on aphids and beetles.
Leave some wild: Let a small corner grow a little messy. Bare ground, old stems, and leaf litter provide nesting spots for native bees.
Include host plants: Butterflies lay eggs on specific plants. Monarchs use milkweed, while swallowtails love dill, fennel, and parsley.
Plant for continuous bloom: Choose a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to ensure food is available from spring to frost.
Want to Get Started?
We’ve set up a Pollinator Paradise table right here at Farrill’s with some of our favorite plants that pollinators love. Whether you’re planting a full flower bed or want to add a few bright containers to your porch or patio, we can help you choose the right sun, shade, or anything in between options.
Stop by, ask questions, and let’s keep the buzz going after Pollinator Week, not just all season long. Your garden can be more than just beautiful; it can be a pollinator sanctuary.
Thinking about creating a pollinator garden? Explore our 2025 Price Book to begin your journey today!
