Native Pollinator Landscapes/Gardens For the Lowcountry Region
One way to make a positive impact on pollinators, while beautifying an outdoor space is to plant a native pollinator plants.
Many people prefer exotic, tropical looking flowers so, why should you plant native plants? Native plants are already adapted to the soil and climate conditions, generally making them easier to grow! These will automatically be magnets for pollinators because they are plants that native pollinators are already looking for. Many species will solely rely on these plants for survival and by planting native, pollinators you are providing a quality habitat for these species! Planting pollinators is important to our ecosystem! Many of these plants, also, fight climate change by soaking up excess carbon dioxide.
What is a pollinator?
Anything that helps carry pollen from the male flower part of the plant (Stamen) to the female part of the plant (stigma). This includes butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The movement of pollen must occur for the plant to become fertilized and produce fruit, seeds, and new plants. Many flowers and plants, such as blueberry bushes, won’t release their pollen unless they experience the wing vibrations of particular bees.
There are many ideas for native pollinator gardens. If you do not have room in your landscape for a large garden, that is okay! Some other options include:
Decorative planter or large pots
Small-raised bed
Area of your ornamental landscaping
Large vegetable or flower garden
If possible, plant in full sun, or as much sun as possible. Bees and butterflies require the heat on sunny days to get their wings up to speed and nectar producing flowers are more productive in the sun.
Tips for Planing A Native Pollinator Garden or Landscape:
Pick flowers that are vibrant in color.
Hummingbirds are generally drawn to reds and oranges while bees and flies are attracted more to blues and yellows. Moths are nocturnal nectivors and white or pale flowers in the dark are more likely to be seen and visited. Butterflies prefer purples and oranges but will nectar on pastel petals like pinks and periwinkle. A diversity of colors and color patterns is important to attract a diversity of pollinators.
consider the smell and shape of the flower.
Butterflies are generally drawn to sweet and spicy scents, while bees are more often found chasing a fruity or flowery fragrance. Increase the variety of flower shapes and sizes available to pollinators when adding flowers to your gardens (look for composite, tubular, nodding, and umbelliferous flower shapes) to attract different pollinators.
Avoid hybrid flowers.
While often beautiful in color, the plant breeder often has to sacrifice the pollen, nectar, and fragrance out of these blossoms. Single flowers (those with one ring of petals around a center) provide more nectar and pollen than double flowers which are often hybrids.
plant in large groupings with various bloom times.
Many pollinators, such as butterflies, are near sighted. When solid colored flowers are planted in large groupings it helps pollinators find them.
Limit pesticides.
Many pesticides, even organic ones, will harm pollinators. Instead Consider letting a few “weeds” grow in. These may be native varieties of local wildflowers and can attract beneficial insects that may prey on any pest species, keeping them under control.
host a HABITAT not just a food source.
While often people only want the butterfly and not the caterpillar or the bee but not the larvae, creating a sustainable habitat for the young will keep the adults coming. Consider having small logs beneath the plants or leafy plants as cover for eggs to be laid in and young to take shelter in. Pollinators, also, need resources other than nectar to survive. Try putting our overripe fruits or salted water to provide other nutrients to pollinators.
