I started to plan my garden this year and decided I wanted to attract butterflies. While talking with our Garden Center experts, I found that creating a habitat for butterflies was an important part of boosting our ecosystem. It’s called a “Pollinator Habitat.” It provides an environment primarily for butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. These pollinators are the key for plants to reproduce through flowers and seeds.
![butterfly pot](https://www.lafayetteflorist.com/blog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/butterfly-pot-743x1024.jpg)
Our CEO and resident CSU Master Gardener, Brian J. Wheat gave me a few pointers on building this special place.
- Plant flowers. It’s as simple as that. Of course, there are certain flowers that do a better job of attracting pollinators – but the key is to provide blooms from early spring to late fall to provide a continuous food supply. A few of Brian’s favorites for early spring – penstemon, pasque flower and yarrow. For mid-season – salvia, bee balm, coneflower and blanket flower. For late season bloomers, try Cleome, Coreopsis and the common sunflower. Add colorful annuals and your garden will be beautiful throughout the growing season.
- Provide water. A birdbath will provide a drink for pollinators. Keep it clean to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Trees and shrubs can offer shelter, especially for birds. Leave the seeds of sunflowers and coneflowers to dry and provide winter food.
- Be mindful when using pesticides and herbicides. Use them wisely and minimally.
- Get your neighborhood involved. Most pollinators like bright, sunny areas with a large connection of territory.
The best part is creating a beautiful garden for me AND having a positive impact on our ecosystem. Like Brian says, “Plant Flowers!” For more information on birding, check out the “Lafayette birds!” Initiative FAQs on our blog page.