A pollinator garden is a garden created to grow plants that make nectar and pollen, which attract insects that help plants reproduce. These insects, called pollinators, help produce one out of every three bites of food people eat. To be a pollinator garden, it must have flowers that make nectar, plants that provide shelter for pollinators, and should not use pesticides.

Background

A pollinator garden is a collection of plants grown together to attract wild pollinators. Pollination is the process that allows plants to create seeds. When pollen from the male part of one flower moves to the female part of another flower of the same type, the flower gets fertilized. After fertilization, the flower develops fruit and seeds. Some plants rely on wind or water to move pollen, but most plants depend on animals called pollinators. To encourage pollinators to visit, plants produce nectar, which causes the pollinators to move from flower to flower, carrying pollen with them and helping plants reproduce. Nearly 90% of all flowering plants are pollinated by animals. Most of these pollinators are insects, such as bees and butterflies, but some birds and mammals also act as pollinators.

Purpose

Pollinators play an important role in human food production, and pollinator gardens help support and protect essential pollinator species. About 35% of food produced worldwide depends on animal pollinators. More than 150 food crops rely on pollinators, including most fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the United States. Many pollinator species are in danger and decreasing in number. In 2007, the National Research Council concluded that 40% of all insect pollinator species are at risk of disappearing. The main reasons for pollinator decline include loss of habitat, exposure to pesticides, and reduced food sources caused by the spread of non-native plant species. If pollinator habitats are not protected and new habitats are not created, the lack of plant pollination will harm humans. As pollinator numbers decrease, crop production also decreases. Without pollination, the main sources of human nutrition will be affected. Additionally, not only crops are at risk, because 80-95% of non-crop plant species also need pollination. However, research shows that when the number of native pollinator plants in an area increases, pollinator activity also increases. Pollinator gardens help protect these habitats and encourage pollinators to continue pollinating plants around the world.

Planting considerations

When planting pollinator gardens, there are important things to think about. If a gardener wants to attract birds, bees, or butterflies, they should choose plants that provide nectar, pollen, and food for the young of these pollinators. It is also best to pick plants that naturally grow in the area where the garden is located. These plants are called native species, and they are well-suited to the local climate and soil. Native plants often have special relationships with pollinators, such as monarch butterflies relying on milkweed for their development. Choosing native plants helps protect local plant populations by preventing non-native plants from taking over.

Gardeners should also consider the needs of different plants, such as how much sunlight, water, and space they require. For example, plants that need a lot of sun and dry soil will not grow well in a damp, shady area. Some plants spread quickly and may not be good for small spaces. Container gardens are useful for small areas, but only shallow-rooted plants should be used. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends selecting a mix of plants that bloom at different times of the year. This provides food for pollinators throughout the season and adds visual interest. Pollinator gardens should also include features like nesting boxes and water sources to support pollinators’ life cycles. Garden tasks like mulching, weeding, and clearing should be done carefully to avoid disturbing pollinators during important stages of their lives.

National Pollinator Garden Network

In 2015, the American National Pollinator Garden Network began the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge. This project helps people learn about pollinators and the important work they do. The goal is to protect existing places where pollinators live and create new spaces for them. The challenge teaches people why it is important to care for pollinators and their habitats.

Legislation

Pollinator gardens are becoming part of political discussions. In 2015, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) worked with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to support pollinator habitats along roads and highways. This bill is similar to H.R. 2738, the Highways Bettering the Economy and Environment Pollinator Protection Act.

In June 2017, the House of Representatives advanced the bill H.R. 3040. Section 1 of the bill states that it may be called "Saving America's Pollinators Act of 2017." This bill asks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action against certain pesticides that could harm pollinators.

Examples

• Dolores Pollinator Boulevard is located in San Francisco, California.
• A pollinator area with plants that help pollinators is found in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago, Illinois.
• In 2017, Park Pride worked with the Atlanta Botanical Garden to add more pollinator-friendly plants in five parks in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Pollinator Pathways is a project that has been used in many cities.
• A Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Seattle University in Seattle, Washington.