
Growing Plants That Will Help Attract Wildlife To Your Garden
Wildlife can help bring your garden to life. Butterflies, birds, and bees entertain us but they also need us to be able to thrive in the local environment. Planting a variety of flowers, trees and shrubs on your property will offer food and shelter to encourage the growth of attracting wildlife.
Incorporate Native Plants
Native plants are plants that naturally occur in the area where you live and are the best for birds and other wildlife. Native plants provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Plants provide yummy seeds and fruit for birds and a safe place to nest. Native plants are also a vital part of the ecosystem because native insects feed on native plants. And native birds need those insects to feed their young.
Grow Flowers Rich With Pollen And Nectar
By choosing nectar and pollen-rich plants will attract wildlife. A series of blooming annuals, perennials and shrubs is best so nectar and pollen will continue to be available throughout the year. If you have a small yard you can still offer a planter with a few well-chosen species of plants. In order to protect pollinators, don’t use pesticides on open blossoms or when bees or other pollinators are present.
Provide Food And Water
Consider adding special feeders to help attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Bees, birds, and butterflies also need a water source. You can install a water garden or a bird bath that will serve as a watering hole and decor for your yard. Butterflies are attracted to muddy puddles and get necessary nutrients, as well as water.
Plants That Attract Butterflies
- Alyssum
- Aster
- Bee balm
- Butterfly bush
- Daylily
- Delphinium
- Lavender
- Liatris
- Marigold
- Sage
- Yarrow
- Zinnia
Plants That Attract Butterfly Caterpillars
- Fennel
- Grasses
- Hollyhocks
- Milkweed
- Nettle
- Thistle
- Willow
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
- Bee balm
- Begonia
- Bleeding heart
- Butterfly weed
- Canna
- Columbine
- Coral bells (heuchera)
- Cleome
- Delphinium
- Foxglove
- Fuchsia
- Hollyhocks
- Verbena
- Zinnia