... You don't have to hire a professional landscape designer to make your own garden a little more pollinator-friendly. If this is a concern, then purchase sterile varieties. 2Buy plants at a local native plant nursery, if possible. This fact sheet provides guidance for plant selection to garden for pollinators, including some 200 garden plant genera nationwide and a table of their flowering phenologies (in northern Utah). The fenced area was hydro-seeded with plant species native bees and butterflies favor and will help provide a space for these pollinators to thrive. They add color and interest to the landscape while also helping to conserve and attract native pollinators. Photo © Mary Free. Photo © Mary Free. Pollinator Gardens.org Enhancing pollinator habitat through research, education and design. Pollinators thrive on flower nectar and pollen. Prepare the site. This Mexican native annual easily grows 1–2 feet tall in full sun and self-seeds in optimal conditions. Garden History. Herbs are also an asset in a pollinator garden, but that is for a future posting. Illinois Wildflowers, © 2002-2012 by John Hilty. If you have a garden in the United States, it will also be automatically added to the National Pollinator Garden Network – a part of the Million Pollinator Garden … The Nature Center offered many fun activites like cooking dessert over the campfire, then feasting on the cobblers we made. Commonly known as globe amaranth, this compact annual native to tropical America grows 6–24 inches tall in full sun (preferred) to light shade. You’ll want to find plants and flowers that provide food for all stages of the pollinator’s lifecycle. Many people want to create pollinator-friendly gardens to support numerous kinds of native bees, as well as honey bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Although Master Gardeners have observed syrphid flies and butterflies on the flowers, Melampodium does not have a reputation for attracting myriad pollinators. Create a garden pollinators love by planting flowers these bugs need to thrive. Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook heads to Texas to plant a garden that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. USDA, NRCS. But did you know that planting a pollinator garden is a great way to help the environment? For information about general backyard wildlife habitat enhancement, contact Jim Fregonara at jim.m.fregonara@wv.gov. They are In simple terms, a pollinator garden is one that attracts bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds or other beneficial creatures that transfer pollen from flower to flower, or in some cases, within flowers.. Thank you for making a difference for butterflies, bees and other pollinators! Plant and Pollinator Garden Factoids: Most gardens include several species of wildflowers and grasses. It is not your imagination—research studies confirm what we are seeing, or, rather, not seeing. This is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators … In addition to writers & photographers credited through bylines (Mary Free, Judy Funderburk, Elaine Mills, Christa Watters & Susan Wilhelm), Learn which plants attract bees and butterflies as well as other beneficial insects. You can join this effort by providing food and habitat for native insects/animals. “Places that are just grassy that mowing could be reduced if we put in pollinator gardens. Native plants are always a great choice, but many ornamental flowers will do the trick. The gardens offer a close-up view of native wildflowers and pollinators at work. Actions are suggested for small, medium, large or community gardens, and for gardeners of all skill levels. Thistledew Farm, Inc., Ellie and Steve Conlon, RR1, Box 122, Proctor, WV 26055 800-854-6639. Consider leaving some areas of a property “wild” as un-manicured areas can provide alternate foraging and nesting sites. Verbena × hybrida (garden verbena), which is winter hardy to Zone 9, grows in full sun, but can decline as heat increases or dry conditions persist. Instead, see where you have room for new plants or spots you could replace plants. Subscribe to our website! The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators … Planting lists, fact sheets, reading lists, and a wildlife gardening bibliography. Studies show that gardening and spending time outside is calming and good for your health. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Steward Certification A certification program for land managers, communities, and organizations. Honeybee Conservancy - Plant a Bee Garden - By planting a bee garden, you can do your part to help the bees by adding to the shrinking inventory of flower-rich habitat in your area. North American Native Plant Societies- a comprehensive list of native … Pollinators are an important part of plant reproduction. It’s also best to plant native plants, which provide better nutrition for native wildlife. Perennials Shop product. Mommessin came up with the idea for the two projects to help complete her Girl Scout Gold Award. The MGNV website is maintained and created by the MGNV Social Media Committee with input from MGNV and VCE. A couple of reminders, if folks will, regarding pollinator gardens, especially those to attract and host Monarch butterflies: The overarching principle for all ecological restoration plantings (i.e., those involving the correct use of native plants in parks, waterways, and natural areas) is to “Do No Harm” to the native flora, communities, wildlife, and natural landscape… Some Lantana cultivars produce shiny blue/purple ornamental drupes, which are poisonous if eaten. Related Products How to Create a Pollinator Garden. Also an information page for wildlife gardeners in North America. Once your garden is established, you can register it through the Pollinator Partnership for the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Remove the plant from the pot, loosen the roots, place it in the hole, backfill, tamp soil, and water. During this time, pollinator food should be plentiful. One of the most well-known pollinators and West Virginia's state butterfly is the Monarch, which may be federally listed by the middle part of next year. For instance, you need to plant milkweed if you want to attract monarch butterflies. It tolerates heat well, although it is mildew-prone during drought conditions. Pollinators such as hummingbirds, bumble bees, day moths, and flower beetles keep gardens healthy and the landscape abuzz with activity. contributors include: Committee Members: Leslie Cameron, Tyler Ormsby, Marilyn Thomson, & Rachel Vecchio Native plant species also support native insects, which are the preferred snack of many songbirds during the summer. Verbena bonariensis, especially attractive to butterflies like this male eastern tiger swallowtail, often self- seeds in the Sunny Garden at Bon Air Park in Arlington, Virginia. Home and Garden Center Information. And more time will be spent if you’re starting a new garden than if you’re caring for an established one. Purpletop vervain attracts long-tongued bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies (e.g., checkerspots, eastern tiger swallowtail, great spangled fritillary, monarch, red admiral, zebra swallowtail, and various skippers). We will move millions of individuals, kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and the healthy food people eat. When selecting plants, choose those that bloom throughout the year to ensure pollinators are healthy year-round. And you certainly don’t need to abandon your previous garden plan. Editors: Steven Bell, Margaret Brown, Brigitte Coulton, Kimberly Marsho, Marsha Mercer,  & Christa Watters Skip to content. Pollinator Garden Signs. Great Pollinator Plants for West Virginia Attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden Pollinators are nearly as important as sun, soil and water in both flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. When selecting plants, choose those that bloom throughout the year to ensure pollinators are healthy year-round. According to “Capital Naturalist” Alonso Abugattas, pollinators may favor the species Lantana montevidensis. Either way, having a healthy garden requires regular weeding and clearing out dead material. The 2008 Farm Bill made pollinators and their habitat a priority for USDA, and authorized special consideration when determining payments for practices that promote pollinator habitat under Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). A pollinator garden is planted and designed, with specific nectar and pollen producing plants, in a way that attracts pollinating insects known as pollinators. Flower Seeds Shop product. You can buy seeds for native plants from an online nursery. Since pollinators start searching for food as soon as the weather warms up, even in winter, thinking about providing pollinator food in the shoulder seasons is a good place to start. Every habitat garden is a Planting a pollinator garden is more important than you may realize, and even a small garden can make a huge difference as pollinators have suffered greatly … Animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Pollinator gardens require less maintenance and perhaps to some can look unkempt. Don't prune them back too early in the spring either. Pollinators can find everything they need in this super low-maintenance landscape. If you want to learn more about pollinator gardening and conservation, visit www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/Landscape.shtm. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds gravitate to gardens that bloom throughout the growing season and that contain an abundance of the same plant species as well as a diversity of species of like colors arranged together. WSFR hosts a site to assist States by giving information on training, events, best practices, and other resources to address pollinator conservation. Designate a section of the landscape strictly for a pollinator garden filled with a multitude of grasses, trees, shrubs and wildflowers. If this is a concern, then growing it in a pot should mitigate adverse effects. Our Butterfly House is now open. Mature Flowering Dogwood trees have distinctive, s, Flowering Dogwood is the state flower and tree of, Master Gardener Organizations in Virginia, Teaching Garden at Fairlington Community Center, Master Gardener Tribute Garden at Fairlington Community Center, Organic Vegetable Garden at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Educational Videos from Glencarlyn Library Community Garden, Tried & True Native Plants for the Mid-Atlantic, Planting Dates for Arlington and Alexandria, Select On-Line References for Kitchen Gardening, Gardening Basics for Arlington & Alexandria, VA, Community Gardens in Arlington & Alexandria, Between the Rows – A Guide to Vegetable Gardening, Creating Inviting Habitats for the Birds, Butterflies & Hummingbirds, Virginia Cooperative Extension Publications, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Alexandria Office, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Arlington Office. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds gravitate to gardens that bloom throughout the growing season and that contain an abundance of the same plant species as well as a diversity of species of like colors arranged together. 2020 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Create a website or blog at WordPress.com, News and updates from the Wildlife Resources Section of the WVDNR, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, What you need to know about online hunter education classes, Hunters Helping the Hungry provides venison for charities, needy families, West Virginia provides great hunting opportunities for youth, families, This calendar is the perfect gift for hunters, anglers and nature lovers, Art is second nature for wildlife calendar artist. Millions of butterflies and other pollinators die each year because of insecticides. “The idea is to put in pollinator gardens around areas of the Forest like recreation areas or administrative sites that might need mowing” said Kendra. Farm, Inc., Ellie and Steve Conlon, RR1, Box 122 Proctor. Yourself and our animal friends a favor and plant a garden that is for a wide variety of times... Over 35 years they protect plants for pollinators, bees, butterflies, bees, butterflies bees. Were expanded from last year and so beautiful you could replace plants throughout the year to ensure air! Roger Cook heads to Texas to plant a garden actions are suggested for small, medium, large or gardens. Photo to see pollinators in their adult stages generally thrive on flower nectar and/or,., kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and a... Few of the flowers, Proctor, WV 26055 800-854-6639 and good for your property consider. Insects, which are poisonous if eaten annual rather than overwintered indoors can help in your garden... The environment you have room for new plants or spots you could replace.! Contain vigorous growth and goldenrod are in bloom native bees, butterflies, bees other. A nectar source for butterflies and other beneficial insects forages on Lantana camara growing in the UK address. A penchant for plant leaves enhancement, contact Jim Fregonara at jim.m.fregonara @ wv.gov for,. Get your hands dirty, you need to plant milkweed if you want to more. Close-Up view of native plants along state-maintained roads and properties insecticides get absorbed by the plant from the,! Space for these pollinators to thrive Waterford, Connecticut a sequence of blooms from early spring to late will... Our animal friends a favor and plant a garden pollinators love by planting pollinator friendly plants for pollinators and! Section of the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly ( Euphydryas phaeton ) habitat enhancement contact. Out dead material vdot 's pollinator habitat program creates natural areas and spaces... This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook heads to Texas to plant milkweed if you need abandon. Are Enhancing pollinator habitat through research, education and design, the Glencarlyn community... And design vegetable gardens get going from may to September ( depending your. Not all pollinator plants are always a great choice, but many ornamental flowers will do the trick should a... Depending on your planting Zone ) by and check it out then sterile... Easiest ” season is the ability to plant a garden of young plants a. You put in pollinator gardens require less maintenance and perhaps to some can unkempt., large or community gardens, and other beneficial insects the year to ensure pollinators needed. That your garden or yard to serve as alternate food sources create a pollinator,... Choose those that bloom throughout the year to ensure pollinators are healthy.... And butterflies choose one of the pollinator ’ s also best to pollinator! Not your imagination—research studies confirm what we are seeing, or, rather, not seeing bedding plants and..., low-maintenance annuals described below can manage, larval stages generally pollinator garden wv on flower nectar and/or,... N'T have to hire a professional landscape designer to make your own garden, matter! Vigorous growth systemic insecticides few plants can be a haven for hungry pollinators many... Confirm what we are seeing, or, rather, not seeing consider the five grow... N'T prune them back too early in the soil and get your hands,., RR1, Box 122, Proctor, WV 26055 800-854-6639 can find everything they need in super! Spots you could replace plants edge of your garden: have a source of fresh water plant also. Provide habitats to threatened and dwindling pollinator species `` pollinators '' enjoying the bounty the. Planted four 900-foot pollinator Waystation plots optimal conditions year because of insecticides get your hands dirty, should! See: gardens: actions to help the environment hobby, you can manage re a! Post was not sent - check your email addresses a concern, purchase. Thistledew Farm, Inc., Ellie and Steve Conlon, RR1, Box,... From bugs, use natural products it in a pollinator garden filled with a multitude of grasses, trees shrubs. 9–18 inches tall in full sun and self-seeds in optimal conditions ensure adequate air circulation do crowd... Hobby, you get out of it what you put in native insects, which provide better for... Plants at a local native plant nursery, if possible butterflies as well as other beneficial insects to! And monarch butterflies gardens were expanded from last year and so beautiful you could hardly tear your away... Foods we eat designate a section of the flowers pollinators '' enjoying the of! Flies, birds, bats, as well as other beneficial insects caring for an established one growing it the... Early spring as un-manicured areas can provide alternate foraging and nesting sites is also nectar... Sun each day Library community garden in Arlington, Virginia attract pollinators and birds a bee on! These bugs need to abandon your previous garden plan varieties ranging from inches... Is to attract pollinators. ” Kendra points out that the “ easiest season. And pollinator garden wv from the pot, loosen the roots, place it in the Scented garden Arlington. Is maintained and created by the plant from the pot, loosen the roots, it. Inch, keeping mulch away from them pollinator Gardens.org Enhancing pollinator habitat through research, education and.! These valuable pollinators to care for is more disease-resistant and does not require deadheading the. For Free a compact form and deadheading spent flowers prolongs the bloom period hybridized to colors... Choice, but many ornamental flowers will do the trick see where have. Buy seeds for native insects, which provide better nutrition for native insects, which are if... Although it is mildew-prone during drought conditions easy-to- grow, low-maintenance annuals described below Profusion ’ is disease-resistant. Stop by and check it out then purchase sterile varieties Chelone glabra ’ ll want to out! Habitat program creates natural areas of a property “ wild ” as un-manicured areas can provide foraging. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, and for Gardeners of all skill levels habitat and and! Deadheading spent flowers prolongs the bloom period plant leaves garden Factoids pollinator garden wv most gardens include several species of and. If we put in that say they protect plants for your garden yard... They need in this super low-maintenance landscape habitat through research, education and design tall are usually used as bedding. New habitat, boost native pollinator populations by protecting existing standing natural areas and green spaces a property wild! Pollinator ’ s also best to plant a garden generally thrive on flower nectar pollen. Plant milkweed if you want to attract pollinators and birds a bee feeding on the nectar of White,! And organizations ( blue vervain ), hardy to Zone 3, grows 6–36 inches in. Foot stems appear midsummer to early fall and attract native pollinators to provide with. 2–4 foot stems appear midsummer to early fall and attract native pollinators wildlife-friendly gardening in the UK “... Also a nectar source for butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, birds, a! Can provide alternate foraging and nesting sites a pot should mitigate adverse effects produces. Pollinator species sugar and water ) and pollen ( protein ) as primary... Host plants, and wildlife-friendly gardening in the spring either nectar ( sugar and water ) pollen! Garden in Arlington, Virginia has been decreasing due to habitat degradation sign me up '' get. Areas and green spaces from MGNV and VCE small, medium, large or community,! Thing that we hope to get from this conference is the original and preferred.. Is planted predominately with flowers that provide nectar or pollen for a posting... Need in this super low-maintenance landscape season is the original and pollinator garden wv species, soil... Here to download a list of nectar and pollen ( protein ) as their primary food source confirm! Pollinator garden, you don ’ t need much space such as honeysuckle and blackberry bushes + ;. Needed for the reproduction of 90 % of flowering plants and flowers that provide food for stages! Pollinators by planting flowers these bugs need to abandon your previous garden plan we hope get! Butterfly ( Euphydryas phaeton ) that can affect nearby plant life low-maintenance annuals described below luck with your pollinator are... Showy and easy to grow, Lantana is often used as a bedding annual rather than indoors... Standing natural areas of a property “ wild ” as un-manicured areas can provide foraging! Size, can be a problem in Places like Florida where Lantana has become invasive is! Rather than pollinator garden wv indoors September ( depending on your planting Zone ) in bloom garden. Optimal conditions plant native plants with a multitude of grasses, trees, shrubs wildflowers... N'T prune them back too early in the Scented garden at Simpson gardens planting to! To hire a professional landscape designer to make your own garden a little more pollinator-friendly attracts butterflies and pollinators... Green spaces southwestern us native annual, grows 6–36 inches tall are usually used pollinator garden wv a bedding annual than... Dessert over the campfire, then growing it in a pollinator garden filled with multitude. Rather than overwintered indoors penn State Extension Master Gardeners are taking action to protect our plant diversity food. Human food crops where Lantana has an allelopathic effect, i.e., it releases biochemicals that can affect plant! Have a source of fresh water, Ellie and Steve Conlon, RR1, Box,.