Pollinating Norcross

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds help plants that bring us food and other resources. They carry pollen from one plant to another to fertilize them and allow them to make fruit or seeds. Unfortunately there have been significant decreases in native pollinator population sizes and ranges throughout the world due to issues such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

Pollinator health is critical to our food system and economy, because without them less nutritional food such as fruits, vegetables, honey, and nuts would be available and costs for these products increase. Pollinators contribute more than 24 billion dollars to the United States economy, of which honeybees account for more than 15 billion dollars through their vital role in keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets.

Plant Your Own Pollinator Garden

Making our community a place where pollinators thrive is something we can all to help with this environmental challenge. Planting a pollinator garden is a great way to provide nectar, pollen, and habitat. Whether you have a tiny spot for a pot on a balcony or back deck, a corner of your lawn or a whole yard to dedicate, you can successfully support pollinators!

What Type of Plants are Best to Support Pollinators?

The term ‘native’ refers to a plant species that occur naturally in an ecoregion and habitat over time. Because they originated in a particular ecoregion, these species are adapted to growing conditions and have co-evolved with other native species. Look for plants that exist naturally in your region, i.e. if you live in the Piedmont Region of Georgia (metro Atlanta area) plants that are native to this area will grow much better here than plants native to Coastal Georgia. Natives are well adapted to survive in a particular geographic area according to the climate, soils, rainfall, and availability of pollinators. Research shows that native plants are four times more attractive to pollinators than non-natives. These plants are important sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators and are well suited for small-scale plantings in gardens. See below for a few lists of native plants that are available for purchase in the Southeast. If you purchase plants from a reputable native plant nursery or contact Georgia Native Plant Society, they can give you more information.

‘Non-native’ plants are species that have not existed historically in one area but have been introduced by human activities and may not support ecosystem health as well as native plants do.

‘Ornamental’ is a term used to describe plants that are propagated and grown primarily for aesthetic reasons, rather than functional qualities. The term is typically used to describe plants that do not occur naturally in an ecoregion.

‘Invasive’ plant species are non-native to ecosystems and the introduction of them is likely to cause “economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

What are the Benefits of Planting a Pollinator Garden?

• Provides food and habitat for pollinators
• Reduces the need for pesticides 
• Adds variety and natural beauty to your space from early spring through late fall
• Saves money since most native plants are perennials (or self-seeding) and they only have to be planted once
• Edible plants or plants with fragrant leaves are pollinator plants that are also fun for kids
• Lowers the amount of maintenance you have to do to your garden, especially if the plants are native to the region
• Helps reduce erosion problems – native plants have longer root systems than ornamentals, so they do a better job keeping soil secure and they soak up rainwater more efficiently.

What You Need

• An area with soil (in the ground or in containers)
• Sunshine (4 – 8+ hours is best for most flowering plants)
• Convenient access to water 
• Rocks, pebbles, stones (place nearby for butterflies to rest)
• Mulch (un-chopped fallen leaves are best; woodchips, pine needles or bark also work

  well)

• Pollinator-friendly plants (See links below for native plants)

• Garden tools (i.e. spade, trowel, shovel)

• A ceramic bowl with drainage or clay pot (if planting in containers)

• Long-term commitment – native plants don't require as much maintenance as ornamentals, but you'll need to keep an eye on them and weed if any non-native turf grass or weeds grow in their area.

Careful planning is important to creating a successful pollinator garden. Follow these easy steps to make sure you have everything covered before you start!

Step 1: Preparation

Make sure your garden area is free of any non-native invasive plants (this especially includes lawn grass). To prepare the soil for planting, wait to plant either when the soil is soft from rains, or wet the soil the day before to make digging and weed pulling easier.  Loosening the soil is not necessarily good – it activates weed seed banks and tilling more than a few inches can destroy the healthy organisms that live in the soil. These organisms are critical to healthy plant life! The beauty of native plants is they do not need special soil or amendments. If you're planting in a similar environment from where they naturally are found, the soil you have will work just fine.

Step 2: Landscaping
If your garden site is very windy, a wind block may be necessary. This can be created with sturdier shrubs along the edges as a border. Rocks are also great for adding contrast to the garden and providing warm places for butterflies to perch. Pollinator tip: A bowl with mud in the garden gives butterflies a place to drink and obtain minerals. (They need the mud to drink water, which they do through a process called “wicking”).

To learn more about "wicking" and attract butterflies to your garden with a butterfly puddle.

Step 3: Planting

Place plants far enough apart to allow for growth – this is especially important for shrubs like St. John's Wort or American Beauty Berry. Imagine how big the plant will be at mature size and when planting, give it room to grow. Native flowering plants can be tucked together more tightly so they appear as a beautiful mass when they bloom (like Goldenrod and Bee Balm). If you are not sure, err on the side of being closer together - gardens with a high density of diverse plants are most attractive to pollinators. Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

The following lists include websites where you can find out which native plants grow in your area and a list of local, Atlanta area nurseries where you can purchase native plants. Many of these nurseries also offer spring and fall plant sales.

Native Plant List

• Native Plants for Bees
• Native Plants by Zip Code
• Native Plants by State

Atlanta Area Native Plant Nurseries

• Beech Hollow Wildflower Farm
• Garden*Hood
• Nearly Native Nursery
• North Georgia Native Plant Nursery
• Little Creek Farm Nursery
• Cottage Garden Natives

Other Native Plant Resources

• The Norcross Garden Club
• Native Plants by Zip Code
• Georgia Native Plant Society
• Georgia Audubon Native Plant Sales
• Botanical Garden of Georgia Native Plant List