Want a garden that looks good and does good? When you plant, think of the bees.
What if our landscapes could be both eye-catching and support a biodiversity of local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles and more? We don’t often think about pollinators as we plant, but they should be a consideration, especially the diverse species of native bees that are found only in the West. Intermountain West urbanization has diminished resources such as pollen and nectar, as well as habitat, which the bees rely on, but we can help! Here’s a few tips on planting your own pollinator garden in Utah:
‘BEE’ SUNNY.
Plants that produce blooms often need to be placed in a sunny location. Full sun equates to 6-8 hours of sunlight throughout the day. Part-sun and shade plants are available, but the resources available for pollinators are often diminished.
‘BEE’ ACCESSIBLE.
Choose plants that are easy for pollinators to access. Flat, daisy-like blooms support bees, butterflies, flies and beetles. Blooms that are tubular in shape, such as honeysuckle, support pollinators with long mouthparts like hummingbirds and moths. Avoid difficult-to-access plants with multiple layers of petals.
‘BEE’ LOCAL.
Incorporate native plants into the landscape when available. Native plants, such as Penstemon and Gaillardia, often support native pollinators best. See our plant list for more ideas.
‘BEE’ INVITING.
A shallow dish filled with river rocks and topped off with water will attract thirsty pollinators. Provide nesting sites such as areas of bare ground without mulch and open cavities like those of a bee hotel. Waiting to cut back perennials in the spring instead of fall can provide needed overwintering habitat.
‘BEE’ ABUNDANT.
Incorporate plants that bloom spring, summer and fall to provide resources year-round. Avoid planting a single plant, instead plant in groups of three to five to provide ample resources.
Garden Checklist
Sheriden Hansen,
USU Extension Associate Professor, Horticulture
Get your garden season-ready with these tips from the landscape and horticulture specialists at USU Extension. In May…
- Plant warm-season vegetables and annual flowers after last frost.
- Plant tomatoes deep enough that they are able to form more roots along the stem.
- Thin overcrowded seedlings using scissors.
- Plant summer-blooming bulbs (e.g.: gladiola, begonia, dahlia, canna).
- Divide warm-season ornamental grasses when new growth begins to emerge.
- Allow the foliage of spring blooming bulbs to die down before removing the leaves.
- Control broadleaf weeds in the lawn when temps are between 60-80 F.
See how it’s done
Located in the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, the Pollinator Garden was installed in 2021 by USU Master Gardener volunteers to showcase a variety of flowers that provide nectar, habitat and other resources to pollinators throughout the seasons. Unique planter boxes and art focus on bees and other pollinators. See more here.
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