A few things to keep in mind when planting your own garden:

• Use plants native to your area. Native plants have many benefits for you and the environment. Native plants generally require less watering and fertilizing than non-natives because they are adapted to local soils and climate conditions. Native plants are often more resistant to non-beneficial insects and disease as well. Wildlife evolved with plants; therefore, they use native plant communities for food, cover and rearing young. Using native plants helps preserve the balance and beauty of natural ecosystems.

• Select a variety of flower forms (tubular, wide open), colors and height, to attract the widest variety of pollinators.

• Select plants that will flower at different times of the year to provide a continuous sources of nectar.

• Group individual plants of the same species together. This can make collecting nectar more efficient for the pollinator, and increase the likelihood that a pollen grain will be transferred to another plant of the same species (pollination). It also will look more attractive.

More About Planting Your Own Pollinator Garden