Pollinator Gardening

Resources for Northeast Ohio

Pollinator Gardening

Creating a vibrant and welcoming habitat for essential pollinators is an important and rewarding practice for gardeners of all types. As pollinator populations begin to decline, planting sustainable spaces to support all types of pollinators holds even more importance.

The most well-known pollinators include bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, though it is interesting (perhaps exciting or shocking, even) for many to learn that bats, moths, and beetles are also actors in the process of pollination. Here in Northeast Ohio, there are many ways, big and small, we can help support these beautiful and essential creatures.

Planting for Pollinators

Why it's Important

Gardeners of all age, experience, and ability are becoming increasingly aware of the concept of pollinators and the important role they play in our everyday life. Pollinators are creatures that, as they progress through their day, move pollen from flower to flower.

The result is fertilization and successful fruit production for the pollinated plant. The most well-known pollinators include bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, though it is interesting (perhaps exciting or shocking, even) for many to learn that bats, moths, and beetles are also actors in the process of pollination.

Season-Long Color

Perennial Bloom Calendar

Planting perennials that bloom at different times throughout the season is an important aspect of pollinator gardening. Providing a continuous supply of nectar and pollen benefits pollinators of all types, and it creates a beautiful landscape for gardeners to enjoy, too!

But with so many perennials to choose from, where should you start? No need to worry! We’ve put together a list of our favorite perennials that bloom each month to make it easy for you.

View Monthly Bloom Calendar

Meet the Monarch

The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most easily recognizable and beloved species of butterfly. With recent headlines about their declining population, supporting these beautiful butterflies has become an even more important topic for gardeners across the country.

Learn more about supporting Monarch Butterflies in Northeast Ohio.

Meet the Monarch

Asclepias spp.

Milkweed

The #1 way to help Monarchs in Northeast Ohio is by planting milkweed (Asclepias spp.). This native perennial is essential in all stages of their lifecycle. Bonus? Many other pollinators enjoy the benefits of this plant, too!

pollinator gardening

With so many plants to choose from you might be wondering where to start when it comes to creating your own pollinator garden. Join Noelle as she tours a local, Northeast Ohio pollinator garden and providing tips for creating a sustainable pollinator garden along the way. From plant selection to providing key elements like food, water, and shelter, Noelle shares everything you need to know to start your own pollinator garden!

a word of caution on remedies

Occasionally, gardeners find themselves wanting a garden remedy for common issues like pests, disease, weeds, or other plant problems. Whether organic or synthetic, there are many different garden solutions that employ many different ingredients to control a problem. These may or may not be harmful to desirable pollinators, and so knowing the active ingredients and how/when to safely apply a product is important. Read the label of your preferred garden control product, and follow instructions for safe and effective application.

To err on the side of caution, avoid applying pesticides altogether. If you do choose to apply a control for a specific garden issue, do so only in the wee hours of the morning or at sundown. At these early and late points in the day, pollinators are least likely to be active, and remedies applied are likely to dry or dissolve before a pollinator happens to chance upon the plant.

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We have nine locations across Northeast Ohio, spanning the Cleveland, Akron-Canton, and Youngstown communities. Search here to find the location most convenient for you.

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