What are the best planting strategies to support pollinators and wildlife?

1 Choose native plants

Native plants are adapted to the local climate, soil, and water conditions, and they provide food and shelter for native pollinators and wildlife. They also require less maintenance, fertilizers, and pesticides than exotic plants, which can reduce costs and environmental impacts. Try to select plants that offer a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and blooming times, to attract different types of pollinators throughout the seasons.

2 Create layers and edges

Pollinators and wildlife need different layers of vegetation to find shelter, nesting sites, and foraging opportunities. A layered landscape consists of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and groundcovers, arranged in vertical and horizontal patterns. Edges are the transitions between different habitats, such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands, or gardens. They provide more diversity and complexity, and often attract more species than homogeneous areas. You can create edges by mixing different types of plants, adding curves and angles, or using features like rocks, logs, or fences.

3 Avoid monocultures and turf

Monocultures are large areas of the same plant species, such as lawns, crops, or ornamental beds. They offer little value for pollinators and wildlife, and they are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Turf grass is especially problematic, as it consumes a lot of water, nutrients, and energy, and it often requires mowing, herbicides, and pesticides. Instead of monocultures and turf, opt for more diverse and naturalistic plantings, such as meadows, prairies, or woodlands, that mimic the structure and function of native ecosystems.

4 Provide water and habitat features

Pollinators and wildlife need water for drinking, bathing, cooling, and breeding. You can provide water sources by creating ponds, streams, wetlands, or rain gardens, or by installing birdbaths, fountains, or drip irrigation. Make sure the water is clean, fresh, and shallow, and that there are places for animals to perch, hide, and escape predators. You can also enhance the habitat value of your landscape by adding features such as brush piles, rock piles, hollow logs, nest boxes, bee hotels, or butterfly houses, that offer shelter, nesting sites, and food for various species.

5 Avoid or minimize pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals that kill or repel pests, such as insects, weeds, fungi, or rodents. However, they can also harm pollinators and wildlife, either directly by poisoning them, or indirectly by reducing their food sources or disrupting their behavior. Pesticides can also contaminate the soil, water, and air, and affect human health. Therefore, it is best to avoid or minimize the use of pesticides in your landscape, and instead rely on more sustainable and ecological methods, such as integrated pest management, biological control, cultural practices, or mechanical removal.

By following these planting strategies, you can create more attractive, functional, and resilient landscapes that support pollinators and wildlife, as well as human well-being. You can also contribute to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, which is vital for the balance and health of our planet.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?