How to Create a Pollinator Patch
Find a Suitable Location
To attract butterflies you'll need a sunny location that is sheltered from strong winds.
Bees prefer the same conditions.
If you want to spread awareness, create a pollinator patch in your front yard and request a free sign.
Removing Lawn
There are two ways to remove lawn.
Either dig it up
OR
Cover the area with newspaper or cardboard until the lawn dissolves.
Youtube is a great resource to learn how to remove lawn effectively.
Finding the
Right Plants
What to Consider When Choosing Your Plants:
Chose native plants.
Don't get tempted to buy packages of seeds advertised as pollinator mixes, often they contain very easy to grow non-native plants that can easily escape into the wild and wreak havoc there.
Check if the area is rather dry or wet and if you have clay, loam or sandy soil.
Match plants to existing soil conditions.
How much sun does the location get and at what time of the day? Choose plants that thrive in these conditions.
Aim for continuous bloom.
Add trees and shrubs!! They are the most beneficial.
Don't forget native grasses. They are very important for soil balance and a feast for birds.
Include a least one kind of milkweed for Monarchs.
Make sure not to buy hybrid plants.
Watch out for the height of plants. Some native flowers can get very tall and wide.
Caring For the Plants
Newly planted flowers, shrubs and trees need regular watering until they become established.
Leave all stems till next spring. This provides seeds for birds as well as nesting and overwintering sites for bees and butterflies.
Most plants will produce abundant seeds within the first year. This is a great chance to collect them for exchange and more plantings in fall or spring.