Pollinator Gardening

Pollinator gardening is a valuable practice that benefits both our gardens and the environment. By cultivating plants that attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, we play a crucial role in the preservation of these essential creatures. Pollinator-friendly gardens provide a diverse array of flowering plants that offer nectar and pollen as food sources. In turn, these pollinators help to facilitate the process of plant reproduction, ensuring the growth and fruiting of countless species. It is important for gardeners to choose native plants and provide a variety of bloom times to support pollinators throughout the year. Ultimately, pollinator gardening not only adds beauty to our landscapes but also contributes to the overall health and sustainability of our ecosystems.

On June 24, five gardens were featured in the Beaver Garden Tour supporting the Beaver Area Memorial Library. One of the gardens featured was owned by a Tusca-Ridge garden Club member, Elizabeth Henderson. Elizabeth’s garden is a certified pollinator garden. To be certified, you must use plants that provide pollen and nectar, provide a water source, select a wide variety of flowering plants throughout the season, and don’t use pesticides.

Elizabeth’s front yard is a showstopper and her backyard is equally impressive. In the picture below, currently in bloom are Butterfly weed, Coreopsis and Yarrow.  Not blooming yet - Common milkweed, Bluestem goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace.

An article on Pollinator Gardening was co-written by one of our members, Evita Ely who is a Penn State Master Gardener in Beaver County. Read her article for additional information on Pollinator Gardening