Planting for Pollinators: How to Grow a Garden That Gives Back

2. Go for Variety—Color, Shape, and Bloom Time

Pollinators are selective! Bees are especially drawn to blue, purple, and yellow blooms. Butterflies prefer flat, fragrant flowers with landing pads. And hummingbirds? They’re laser-focused on bright red, tubular flowers.

Try to include a rainbow of shapes and colors to cover all your pollinator bases:

For Bees: Agastache, Russian Sage, Coneflowers, and Catmint

For Butterflies: Phlox, Asters, Joe Pye Weed, and Butterfly Bush

For Hummingbirds: Salvia, Penstemon, Coral Bells, Native Honeysuckle, and Cardinal Flower

Also—plan for three-season blooms to ensure your garden stays helpful and active from spring to fall.

3. Skip the Pesticides

Even "natural" or "organic" sprays can be deadly to pollinators. The best way to manage pests in a pollinator garden? Let nature help. Planting a mix of species invites beneficial insects and keeps your garden in balance. A little nibble here and there is a sign that your garden is alive and thriving.

Let's Grow Together

At TLC, we’re always here to help you build a more beautiful, buzzing garden. Stop in to see our full selection of pollinator-friendly plants or join one of our summer workshops.

Whether you’re gardening in a big backyard, a small patio, or just a window box, every bloom makes a difference.

Let’s plant with purpose—and give the pollinators a reason to keep coming back.

👉 Watch for my YouTube video later this month on how to plant a butterfly garden—I'll walk you through design tips, top plant picks, and show you exactly how to turn any space into a haven for butterflies!

🌸 Happy Pollinator Week! 🌼