Partner Post: Blooms for Butterflies for National Pollinator Week

Twelve years ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a designated "National Pollinator Week" in June. This year, the Pollinator Partnership has designated June 22-28, 2020 the week to bring awareness to the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. National Pollinator Week has grown into an international celebration.

As someone who cares about the earth, now is the perfect time to plant some of pollinators’ favorite flowers and fun ways to get the kids outdoors and learn about nature.

Our Top 5 Pollinator Plants

Bee Balm

This pollinator-favorite will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees and the seed in the spent flowers will attract songbirds in the fall. It is easy to grow and will come back year after year bigger and stronger. As long as it is organically grown, the flowers are edible and look lovely in salads and bring color to herb butter. Zone 3-9.

Lavender

This fragrant beauty has both pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It blooms mid-summer when pollinators are at their hungriest. The flowers may be used in a vase or for drying. One stem adds a sophisticated touch to a glass of prosecco or lemonade. There are different types so, check the plant label for the hardiness zone for your area.

Borage

Borage grows well from seed and that makes it an inexpensive addition to any garden. Pollinators love the nectar-rich, star-shaped blue flowers. The leaves and blossoms are edible and make a fun garnish. Planting them near strawberries and tomatoes improves their yield, probably because they attract so many pollinators.

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed, otherwise known as milkweed, attracts a wide variety of pollinators and is especially important to monarch butterflies. Monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweed because it is the only food their young can eat. No milkweed, no monarchs! You’ll also appreciate their long-lasting, bright orange flowers. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Coneflower

This is the poster child for pollinator gardens. Coneflowers are an easy-to-grow, trouble-free perennial. The purple blooms attract all kinds of pollinators. They visit for a sip of nectar and get covered with the sticky pollen. Leave the spent blooms standing as the seed they produce is a favorite of finches.

Now is the time to get out in the garden and have some fun. Use this time to teach your children to bee respectful of and bee gentle to pollinators. You can build bee houses and teach them how to create pollinator habitat. You’ll both bee-come pollinator experts!