Any gardener knows that flowers need pollinators to help them reproduce. But what they may not know is just how important pollinators are to the ecosystem as a whole.
Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air – and it can also be a way to help the environment. Feeding and encouraging pollinators contribute to a healthier ecosystem, and one way to do this is by planting a pollinator planter; these attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while providing much-needed food and rest as they move between pockets of nature.
By choosing the right plants and planting them together, you can create a habitat that will attract garden fauna. But what makes the perfect flower combination? And what will grow beautifully in sync? Here are some tips to get you started.
The Importance of Pollinators
As we know, pollinators play a vital role in the life cycles of many plants. In fact, without them, many plants would be unable to reproduce. That’s why tailoring a planter specifically to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is such a great idea!
Pollinators are critical to the ecosystem because they help to transfer pollen from one plant to another, allowing flowers to flourish. Examples of our most common pollinators are bees, butterflies, and birds. Without them, many plants would not be able to grow and would eventually die out.
In addition to being essential for the survival of plants, pollinators are also responsible for producing honey and other products that humans rely on. As a result, it is important to take steps to protect pollinators and their habitats – and planting a pollinator planter is a great first step.
Creating a planter with pollinator-friendly plants (and avoiding pesticides that could harm them) is one easy and eye-catching way to encourage a healthy garden, and provide our pollinator friends with a food source.
Flowers That Bloom Together, Boom Together
When it comes to choosing flowers and greenery for pollinator planters, many gardeners simply pick the flowers they like best and then hope for the best. However, this approach can often lead to frustration, as different plants have different needs.
One bloom may require full sun while another does better in partial shade; one plant may need frequent watering while another is drought-tolerant. To avoid these problems, choose plants with similar needs when assembling your pollinator planter. That way, you can be sure they will all receive the care they need to thrive. Plus, you’ll enjoy seeing a variety of beautiful blooms throughout the growing season.
When selecting the right plants, it’s important to consider the size of your planter, the amount of sunlight it will receive, and the climate where it will be placed. And don’t forget to leave room between plants too – you want to ensure that your flowers have enough space to spread out.
By selecting various plant and flower species that bloom in sync, you will be providing a consistent source of food for pollinators throughout the year.
Thrillers, Fillers, & Spillers
A pollinator planter is only as good as its plants. That’s why it’s important to choose a “thriller,” a “filler,” and a “spiller” that work well together. A planter made with these three elements is a fun and easy project that anyone can do. And the best part is that you can tailor the planter to your own personal style!
A thriller is the centerpiece of the planter, and it should be tall and dramatic, with a striking appearance. Fillers are shorter plants that add fullness and texture, and fill the space around the thriller. Meanwhile, spillers trail down the sides of the planter, cascading over the edges and creating a softened look.
Thrillers, fillers, and spillers can be annuals, perennials, or even vegetables. Consider adding some color to your pollinator planter with annuals such as impatiens or petunias. Perennials like daylilies or hostas are a good choice for fillers, since they tend to spread out and thicken. Spillers can include lobelia, trailing impatiens, or verbena.
Once you have selected your three plants, it’s time to get creative with your design. Plant your thriller – the plant that will grow tallest – in the center of the planter and surround it with fillers, which are your medium-sized plants. Arrange the spillers around the edge of the planter so they can cascade over the sides. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, simply water your plants and enjoy!
