What is a pollinator garden?
Pollinator gardens are specially designed to attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. They offer a variety of flower shapes and colors to appeal to all different tastes. And they feature blooms from early spring through late August so pollinators will never be without sweet nectar to eat. Pollinators can also find shelter and a place to raise their young in these gardens. Butterflies and moths need specific plants to lay their eggs on (like monarchs need milkweed), so pollinator gardens contain a variety of these “host plants”.
Why now?
Most plants, including food crops, rely on pollinators to help them reproduce. They also play a huge role in our natural ecosystems, pollinating more than 80% of plants on this planet. Without pollinators, we would quickly see a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, and similarly catastrophic impacts on the natural world.
Sadly, pollinators are dying rapidly. This is caused by many factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, air pollution, and competition from non-native invasive species. Even the well-known monarch butterfly has declined so much that they are now considered endangered. Pollinators need all the help they can get, and every little bit counts.
We are committed to protecting pollinators
The Balcones Canyonlands Master Naturalists have been installing pollinator gardens in public spaces around Travis County.
Our mission is to:
- Give pollinators food, shelter, and a place to raise their young by creating pollinator gardens in public spaces.
- Use only plants native to Texas, preferably central Texas
- NEVER use pesticides, which hurt pollinators
- Create beauty in public spaces and encourage people to create their own pollinator gardens.
From design to planting, here is an overview of two of our sites.
Menchaca Elementary School Pollinator Garden Project
Stay tuned for upcoming sites:
- Concordia University Texas
- Hamilton Pool Preserve
- North Oaks Park
You can help make a difference! One of the best things you can do for the health of our planet is to convert part of your yard into your own pollinator garden. It’s a great way to add interest and diversity to your landscape. You will save both pollinators and your water bill when you plant native plants!
Ready to help? Resources to get you started:
Our Greatest Hits Native Pollinator Plants List (This is currently a google doc… it will need to be converted to PDF.)
A more extensive list of pollinator plants for our areas. by the Ladybird Wildflower Center
“How to Plan and Install a Successful Pollinator Garden” by the Texas Butterfly Ranch
Pollinator Gardening Tips 101 by Pollinator.org
Native Plant Society of Austin Plant lists and more Create Your Own pocket Prairie with seed mixes from Native American Seed Company