One major way to help pollinators thrive—and beautify an outdoor space—is to plant a native pollinator garden. Here are six native plants to grow for pollinators.
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- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) • Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies • Blooms in spring
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- Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) • Attracts bees and butterflies • Blooms in spring to early summer
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- Smooth swamp-milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) • Attracts bumblebees, insects, and butterflies, and is a host plant for the monarch butterfly • Blooms in summer and early fall
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- Bird’s foot violet (Viola pedata) • Attracts bees and butterflies • Blooms in spring to early summer
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- Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) • Attracts bees and is especially good at attracting bumblebees—especially spring queens • Blooms in spring to early summer
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- Goldenrods (Solidago species) • Attract bees and other insects; extremely important fall plants for pollen • Blooms in late summer to late fall (depending on species) © Kim Caruso
Native Plant Sales
During spring and summer, several of our wildlife sanctuaries offer native plant sales. Stop by to learn more and pick up varieties for your own backyard.
June
Moose Hill’s two-day Native Plant Sale in Sharon offers a variety of native perennials, ferns, and ground cover.
The Native Plant Sale & Open House at North River in Marshfield features native shrubs and flowering perennials as well as family activities and snacks.
Pick up plants to attract butterflies at the annual Audubon Nature Festival at Ipswich River in Topsfield.
August
Pick up plants to attract butterflies during Broad Meadow Brook’s Annual Butterfly Festival.
I agree with Vin. I am a timid gardener and like to have full details about starting a new project. Besides the suggestions that Vin makes, I would like some help with making the butterfly garden not only attractive to insects. but also attractive to the human eye! I’d like to plant this garden in the middle of the lawn. What kind of edging would be good? I assume the tallest plants are planted in the middle, the smaller ones in front. Could you please show us detailed pictures of such gardens, or give us the names of books on the subject?
OK, so you provide a list. How about completing by providing information about planting: Sun and soil and water requirements; ongoing care; etc. A simple list is not good enough in my opinion.