The bee border is buzzing with pollinators of all sorts
This is the third summer that I have planted a border in my garden specifically to attract pollinators. The garden is 3 feet wide by 30 feet long. While there are some early flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips and a few perennials such as Agastache, Eryngium, Veronica, Verbascum 'Southern Charm' and Sedum 'Autumn Joy' to create structure, primarily this is a border of nectar rich annuals. |
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I love annuals because there are so many to choose from, and if you grow them from seed the choices are nearly endless. Annuals are great too because every growing season can be a different explosion of color. But most of all, I love annuals because they bloom their little heads off all season long.
Annuals by definition complete their life cycle from seed to plant to flower to seed in a single growing season. To be successful in producing seed, they need to attract pollinators and annuals are high in nectar making them an important food source for bees, butterflies, months and many other insects.
Interested in creating a pollinator friendly space in your garden? See my previous tutorial here |
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 | | Click on the photo above to view the bees enjoying the Agastache in my Bee Border. Agastache is a perennial that grows to about 4 feet tall and wide. The dried stems work nicely in autumn and winter floral arrangements. |
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A few things to remember.
Every little bit helps. Even if you don't think you have the space or the time for a large garden, a collection of pollinator friendly plants grown in containers is enough to encourage pollinators to visit.
Bees and butterflies don't distinguish property lines, so encourage your neighbors to create a little nectar rich haven in their yards too. A few plants here and there add up to a larger habitat.
Always look for for heirloom or at least non-hybridized varieties. Hybridized plants are genetically altered and often sterile- without pollen. Here's a list of a few of my favorite annuals.
Pansies and Johnny Jump Ups
Wallflowers
Cosmos
Calendula
Bachelor's Buttons
Ammi majus
Dill
Poppies - my favorites are Lady Bird, Icelandic and California
Zinnia - heirloom varieties, especially Beanary's Giant Mix (in a range of colors) you will be shocked how tall these get!
Nicotiana - heirloom varieties, such as Jasmine Alata
Mina lobata this is a vine that needs support
Morning Glory - also a vine
Verbena bonarensis
Bird's Eye's
Cerinth |
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| Lastly, my bee border has become a habitat for other creatures as well. Birds, toads and frogs and of course a few rabbits have been spotted enjoying this part of the garden, along with this little guy. My first thought was "which tropical plant included a free spider?" The body is about an inch long! But this Argiope spider is very common in Minnesota and is a sign of a happy garden. More information about Minnesota spiders click here. |  |
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