Getting Rid of Turf in the Landscape

Building a pollinator-friendly flower garden improves biodiversity and supports pollinators. Plus, all those flowers look prettier than turf.

These vibrant sanctuaries attract a wide array of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds, helping to ensure our gardens thrive.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps to create a thriving pollinator-friendly garden, emphasizing the reduction of turf and the promotion of biodiversity through the use of perennials and annuals grown from seed.

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and embark on a journey to build your own pollinator paradise!

Building a Pollinator-Friendly Flower Garden

Choose the Right Location

Selecting the perfect spot for your pollinator-friendly garden is essential. Opt for an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

I added my garden at the corner of my front yard. An added benefit has been that the neighbors are enjoying the flowers as much as the pollinators. I’ve met so many new neighbors. Gardens definitely foster community.

Reduce the Turf

One of the key principles of building a pollinator-friendly garden is reducing the amount of turf. Turfgrass lawns are typically monocultures with limited biodiversity.

By decreasing the lawn area and replacing it with flowers, you create a space where a diverse range of pollinators can find food and shelter. This transition can also help conserve water and reduce the need for mowing, benefiting both the environment and your time.

Embrace Perennials and Annuals from Seed

By far, the best bang for the buck is growing plants from seeds.  You can grow unusual varieties that you won’t find at the local garden center and save money.

My favorite plants that I grew from seed this season are:

• Verbena bonariensis – The butterflies love this plant.  It’s adds great texture to the border, but be careful because this is considered invasive in CA, OR, or GA.
• Polygonum orientale – Also called kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate. The one big draw back for this plant is that it attracts Japanese beetles.
• Cosmos ‘Cosmic Orange’ – Wow!  The color on this plant is incredible. It stays around 18 inches tall so it’s perfect for the front of the border.  I see why it is an All American Selection winner.

Plant a Variety of Native Flowers

I added several native plants to the pollinator-friendly flower garden that I purchased from Wildtype Nursery in Mason, Michigan.

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and provide the best resources for native pollinators. Research and select a variety of native flowers that bloom at different times to support pollinators throughout the seasons.

Some excellent choices include coneflowers, prairie smoke, bee balm, and Joe Pye weed.

build It and They will come

Building a pollinator-friendly flower garden is an enriching and vital endeavor.

By reducing turf, embracing perennials and annuals from seed, and planting a variety of native flowers, you can create a haven for pollinators right in your garden.

As you witness the diverse array of bees, butterflies, and other wildlife that visit your garden, you’ll not only be contributing to local biodiversity but also finding joy and satisfaction in nurturing these vital creatures.

So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the soil, and start your own pollinator paradise today. Your garden will become a living testament to the beauty and importance of supporting our planet’s pollinators.

Ready to build a pollinator-friendly flower garden? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

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