Attracting Birds, Bees & Butterflies to Your Pond & Backyard
Imagine a backyard where nature thrives. A place where birdsong fills the air, butterflies dance on blooms, and buzzing bees find a haven. It's more than a dream; it's a reality you can cultivate. By strategically selecting plants and water features, you can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Let's explore how to attract these enchanting creatures to your yard and create a haven for both you and wildlife.
Plants for local pollinators
Pollinators are essential to our ecosystem. These vital creatures, including bees, butterflies, and birds, play a crucial role in plant reproduction. By visiting flowers to collect nectar they inadvertently transfer pollen, enabling plants to produce seeds and fruit. Supporting pollinators is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances the beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space. Let's explore how to create a pollinator-friendly haven in your backyard.
According to the USDA, around 75% of flowering plants and 35% of the world's food crops rely on pollinators.
Small mammals like bats and non-pollinating birds also help plants by eating the fruits and then distributing the seeds elsewhere.
When attracting pollinators, you want to plant native and local plants and minimize the use of pesticides. Many pesticides are toxic or damaging to bees and other pollinators. Some pesticides limit their ability to reproduce, while others can affect their memory and ability to navigate.
You can use the Native Plant Finder tool from the National Wildlife Fountain to see which plants are native to where you live. Native plants typically grow better and require less care than non-native plants. They will be used to the soil and water conditions of where you live.
You can also check your local nurseries to see if any offer local plants. Non-native plants can even be invasive since they have no natural predators. If you have non-native plants you no longer want in your garden, make sure you dispose of them properly, so they don't end up in the ecosystem.
You don't have only to plant native plants. Some plants may not be native but also non-invasive and considered harmless, like many herbs and certain flowers.
Plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators:
- Anise
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Echinacea
- Marigolds
- Milkweed
- Sunflowers
- Yarrow
- Bee balm
- Goldenrod
- Black-eyed Susan
- Lavender
- Calendula
- Elderberry (can be invasive depending on the species)
- Honeysuckle (can be invasive depending on the species)
Water features for birds, bees, and butterflies
When adding fountains, waterfalls, and ponds to your yard to attract wildlife, make sure you use wildlife-friendly water treatments. Local wildlife, like birds and pollinators, will use your water features as a freshwater source. Making sure the water is safe for them to drink is essential.
Most of the smartpond Water Treatments are safe for wildlife when used as directed. Keeping your water features running 24/7 and making sure you have a strong filtration system for your pond can help prevent water quality issues.
The most common water feature that attracts birds is a bird bath. These provide fresh water to drink and also a place for the birds to bathe. Still, water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and algae. Adding a small fountain like the Container Fountain or 80-GPH Fountain Pump can help keep the water moving to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and algae from colonizing.
When building water features for birds, make sure that they have shallow areas where they can stand and areas where they can perch. Bees, butterflies, and other insects typically can't land on water, so you'll need to add rocks, plants, and other areas so they can safely drink.
The Bowl Fountain Project is a great option for attracting pollinating insects. They can land on the rocks to drink water.
When landscaping your pond, try to put areas where birds can perch and hide from predators. Big-leaved plants, hollow logs, and rock shelves can create spaces where birds and other wildlife can hide. The Floating Lily Pads are a great option, as birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators can land on them and then drink from the water.
Connect with nature by adding water features and plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies into your yard. These water features and plants can help support an entire ecosystem right in your own backyard. You can enjoy the calming sounds of running water as you watch birds and butterflies flutter about and appreciate the plants and water you've provided them. Start spending more time outdoors and unplug from the day as you admire the beautiful nature of your own outdoors.
