When tending to your gardening and outdoor maintenance tasks, keep in mind that a garden that welcomes pollinators like bees and butterflies is not only visually appealing but also essential for the health of our ecosystem. If you’re looking to welcome some more buzzing and beautiful friends into your outdoor space, we’re here to help!
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to a selection of native plants that will help attract these crucial pollinators to your outdoor space.
Native Plants to Attract Bees
Make your garden bee-friendly with the following plants:
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is not only beloved for its fragrant blooms but is also a favourite among bees. Its nectar-rich flowers provide sustenance for these industrious pollinators.
2. Borage (Borago officinalis)
With its star-like blue flowers, borage is a magnet for bees. Its abundant pollen and nectar attract these insects, ensuring a healthy garden ecosystem.
3. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
The wild bergamot’s clusters of pinkish-purple flowers offer a feast for bees. This plant’s fragrance and vibrant blooms make it a charming addition to any garden.
4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia’s tubular flowers come in various shades, providing a visual treat for gardeners and a delectable buffet for bees.
5. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers not only brighten up your garden but also attract bees with their ample pollen and nectar reserves.
Native Plants to Attract Butterflies
Create your very own butterfly garden by filling your outdoor space with the following plants:
1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
True to its name, the butterfly bush is a butterfly magnet. Its vibrant, cone-shaped clusters of flowers provide nectar that attracts various butterfly species.
2. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is vital for monarch butterflies as it’s the sole food source for their caterpillars. Its pink and orange flowers also attract other butterfly species.
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
The bright yellow petals and dark centres of black-eyed susans make them irresistible to butterflies. Their flat-topped blooms provide ample landing space for feeding.
4. Liatris (Liatris spp.)
Liatris, also known as blazing star, boasts tall spikes of purple or white flowers that beckon butterflies to your garden.
5. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias come in a riot of colours and sizes, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favourite pit stop for butterflies.
Conclusion
By incorporating these native plants into your garden, you’re not only creating a picturesque landscape but also providing vital resources for bees and butterflies. If your schedule doesn’t allow you the time to work on your garden’s growth and vibrancy, consider the convenience of SweepSouth cleaning service—a valuable option for maintaining the beauty and comfort of your living space.
The dedicated SweepStars you can book on SweepSouth, SA’s leading home services platform, can handle your indoor and outdoor cleaning needs, while you focus on thriving in all other aspects of your life. Enjoy arriving back to a happy, healthy home every day.
