Pollinator Gardening in America: An Introduction
Pollinator gardening is more than just a trend—it’s a fun, practical, and environmentally vital way to garden. Across the United States, gardeners are discovering the powerful role they can play in supporting pollinators READ MORE
The History of Pollinator Gardening in America
Pollinator gardening may seem like a modern movement sparked by concerns about bee decline and climate change—but its roots stretch deep into the fabric of American history. READ MORE
Sunflowers
Few flowers capture the spirit of Summer quite like the sunflower. With their tall stalks, vibrant blooms, and cheery faces that follow the sun, sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are both a garden favorite and a pollinator magnet. Native to North America, sunflowers have been cultivated for centuries for their beauty, nutritional seeds, and soil-enriching properties. Whether… READ MORE
Chives
Delicate, fragrant, and effortlessly easy to grow, chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a staple herb in kitchen gardens across America. Belonging to the onion family, chives are prized for their slender green leaves and globe-shaped purple flowers. Their mild, onion-like flavor makes them ideal for garnishing eggs, potatoes, salads, and soups. But chives aren't just for… READ MORE
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is one of the most cherished herbs in the world, admired for its fragrant foliage, delicate flowers, and exceptional versatility. Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender has found a permanent home in American gardens thanks to its drought tolerance, ornamental beauty, and soothing aroma. Whether used in culinary recipes, herbal remedies, floral… READ MORE
Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant and versatile annual that brings cheerful color and practical benefits to any garden. With its bright orange and yellow daisy-like blooms, calendula is more than just a pretty face—it’s a fascinating herb with a long history of medicinal, culinary, and ornamental use. Easy to… READ MORE
Marigold
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are among the most widely grown and easily recognized flowers in American gardens. With their sunny blooms in shades of yellow, orange, gold, and maroon, marigolds bring cheerful color, effortless beauty, and a host of benefits to gardeners and pollinators alike. Native to the Americas, marigolds are warm-season annuals known for their… READ MORE
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) are cheerful, easy-to-grow annuals celebrated for their bright blooms, peppery leaves, and delightful trailing or mounding habits. With their jewel-toned flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow, as well as cream, nasturtiums are a favorite in both ornamental and edible gardens. Their ability to thrive in less-than-perfect soils and bloom prolifically makes… READ MORE
Mint
Mint (Mentha) is one of the most well-loved and versatile herbs in the garden. Known for its vibrant scent, fast growth, and broad culinary and medicinal uses, mint offers an abundance of benefits with very little fuss. Whether you're brewing a calming tea, muddling a mojito, or simply enjoying its refreshing scent as you walk… READ MORE
Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis), often called “starflower” for its dazzling blue, five-pointed blooms, is a popular annual herb known for its edible flowers, cucumber-flavored leaves, and reputation as a top-tier pollinator plant. With its fuzzy stems, vivid blossoms, and ability to self-seed easily, borage is popular with gardeners and beneficial to insects. Native to the Mediterranean… READ MORE
Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a vibrant and aromatic perennial native to North America. Known for its showy, shaggy blossoms and fragrant leaves, bee balm lights up gardens with firework-like blooms in shades of red, pink, lavender, and white. With a strong presence in both ornamental and pollinator gardens, this plant is popular with gardeners,… READ MORE
Coneflowers
Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) are hardy North American natives that have earned their place in gardens across the country for their striking daisy-like blooms, long flowering season, and outstanding pollinator appeal. Most easily recognized in their classic purple form, coneflowers now come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes thanks to years of successful hybridization.… READ MORE
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a resilient perennial herb that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Known for its fern-like foliage and flat-topped flower clusters, yarrow adds soft texture and long-lasting blooms to gardens and meadows. Its cheerful flowers come in shades of white, yellow, pink, red, and apricot, depending on the variety. Yarrow has a… READ MORE
Milkweed
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is a tough, beautiful, and ecologically vital group of native perennials known for their milky sap, bold clusters of flowers, and critical role in supporting pollinators—especially monarch butterflies. With over 100 species native to North America, milkweed comes in a wide range of colors and forms, from the swamp-loving types to dry… READ MORE
Salvia
Salvia, often referred to as sage, is a sun-loving, nectar-rich perennial or annual known for its upright flower spikes and aromatic foliage. With over 900 species worldwide, salvia comes in a kaleidoscope of colors—reds, blues, purples, whites, and pinks—and boasts an impressive bloom season that can stretch from Spring through Fall. Native to nearly every… READ MORE
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus spp.) is a low-growing, aromatic herb prized for its culinary uses, ornamental value, and exceptional drought tolerance. With its tiny leaves and clusters of delicate flowers, thyme brings flavor to the kitchen and structure to the garden, often acting as a fragrant groundcover or border plant. Native to the Mediterranean, thyme is a… READ MORE
Pollinator Gardening Plant Hardiness Zones in the United States
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is one of the most meaningful ways to support the health of local ecosystems. But for your pollinator plants to truly thrive—and offer consistent nectar and pollen to bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects READ MORE
A Guide to Visiting American Pollinator Gardens and Festivals
In meadows, city parks, and backyard plots across the United States, pollinator gardens are blooming—and buzzing. These vibrant spaces are designed not just for beauty but for purpose READ MORE
Pollinator Plant Care Basics
A healthy, vibrant pollinator garden is more than just a collection of beautiful flowers—it’s a dynamic, living ecosystem that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, and countless other beneficial insects. When you care for a pollinator-friendly garden, you’re nurturing both your plants and the creatures that depend on them. READ MORE
American Pollinator Gardening Resources
Pollinator gardening isn’t just a hobby—it’s a growing movement rooted in ecological stewardship, community engagement, and love of nature. Across the United States, gardeners are transforming spaces into thriving habitats for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, beetles, and more. But no one gardens alone. READ MORE
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