Pollinator Paradise
Gardening for pollinator habitats has been a popular hobby for some time now, with more education being shared by organizations like Pollinator.org, the Xerces Society, and the Monarch Conservation Fund. The gardening scene in Boulder is quite popular with pollinator friendly gardens, xeriscaping, and fire wise gardens. Boulder's arid climate calls for mindful water conservation. So part of this is because of our climate, but it’s also because the culture of Boulder focuses on preservation and the impacts of climate change on native ecosystems. The local chapter of the Wild Ones is an excellent resource for bi-annual seed swaps, among other educational events.
Boulder has surprised me with its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes. I still haven’t gotten over an average drive to the store seeing the stunning mountain views of the Flatirons. This place offers a prime canvas for cultivating a pollinator garden. I’ve had a lifelong dream of raising butterflies, and while we do grow and release a few each year, since we moved to Boulder I’ve been researching the best ways to cultivate a pollinator garden on my small land. In one corner of the yard, I’ve been working on a vibrant haven for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Cultivating a pollinator garden in Boulder is not just about creating a visually appealing space but contributing to the health and biodiversity of the local ecosystem. By incorporating native plants, providing diverse habitats, and embracing sustainable practices, your garden can become a haven for pollinators, adding a delightful and vital buzz to the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado.
When building any pollinator garden, the first order of business is to opt for native plants that are adapted to your specific climate and soil. In Colorado, examples include Coneflowers (Echinacea), Bee Balm (Monarda), and Penstemon. These plants provide nectar, pollen, and habitat for local pollinators. Diversify your garden with flowers of different shapes, sizes, and colors. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also attracts a broader range of pollinators with varying preferences. This year I had 26 varieties of (almost) all native flowering plants bloom from about March to August. The blooming season felt shorter this year, and we had significantly more rain than in our first year here. It really didn’t feel as hot (but then again we did have AC installed this year, which was a dream come true!). I’ve aimed for a garden that blooms throughout the growing season. This ensures a consistent food source for pollinators. Plan your plantings to provide flowers from early spring to late fall. One of my (and Violet’s) favorite easy to grow flowers are Cosmos. Although they didn’t bloom as long this year, their little dainty petals really brought me joy from inside the house looking out. They’re so easy to grow I had actually forgotten about all the seeds we scattered.
Incorporate host plants for butterfly larvae (caterpillars). For instance, Milkweed is essential for Monarch butterflies, serving as both a host plant and a nectar source. Pollinators need water not only for drinking but also for maintaining the humidity of their nests, so I put out shallow dishes filled with water, and consider adding stones for landing pads. For the last several years, I’ve also encouraged natural predators like ladybug and lacewing populations, by releasing hundreds of them into my garden each year. These days we have tons of ladybugs and very little issue with aphids. Embracing natural pest control methods like this protect your pollinator populations. Beyond flowers, incorporate various elements like rocks, logs, and native grasses to create diverse habitats. This supports a wider range of pollinators, including solitary bees that nest in the ground or hollow stems.
I also use only organic fertilizers, my favorite being Dr. Earth’s All Purpose Fertilizer and my own home-made compost. I and adopt water-wise practices to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly garden. Once your garden really takes off, the best times await! It’s so fun to butterflies and bees zipping around the garden. In the last 2 years, we’ve now had hummingbirds frequenting our hollyhocks, which has been such a treat. I’ll continue to work on documenting the different species I encounter and sharing with you all!
