Pollinator gardens and Victory gardens are all the rage. There are many benefits to combining these two styles of gardening. In her book, The Pollinator Victory Garden, Kim advises the reader on ways to attract pollinators. This, in turn, will bring us joy.
Bees, butterflies, beetles, and more, truly are important to our life cycle. We have to eat, right? Without the necessary pollinators in the garden, we will be quite hungry. Kim has done quite the job of pollinator-splaining. How the earth is suffering from pollinator decline is important. From the chemically-laden lawns, pesticide over-use to the ever-evolving discussions on climate change – we need to do better.
This is NOT a complicated book to read. It is worthy of being in every household. Pollinators are key to our survival. Broken down into five chapters, Kim leaves no excuse for failure. This book shares ALL the right how-to knowledge. After reading, anyone can welcome our pollinator’s home.
FOOD FOR THE POLLINATORS
I dare say, this was my favorite chapter. Next to providing them with a humble abode, food is essential. Protein and an energy resource are key in keeping our pollinators happy.
Growing plants that provide nectar and pollen is such a small act of kindness to our garden friends. Pollinators are always hungry and eat several times a day. We need to keep their “pantry” quite full. I cannot imagine a garden too full of the essential plants for these foodies.
Kim details which plants are needed to keep the beneficial pollinators happy. Just like humans, each pollinator has a taste for different things. A garden that incorporates a smorgasbord of tasty delights is the key to encouraging pollinators.
Just to be clear, plant natives specific to your region. In doing this, your yard will be the talk of the pollinator world. Planting such delectable plants like Penstemon, Fleabane, and Sedums will get you started. Clethra, Spireas, and Liatris will keep those pollinators dancing from bloom to bloom. Monarda, Mountain Mint, and Spigelia will have your garden voted “Best Place to Dine” in the pollinator community.
LOCAL…JUST SUPPORT LOCAL
Any local garden center will know what native plants provide local pollinator essentials. Offering native and non-native plants to keep things a bit diverse is important. The need to support our local garden centers is key. They help guide the consumer with seeds, plants, and educational programming. Local resources save us time, money, and usually – there is no waiting! Supporting local is like being a pollinator in your own community.
POLLINATOR KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Pollinator Victory Gardens are not as hard as one would imagine. The task is to encourage nature in our own yards. Creating a pollinator hangout is a good thing. Simply add plants that provide what our pollinators need to thrive.
. Kim Eierman is the Founder and a Certified Horticulturist as well. She knows what our pollinators need. Kim is a teacher, speaker, and consultant at EcoBeneficial. She shares her knowledge with commercial, residential, and municipalities. To find out more, visit EcoBeneficial
I strongly recommend this book, not just for sharing. This is great as a gift to self as well!
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We can find hydrangea’s and azaleas available to be utilized as gifts at this time of the year. Special days like Easter and Mother’s Day, are perfect opportunities to try something different and new. What about using these days to re-gift Mother Nature??? What about giving a gift that keeps on giving back???
I realize that this would not be something that most would appreciate. I remembered last year at the Philadelphia Flower Show, I happened upon these wonderfully innovative planters called 
I used all three sizes I purchased last year by planting herbs, celery, bok choy and chard. I cannot wait to reuse them this year, of course with fresh soil and continuing my practice of rotating different plants in the containers. Easy to tote, around to the best sun exposure or tote away from extremely windy conditions. I fell in love with the 
These cuties are 100% mixed fiber felt, quite inexpensive and they have a seasonal cuteness about them. I lined them with a recycled but clean plastic bag with a few punctured holes at the base. I selected a few seeds that I know butterfly’s love and that are easy to transplant – basil, parsley and dill.
