Pollinator Gardens Part 2: What are the Best Pollinator Plants to Use?

This is a two-part blog discussing pollinator gardens. Part 2 covers different types of pollinator plants you can use in your pollinator garden. Part 1 covered why you should have a pollinator garden.

In my last blog, you learned all about the importance and benefits of a pollinator garden. Now that you have your heart set on helping our pollinator friends and building your very own pollinator garden, you might be wondering what plants should be in that garden and how to get them. Today’s blog covers just that topic!

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Where do I get seeds for pollinator plants?

Since native plants tend to grow best in your yard, ideally you will choose and use those in your landscaping. Don’t worry we have plenty of pollinator plant options, which we will discuss below, that are perfect for growing in NC!

Consider purchasing your seeds or plants from a local business or organization. Not only does that help you support your local economy, but they will know what grows best in our NC soil and weather.

Below are a few recommendations of places from North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance:

·       Carolina Native Nursery

·       Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm

·       Mellow Marsh Farm

·       Carolina Heritage Nursery

Purple Cornflower (Echinacea)

What pollinator plants are best for an NC pollinator garden?

Luckily, there are plenty of plants to choose from! Bees and butterflies are sure to thank you for planting these amazing plants. Plus, you will love their beauty and color in your backyard oasis!

Here are a few popular and gorgeous pollinator plants I highly recommend.

1.       Milkweed

2.       Purple Cornflower

3.       Aster

4.       Black Eyed Susan

5.       Allium

6.       Lavender

7.       St. John’s Wort

8.       Yarrow

Aster (Asteraceae)

Below I give a little more information on each of the plants above. However, as a reminder the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is hardiness zone 7. You can check out this hardiness zone map to see all the zones. They are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and moist soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.  

Purple Cornflower (Echinacea)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and poor or lean soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator. 

Aster (Asteraceae)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained, loamy soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator. 

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator. 

Allium (Allieae Asparagales)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Hardiness Zones: 6

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Hardiness Zones: 3-7

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, loamy soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Ready to Create Your Own Pollinator Garden?

After reading these last two blogs do you feel inspired to add a pollinator garden? Don’t wait to get started any longer. Give Hawkins Landscape Architecture a call today at 336-848-7164 to discuss exactly what your dream backyard oasis looks like and where to place your new pollinator garden!

Best of all, my 3D landscape design allows clients to see how their pollinator gardens and any landscape or outdoor living element will look in their new backyard. Head over and like my Instagram page for photos on all types of plants and landscaping ideas!

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Don’t miss next month’s two-part blog series on landscaping with native species!

Pollinator Gardens Part 1: Why Help the Birds and Bees with Your Backyard Plantings?

This is a two-part blog discussing pollinator gardens. Part 1 covers why you should have a pollinator garden.

If you love flowers, then it is important to create a sustainable place for pollinating ‘friends’. Think back to your grade school days when you learned about pollinating. If it’s been a while, it might seem a little fuzzy. Don’t worry I’ll share some of the important pollinator information you’ll need when considering a pollinator garden.

Pollinator Facts

Here are some interesting and important facts on pollinators. Did you know??

·       Over 75% of all flowering plants, including those that grow fruits and vegetables, are dependent on animal pollinators.

·       While there are many factors to pollination, pollinators are one of the biggest components to pollinating flowers.

·       Honeybees are not the only pollinators. Other pollinators include, but are not limited too:

o   Butterflies

o   Hummingbirds

o   Moths

o   Beetles

o   Bats

o   Wasps

o   Flies

·       Pollinators are on the decline due to many environmental factors, such as habitat loss and pesticides.

·       Over 85% of all food-related crops need pollinators for their survival.

Benefits of Pollinator Gardens

It is important to have flowers and plants that you love. However, you can choose beautiful plants that also help increase the pollinator population.  

There are so many benefits to selecting a pollinator garden. A few are:

·       Pollination among your plants

·       Helping the environment

·       Saving pollinators

·       Creates a natural and healthy space in your backyard

If you are not a fan of buzzing around you while relaxing your morning coffee or evening glass of wine, then you can still have a pollinator garden and enjoy your backyard at the same time. Two great ways to get around that are:

1.       Screened-in Porch

2.       Placement of the Pollinator Garden

Dreaming up Your Very Own Backyard Oasis?

Ready to start creating your own pollinator garden or reimagine your backyard to include one? Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164 to get started! At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I always work closely with every client to create their dream backyard. Additionally, my 3D landscape design allows clients to actually see what the new space will look like on their property before construction begins.

Head over and like my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things outdoor living and landscaping!

Don’t miss next week’s part two blog on plants to include in your pollinator garden!

Spring Is Here – Finally! Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 1 – Spring Bulbs

This is part one of four in a series on Spring plants. Part one covers Spring bulbs.

If I were to create a version of the ‘My Favorite Things’ song, it would absolutely include various Spring plants. From cheery daffodils to the graceful tulip, I love Spring in the south. I absolutely adore seeing the vibrant Spring floral display the Piedmont Triad is offering right now.

Today’s blog discusses Spring bulbs. They are an amazing addition to a front or back yard. Each bulb adds a touch of color and nature’s magic to any landscape design. Not sure what plants will look best in your new landscape design? Do not worry, I can advise on what plants will look best and advise on what might not compliment your yard’s aesthetics. My 3D landscape design service also lets you see how they will look first-hand before anything even blooms!

Now, who is ready to learn about some gorgeous plants?

Spring Bulbs

The harbingers of spring are our southern bulbs. Below are some of my favorites and ones that are commonly used in southern landscape designs. I have included information on where each grows and the optimal growing conditions for each bulb.

Before we dive in, I recommend you check out this hardiness zone map. It lists all the zones in the continental United States in number format. As you will see the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. Ideally, they should have at least six hours a day of bright sun. They should also have well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Daffodils.

Crocus (Crocus sativus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to light shade. This bulb needs light, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Crocus.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. These bulbs require moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Hyacinth.

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. In cooler climates does not require as moist soil, but in warmer clients does need moister soil.

Click here for more information on Snowdrops.

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Sun or partial shade. Preferably, they should be planted in an area that does not have direct or strong sunlight.  These bulbs need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Bluebells.

Tulips (Tulipa)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. These bulbs need to be planted in an area that is protected from strong winds. They require well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Tulips.

Allium (Allium sativum)

Hardiness Zones: 4

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. However, they can survive in partial shaded areas as well. They need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Allium.

Please note, you might have noticed that most of the bulbs prefer well-drained soil. That is because too much water and moisture will lead to rotting.

Spring Bulbs Pair Perfectly with Any Landscape Design

Are you ready to have a gorgeous backyard oasis and start watching those spring bulbs bloom every year? At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we work closely with every single client on all details, including plants. We partner with you to create a yard you will enjoy for years to come. Get started today by giving us a call at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form.

Be sure to follow my Instagram page to see fun facts about Spring plants! Do not miss part two of this series where we discuss Spring Perennials!