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!

This is a two-part blog discussing the different outdoor living elements of this project. If you missed last week’s part one, click here.

I’m absolutely in love with this outdoor living project, which Southern Exposure Landscape Management* installed. It incorporates so many popular outdoor living design elements that are ideal for total backyard enjoyment.

In this second part, I’ll share about their new firepit, plantings, and outdoor lighting.

Enjoy and Stay Warm Around an Open Firepit

Whether it is for roasting marshmallows, staying warm on a cool fall North Carolina evening, or sitting and watching mesmerizing flames, a firepit provides all those opportunities for families.

When combined with a relaxing seating area, like in this project, a fire pit is a great setting for enjoying family time or entertaining friends. Can you imagine sipping a glass of wine while listening to the crackling fire?

This firepit has a boulder border and pea gravel floor. Both materials create a quaint and stunning fire pit area. There is an abundance of materials available to build fire pits. So, if this look doesn’t match your backyard, then do not worry… at Hawkins Landscape Architecture we partner closely with all clients to ensure they get the outdoor oasis they are dreaming of building.

What is a Backyard Oasis without Plants?

Choosing the right plants for your backyard oasis is equally as important as choosing the right outdoor living elements! You want plants that you love looking at and match the feel and ambiance of your yard and house.

For this project, it included all new plantings. A few plants selected for this backyard project include:

· Distylium Vintage Jade

· Cypress Dwarf Hinoki

· Butterfly Bush Lo and Behold

· Camellia Sasanqua

The sky really is the limit when it comes to picking plants for your outdoor living space. We will work closely with you to choose plants you love looking at and are just the right maintenance level for you.

Let There be Light

This project utilized low voltage lighting. Southern Lights designed and installed all this amazing low voltage lighting. I love working with this company and highly recommend them.

It is one of the more common landscape lighting choices due to its many benefits. A few advantages of low voltage lighting are:

· Improves ambiance during twilight or evening hours.

· Provides visual security for an outdoor space.

· Is more energy-efficient choice.

· Utilizes less energy, meaning a lower power bill.

· Less likely to overheat.

· Run longer and endure a longer lifespan.

· Flexibility to use anywhere in your outdoor space.

Dreaming up Your Very Own Backyard Oasis?

Don’t wait any longer to create the backyard oasis of your dreams! Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164 to get started on your very own amazing project!

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!

*All photos by Southern Exposure Landscape Management

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

Project Highlight Part 2: Backyard Oasis for Post-pandemic Enjoyment

Your New Landscape Awaits