Pollinator garden advice - Ask Extension
I have a sunny stretch (to the left of the compost - 40 ft x 3 ft the first image) and a shaded area (to the right of the compost - 26 ft x 8 ft - the...
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Pollinator garden advice #868268
Asked May 13, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT
I have a sunny stretch (to the left of the compost - 40 ft x 3 ft the first image) and a shaded area (to the right of the compost - 26 ft x 8 ft - the 2nd and 3rd images) that I would love to turn into a nature-friendly and attractive landscape. I am also interested in extending the shaded garden to replace our grass and be even more nature-friendly - something that looks nice, low-maintenance, helps the pollinators, and helps our local ecosystems. I am brand new to all of this, so I have a lot to learn and am open to any and all advice!! Resources, recommended plants, design ideas, people to contact, more ways to get involved, etc. etc. Thank you!!!
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Alexandra,
What a great spring project. There is a lot of information available online, it can be overwhelming. I've attached links to a few of my favorite informational publications to get you started. There are links within these articles as well.
The best pollinator gardens contain a diverse range of flowering plants, preferably native plants.
It's advantageous to use native plants because they are most useful for native pollinators.
Buying native plants can be a little pricey, check your local area for garden club plants sales. Garden clubs usually hold sales (plants from their gardens) in the spring and fall. Your local extension office may be aware of garden club plant sales in your area.
Pollinator Gardens - Michigan Pollinator Initiative (msu.edu)
Native-flowering-plants-that-attract-beneficials.pdf (msu.edu)
nypmctn11164.pdf (msu.edu)
Thank you for using Ask Extension,
Pam V.
MSUE Master Gardener
What a great spring project. There is a lot of information available online, it can be overwhelming. I've attached links to a few of my favorite informational publications to get you started. There are links within these articles as well.
The best pollinator gardens contain a diverse range of flowering plants, preferably native plants.
It's advantageous to use native plants because they are most useful for native pollinators.
Buying native plants can be a little pricey, check your local area for garden club plants sales. Garden clubs usually hold sales (plants from their gardens) in the spring and fall. Your local extension office may be aware of garden club plant sales in your area.
Pollinator Gardens - Michigan Pollinator Initiative (msu.edu)
Native-flowering-plants-that-attract-beneficials.pdf (msu.edu)
nypmctn11164.pdf (msu.edu)
Thank you for using Ask Extension,
Pam V.
MSUE Master Gardener
