This beautiful Lowcountry summer reminds me of my pollinator garden that I planted in beginning the summer of 2022. It started small, with local Lowcountry pollinator plants like snapdragons and dianthus. I learned that when you plant these types of flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees that they pollinate the veggies and herbs that I have in other areas in the garden. And what an incredible view to wake up and see butterflies flying around gorgeous flowers, especially when you know that they are enjoying it, too! The more pollinator plants that I planted during the 2022 – 2023 timeframe, I realized that butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees continued to flutter around and enjoy my hard work, while they also did their job in the rest of my garden.
My Epic Failure and Tip to Pass Along
Did I mention that I love looking at butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees? Well, in the summer of 2023, I added some of these pollinator plants with herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and lemongrass around my back deck that has an amazing view from my kitchen. Doing this was especially fab because the pollinators came for a visit all the time!
Then I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to add a hummingbird feeder on my back deck? You know, those red, tubular feeders that you add sugar water to and hang up for the hummingbirds? Well, when I hung up the feeder, about two days later, I started hearing this buzzing. Then more buzzing, then more buzzing. Apparently, bees also like hummingbird feeders! Yup, that’s right! I welcomed in a brand-new bee colony to my home because my pollinator garden combined with a super sweet hummingbird feeder was the perfect combination for a beehive! When I say beehive, I am talking about thousands and thousands of bees swarming by back porch door!
Bees Are Our Friends!
Luckily, I am not allergic to bees, but I still panicked. Of course, I did not want to hurt the bees. So, I contacted an amazing local beekeeper who specializing in relocating bees in exactly this type of situation (shoutout to Beaufort Bees https://beaufortbees.com). He was absolutely incredible and “charmed” the bees away. Needless to say…the hummingbird feeder is also gone! You will be happy to know that my pollinator garden still attracts bees, but just the right amount. If you are interested in beginning a pollinator garden, below are some steps to take.
Designing a Pollinator Garden
- Choose Native Plants: Look for native flowers, shrubs, and trees that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native species attract and support native pollinators more effectively than exotic plants.
- Provide Diversity: Select a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a continuous supply of nectar and pollen. This diversity also supports a wider range of pollinators.
- Avoid Pesticides: Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides, which can harm pollinators directly or indirectly by contaminating their food sources.
- Include Water Sources: Pollinators need water, so incorporating a shallow dish with rocks or a small fountain can provide them with a drinking spot.
- Create Habitat Structures: Incorporate features like brush piles, hollow logs, or nesting boxes to provide shelter for pollinators. Take my tip and be careful about how close you place this to your house!
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