Why is pollination important to our planet? A pollinator helps plants reproduce, and therefore helps sustain our ecosystem and supply our natural resources. At least 75% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinating – that’s over 180,000 different species and over 1,200 crops! Pollinators bring us one out of every three bites of food you eat.

What Is A Pollinator?
While some plants and flowers can do self-pollination, others need assistance to pollinate effectively. A pollinator is any animal that transports pollen grains from one plant to another. This transportation process, known as pollination, helps plants produce seeds, fruits, and other plants. Pollinating insects include different types of bees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies, moths, beetles, and wasps. Other small animals can also be pollinators.

How Can You Help Pollinators?
Pollinator populations are in decline, but there are easy ways you can help them in your very own garden!
- Plant pollinator-friendly plants. Make sure your pollinator garden includes lots of plants that provide nectar and pollen! Be sure to include native plants as well. Native plants support native wildlife! A native plant is one that was here before the European settlement of America. They are already adapted to our conditions and require less maintenance, including minimal use of pesticides! Want to pick up a pollinator-friendly plant? We always have an assortment of plants available at our Murfreesboro nursery. Ask the team at our local garden center, and we’ll point you in the right direction!
- Plant milkweed. Milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies. It is the only plant on which a monarch caterpillar feeds.
- Use pesticides properly. Don’t apply chemicals to any plant that has pollinator activity. When you need to use a pesticide, apply it at night when animals aren’t as active. Also, consider non-chemical alternatives. Releasing beneficial insects into your garden is a 100% organic pest control method!
Find pollinator-friendly plants, pesticide alternatives, Milkweed, and more available at our garden store in Murfreesboro.
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Ageratum
Bougainvillea
Calibrachoa
Cuphea
Dahlia
Fuchsia
Hibiscus
Impatien
Lantana
Nicotiana
Pelagornium
Pentas
Petunia
Salvia
Verbena
Zinnia
Buddleia
Canna
Columbine
Daylily
Foxglove
Hardy Hibiscus
Heuchera
Honeysuckle
Hosta
Iris
Liatris
Lobelia
Monarda
Nepeta
Penstemon
Phlox
Salvia
Spirea
Veronica
Weigela
Plants That Attract Bees
Alyssum
Aster
Cosmos
Marigold
Sunflowers
Sweet Pea
Zinnia
Basil
Columbine
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Dogwood
Elderberry
Iris
Lavender
Liatris
Lobelia
Joe Pye Weed
Maple
Milkweed
Monarda
Nepeta
Phlox
Redbud
Rudbeckia
Sage
Thyme
Tickseed

Plants That Attract Butterflies
Alyssum
Aster
Cleome
Cosmos
Gallardia
Impatien
Lantana
Marigold
Nasturtium
Pentas
Plumbago
Salvia
Snapdragon
Verbena
Zinnia
Agapanthus
Astilbe
Buddleia
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Dianthus
Dill
Dogwood
Eastern ninebark
Foxglove
Hardy hibiscus
Iberis
Joe Pye weed
Lavender
Leucanthemum
Liatris
Milkweed
Monarda
Nepeta
Penstemon
Phlox
Rose
Rosemary
Rudbeckia
Sedum
Spicebush
Tickseed
Veronica
Wisteria
Yarrow

National Pollinator Month
June is National Pollinator Month! It’s a time to celebrate pollinators and bring awareness to the problems that they face. In 2007, the United States Senate unanimously designated a week in June as National Pollinator Week to bring further awareness to the declining populations of pollinators.
This year, National Pollinator Weeks is June 20-26! How are you celebrating our garden friends this year? Tag us in your posts on social media!
Learn More About Pollination And The Types of Pollinators
We know that some types of pollinating insects like wasps or bees are not ideal for some to have buzzing around their garden. However, these common pollinating insects are just misunderstood! These valuable resources can help anyone learn more about the type of pollinators found in the Middle Tennessee area, the benefits of pollination, and more to help all types of gardeners keep their plants healthy:
- Pollinator Partnership
- Eastern Broadleaf Forest Pollinator Planting Guide, from Pollinator Partnership
- US Forestry Service
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- US Department of Agriculture
- Xerces Society
- Planting For and Identifying Pollinators, from American Meadows
- Regional Plants Attract Regional Pollinators, from American Meadows
If you have additional questions about pollinators or what types of pollinators are best for your plant, feel free to ask the team while shopping at our local garden center. We’re more than happy to provide you with plant care tips and any other resources to help you keep your garden healthy and looking its best!
Pollinator Activities For Kids
Even your littlest gardeners can support pollinators! Help them learn about local wildlife and plants, and plant the love of gardening in them that will grow through the rest of their life.
- Five Things Kids Can Do To Help Pollinators, from Pollinator Partnership
- Build A Bee Condo, from Pollinator Partnership (Adult assistance needed)
- Pollinator Crossword Puzzle, from Pollinator Partnership
- My Garden Pollinators, from Proven Winners’ Club Sprout
- Make A Butterfly Feeder, from Proven Winners’ Club Sprout (Adult assistance needed)
- PollinatorLIVE, from the USDA Forest Service – Conservation Education
- Pollinator Activity & Lesson Plan Kit, from KidsGardening:
Questions About Pollinators For Your Garden?
Not only does Martin’s Home & Garden offer many different types of plants, flowers, and garden essentials, but we can help you grow the garden of your dreams! From finding the top pollinator-friendly options for your garden to figuring out what type of pollinators are attracted to a type of plant, we’ve got you covered. If you have any questions about pollinators, pollinator-friendly plants, pesticide alternatives, or just want to know more about pollination, feel free to give us a call or ask us during your next visit to our garden center!