Submitted photo Bees are not the only thing that are attracted to pollinator gardens, but they are often the first visitors to arrive. Pollinator gardens also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

My decision to start a pollinator garden didn’t come overnight.

I had heard a lot about the decline in bee populations and the importance of other pollinators like butterflies, moths and birds. I felt this was an opportunity to create a garden that would not only attract pollinators, but also add color to my backyard.

I started researching different plants that would attract pollinators and thrive in this area. I was interested in the native plants since they seem to be well suited for this area. I was aiming for diversity. I wanted a range of flowers that would appeal to the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial insects throughout the entire season.

Before planting my garden, I needed to be sure the soil was ready. I added organic compost and worked it thoroughly into the ground, then worked it in again to be sure it was well incorporated.

I also placed a few rocks, logs and brush piles around the garden to create hiding places and potential nesting areas for wildlife.

Once the soil was ready, it was time to plant. I arranged my plants in clusters, grouping them by color and height to create a visually appealing design. I placed the taller plants toward the back and the shorter in the front, ensuring that every plant would get adequate sunlight.

Watering was another key aspect of maintaining my garden. I made sure to water the plants, especially in the early stages. Once established, the garden became relatively low maintenance.

I also decided to avoid the use of any chemicals or pesticides. I didn’t want to harm any pollinators. I opted for more natural methods of eliminating any unwanted pests.

Within weeks of planting, I began to see some results. Bees were the first to visit, and it wasn’t long before I started to see butterflies. I even caught a glimpse of a hummingbird. They love the Joe Pye Weed, coneflowers, bee balm and mountain mint. I also have ironweed, butterfly weed, St. John Wort and black-eyed Susans.

I plan to add new native plants to the garden each year. This year, I am adding false blue indigo, spiderwort and blue vervain. In addition, I added a birdbath and a stone walkway to the garden.

Creating a pollinator garden taught me patience and gave me a new appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. It wasn’t always smooth sailing — there were a few moments of doubt, especially in the early stages when the garden didn’t look as vibrant as I had imagined.

If you are considering creating your own pollinator garden, I highly recommend it. Take the plunge. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience.