** Article written by Angela Mason,  Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer, Beaufort County Center**

As gardeners, we often focus on beautiful blooms, lush foliage, and bountiful harvests. However, much of what we grow would not be possible without the quiet work of pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects play a vital role in food production and maintaining healthy ecosystems. It’s the perfect time to think about how we can support these indispensable creatures by creating gardens that nourish and protect them.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators are responsible for fertilizing over 75% of flowering plants and about 35% of the crops we eat. Without them, our gardens — and our plates — would look very different. Beyond agricultural importance, pollinators help sustain biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, benefiting wildlife and people alike.

Yet pollinators face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, and climate change. Gardeners have a unique opportunity to make a difference by providing safe havens filled with nutritious food and shelter.

Creating a Pollinator Paradise

One of the simplest ways to help is by planting a diversity of flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Focus on native plants, which co-evolved with local pollinators and offer the best nutrition.

Here are a few excellent choices for Eastern North Carolina gardens:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A native classic beloved by bees and butterflies alike.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow blooms that attract a wide array of pollinators.
• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Vibrant, fragrant flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds and bumblebees.
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed.
• Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): A cheerful, drought-tolerant native that keeps pollinators coming back.

Pollinator-Safe Gardening Practices

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden goes beyond just planting flowers. Here are additional ways to support these vital creatures:

• Avoid Pesticides: Even “organic” pesticides can harm pollinators. If you must use a treatment, apply it early in the morning or late in the evening when pollinators are less active.
• Provide Water: A shallow dish with pebbles and water gives bees a safe place to hydrate.
• Plant in Clumps: Grouping the same type of plant together makes it easier for pollinators to forage efficiently.
• Offer Shelter: Allow some areas of the garden to remain a bit wild. Bare ground, dead wood, and leaf litter offer nesting sites and shelter.
• Continuous Bloom: Choose plants that flower at different times to ensure a constant food supply from spring to fall.

World Bee Day: Celebrating and Supporting Pollinators

World Bee Day, observed every year on May 20, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the essential role of bees and other pollinators. This date was chosen in honor of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, born on May 20, 1734. The day falls during the height of the Northern Hemisphere’s pollination season, making it a fitting time to celebrate these incredible creatures.

People around the world mark World Bee Day by taking action to support pollinators. Here are a few simple ways anyone can celebrate or contribute to pollinator conservation:

• Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Fill your garden (or even a balcony planter) with a variety of nectar- and pollen-rich plants that bloom across different seasons. Native wildflowers and herbs are especially good choices for attracting local pollinators.
• Avoid Harmful Pesticides: Opt for natural or organic pest control methods and avoid using chemicals that can be toxic to bees. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use in your yard helps keep pollinator habitats safe.
• Provide Bee Habitats: Give bees a place to live by setting up a small bee hotel for solitary bees or leaving some areas of your garden a bit wild. Even a patch of untamed weeds or grass can offer shelter for native bees.
• Support Local Beekeepers: Buy honey, beeswax candles, or other bee products from local farmers’ markets to support those who maintain bee colonies. You might even consider learning about beekeeping yourself — many communities offer beginner workshops.
• Spread Awareness: Use World Bee Day as an opportunity to educate others. Organize or attend a community event, garden workshop, or school activity about pollinators, or simply share information on social media.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Even small spaces like patios, balconies, or tiny front yards can become pollinator sanctuaries. Container gardens brimming with native blooms can provide critical stopover points for bees and butterflies, especially in urban environments.

By welcoming pollinators into our gardens, we not only help secure the future of these essential creatures but also enrich our own lives with the vibrant sights and sounds of a healthy, flourishing landscape.

Suggested Reading:

• “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants” by Douglas W. Tallamy — A groundbreaking book on the importance of native plants in supporting ecosystems.
• “Pollinator Gardening for the South” by Anne Spafford and Danesha Seth Carley — A comprehensive guide tailored for Southern gardeners seeking to support pollinators.
• “Attracting Native Pollinators” by The Xerces Society — An indispensable manual on creating pollinator-friendly habitats.

This World Bee Day, consider planting a little extra for our buzzing and fluttering friends. A pollinator-friendly garden is a gift that keeps on giving — to the earth, to wildlife, and to ourselves.

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.