(by Diane De Luca)

Step Three: Plan for Blooms All Season

Pollinators need a continuous supply of nectar and pollen from early spring through late fall. Providing a sequence of blooming plants ensures essential food sources are available throughout their active seasons. A diverse selection of native plants also supports a wide variety of pollinator species, from bumblebees to butterflies, moths, and even hummingbirds. (Unsure where to find a diverse selection of native plants? Visit NH Audubon’s Annual Native Plant Sale this June. Bagley Pond Perennials and Fassett Farms will be offering a wide selection of native plants and shrubs for purchase, and you can ask questions to our expert staff and volunteer Pollinator Garden team.)

Native plants have co-evolved with local pollinators, making them the best choice for maintaining ecological balance. Including a variety of flower shapes, colors, and sizes will accommodate the feeding preferences and foraging behaviors of different pollinators. For example, tubular flowers are ideal for hummingbirds, while composite flowers like asters attract bees and butterflies.

Suggestions for Native Plant Selections for Continuous Blooms

Spring Bloomers (March-May):

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Supports early-emerging bees like mining bees and bumblebee queens.
• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea): A host plant for black swallowtail butterflies, providing both nectar and larval food.
• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Offers an early pollen source for queen bumblebees and solitary bees.

Summer Bloomers (June-August):

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): A magnet for bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Provides abundant pollen and nectar for native bees and beneficial insects.
• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Critical for monarch butterflies as a host plant for their larvae and a nectar source for adults.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Supports a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, while providing seeds for birds in the fall.

Fall Bloomers (September-October):

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): A vital nectar source for migrating monarchs and other late-season pollinators.
• Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve): Provides nectar well into the fall for bees and butterflies.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Essential for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects preparing for winter.

Important Tips for Success:

• Diversity is Key: Aim for at least three plant species blooming in each season to maximize pollinator support.
• Layered Planting: Mix plant heights with tall blooms like Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum) and low-growing groundcovers like Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemical pesticides can harm pollinators and disrupt the ecological balance. Choose organic alternatives when necessary.
• Leave Some Space: Provide bare soil patches or plant native grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) to support ground-nesting bees.

By thoughtfully planning for blooms across the seasons, your garden will not only support pollinators but also enhance biodiversity, soil health, and overall ecological resilience. Your efforts will contribute to a healthier, more vibrant landscape for all living things!