Monarch Waystation Garden:
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A Waystation garden is a garden that provides Monarchs a "rest stop" on their long migration journey to Mexico, where they can come and recharge, rest, and even sleep for the night. Creating a waystation garden is pretty simple and easy, but there are a few things you must have in it. Monarch Watch has more information about creating a waystation garden.
- A truly effective monarch waystation is about 100 square feet.
- The waystation must be in an area that receives about 6 hours of sun.
- In order to provide shelter for the monarchs, plants must be spaced close together, but not too close that they're crowded.
- Make sure to include milkweed in your garden!
- Include many nectar plants so that the passing butterflies can have a source of food. Make sure to include some native plants, too.
Waystation Garden - Monarch Butterfly USA.
Pollinator Garden
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To create a pollinator garden, all you need to do is create a space to plant nectar rich flowers and include many native pollinator flowers. Make sure that the space you've designated for the Pollinator garden has soil that's been tended to (turned, and with garden soil to make sure that the soil is nutritious for your flowers). Here are some things to include in your pollinator garden:
- Native Nectar Plants.
- 6 hours of sun.
- Regular watering.
- Avoid pesticide use.
Students planting flowers for the pollinator garden at TCS in 2017.
Nectar Plants:
In your garden, you'll need to plant nectar plants that can provide a good source of nectar to pollinators. Include a variety of colors and shapes so that your garden can attract different kinds of pollinators from hummingbirds, to bees, to butterflies, etc. Try to include plenty of native flowers in your garden! Here's a brief list of some nectar plants that you can include in your gardens. It's best to include lots of native flowers. Learn more about native flowers and plants in the links below.
We also encourage you to plant some milkweed around your house so that you can help Monarch butterflies and protect them from extinction. You won't be able to plant milkweed in your pollinator garden because milkweed spreads, but instead simply choose a place where you wouldn't mind if it does spread. Learn more about how to successfully plant milkweed.
We also encourage you to plant some milkweed around your house so that you can help Monarch butterflies and protect them from extinction. You won't be able to plant milkweed in your pollinator garden because milkweed spreads, but instead simply choose a place where you wouldn't mind if it does spread. Learn more about how to successfully plant milkweed.
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Butterflies are attracted to basically any color, but their favorites are red, yellow, orange, pink and purple. They don't really have a shape preference, but flowers that are flat and open are especially favorites. Bees are attracted to blues and yellows because those are the easiest for them to spot. They like flowers that are tubular in shape, such as penstemons. Hummingbirds also love tubular-shaped flowers, especially Honey Suckle, and are attracted to red, pink, and orange, so be sure to include those in your garden too!
Find native plants native to your area.
Learn about attracting pollinators to your garden.
Another resource with lists of pollinator friendly native flowers BY STATE.
Learn about attracting pollinators to your garden.
Another resource with lists of pollinator friendly native flowers BY STATE.
Some butterfly friends came to visit our Purple Coneflowers in our pollinator garden!
Wildlife Habitat:
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You can also create a wildlife habitat for other animals and insects, and get it certified by the National Wildlife Federation with a special metal sign! Things you must include in this habitat:
- Food.
- Water.
- Shelter.
- A place to raise young.
- Sustainable practices.
Additional Information:
Flower Fragrances to attract Pollinators
Flower for Hummingbirds
Bees and Honey: Creating Pollinator Gardens
Safer and organic alternatives for RoundUp Herbicide
Flower Fragrances to attract Pollinators
Flower for Hummingbirds
Bees and Honey: Creating Pollinator Gardens
Safer and organic alternatives for RoundUp Herbicide