The garden showcases a vibrant array of native plants. Almost 1,000 plants of over 20 different species make up this masterpiece, specially designed to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Why native plants, specifically? Planting native plants for pollinators is crucial because native species have evolved alongside local pollinators, providing them with the nectar, pollen, and habitat they need to thrive. Unlike non-native plants, natives are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring a consistent and reliable food source for pollinators throughout the seasons.
When selecting plants for pollinators, it’s essential to choose a diverse range of flower colors and blooming periods to attract a wide variety of pollinator species, as different pollinators are drawn to different colors and flower shapes. It is also important to choose flowers that bloom at various times of the growing season.
Clearview Farm’s Illinois-shaped pollinator garden prioritizes a careful curation of native species that considers diversity of color and bloom time. From vibrant reds and blues to soft yellows and purples, our garden showcases a wide range of flower colors that cater to the preferences of various pollinators. Additionally, we’ve strategically chosen plants with staggered blooming periods, ensuring a consistent source of nectar and pollen from early spring to late fall. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the beauty of our garden but also provides a year-round haven for pollinators, supporting their crucial role in our local ecosystem.
Common Name | Bloom Period | Bloom Months | Bloom Color | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flowers | Cream Wild Indigo | Early | April-June | Cream |
Golden Alexander | Early | April-June | Yellow | |
Marsh Marigold | Early | April-June | Yellow | |
Wild Geranium | Early | April-June | Purple, Pink | |
Common Spiderwort | Early, Early-Mid | April-July | Blue | |
Foxglove Beardtongue | Early-Mid | May-July | White | |
Pale Penstemon | Early-Mid | May-July | White | |
White Prairie Clover | Early-Mid | May-July | White | |
Pale Purple Coneflower | Mid | June-July | Purple | |
Butterflyweed | Mid | June-Aug | Orange | |
Swamp Milkweed | Mid | June-Aug | Pink | |
Culver’s Root | Mid, Mid-Late | June-Sept | White | |
Mountain Mint | Mid, Mid-Late | June-Sept | White | |
Purple Prairie Clover | Mid, Mid-Late | June-Sept | Purple | |
Wild Bergamot | Mid-Late | July-Aug | Pink | |
Dotted Mint | Mid-Late | July-Sept | Purple | |
Marsh Blazingstar | Mid-Late | July-Sept | Purple | |
Narrowleaf Mountain Mint | Mid-Late | July-Sept | White | |
Turtlehead | Mid-Late | July-Sept | White | |
Purple Coneflower | Mid-Late, Late | July-Oct | Purple | |
Gray Goldenrod | Late | Aug-Sept | Yellow | |
Rough Blazingstar | Late | Aug-Sept | Purple | |
New England Aster | Late | Aug-Oct | Purple | |
Showy Goldenrod | Late | Aug-Oct | Yellow | |
Smooth Blue Aster | Late | Aug-Oct | Blue | |
Stiff Goldenrod | Late | Aug-Oct | Yellow | |
Grasses | Little Bluestem | — | — | — |
Prairie Dropseed | — | — | — | |
Prairie Junegrass | — | — | — | |
Side-Oat Grama | — | — | — |