One of the things that I wish I had learned earlier in my gardening journey is knowing how to better protect pollinators. As autumn’s hues fade into winter’s stark beauty, it’s easy to feel tempted to tidy up our gardens. I am very guilty of wanting to have a perfectly cleared landscape. I like seeing things nice and tidy but I also enjoy seeing the space ready for next year’s crops. However, by resisting the urge to create this pristine winter landscape, we can provide essential shelter and sustenance for our vital pollinators.
Why Winter Matters for Pollinators
Often we associate pollinators with the bustling activity of spring and summer, many species, including solitary bees, hoverflies, and beetles, overwinter in our gardens. These creatures seek refuge in various nooks and crannies, from hollow stems to leaf litter. By leaving some garden cover, we offer them safe havens to endure the harsh winter months.
The Benefits of Leaving Garden Cover
- Shelter from the Storm: Garden debris, such as fallen leaves and plant stems, provides insulation, shielding pollinators from harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy snowfall. Even in the north where winter settles earlier and tends to be harsher, pollinators can survive in this debris.
- Food Source: Certain plants, like wildflowers and grasses, produce seeds that persist through winter. These seeds serve as a crucial food source for birds, small mammals, and pollinators. These seeds also need a less exposed place to survive until it’s time to germinate in the spring. These new plants will then also produce food for pollinators.
- Nesting Sites: Many pollinators, especially solitary bees, utilize hollow stems, dead wood, and leaf litter to construct their nests. By leaving these materials in place, we encourage the establishment of new pollinator populations.
- Habitat for Beneficial Insects: A diverse range of beneficial insects, including ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, rely on garden cover for overwintering. These insects help control pests, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Improve soil quality: A benefit to leaving garden cover that isn’t tied directly to pollinators is that a small layer of debris will break down and feed the soil overwinter. This will help restore some of the nutrients needed for the next year’s growth with little effort on your part.
How to Create a Winter Haven for Pollinators
- Leave Some Litter: Resist the urge to rake up every fallen leaf. There is a fine line between too many leaves on the ground which will suffocate and kill plant life below before spring and having just enough to provide cover mulch into the ground over time. A great solution is to allow a layer of leaves to accumulate beneath shrubs and trees or leave enough in more open areas that sunlight could still reach the ground. These types of leaf piles provide excellent shelter for overwintering insects.
- Plant for Winter Interest: Incorporate plants that offer winter structure and food. Grasses (not the lawn type), seed heads, and winter-flowering shrubs can provide valuable resources for pollinators. Sunflowers are an easy to grow plant that are beautiful in the fall but also provide a food source for birds, and overwinter cover in the hardy stems for pollinators.
- Create a Bug Hotel: Build a simple bug hotel using hollow stems, pine cones, and bricks. This man-made structure offers a variety of nesting sites for solitary bees and other beneficial insects.
- Avoid Pesticide Use: Pesticides can harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. Opt for organic pest control methods to protect these vital creatures. Neem oil and other related products are a great choice if other methods of pest prevention fail first.
- Plant Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to local climates and provide essential resources for native pollinators. By choosing native plants, you’re supporting a healthy ecosystem.
Native Winter Plants Options
Northeast
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Blooms in late winter, providing early nectar and pollen for bees.
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): Provides winter food for birds and berries for pollinators.
Southeast
- Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens): A fragrant vine that blooms in late winter.
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Early spring blooms attract pollinators.
Midwest
- American Hazelnut (Corylus americana): Early spring blooms provide pollen for bees.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Early spring blooms attract pollinators.
Southwest
- Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): A dramatic plant with red flowers that attracts hummingbirds.
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): A beautiful tree with trumpet-shaped flowers that attracts butterflies and bees.
West Coast
- California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.): A diverse genus with many species that bloom in different seasons, providing nectar and pollen for pollinators.
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.): Evergreen shrubs with winter blooms that attract bees and hummingbirds. (NOTE: some varieties of this plant are endangered and have specific laws surrounding owning this plant, please check with local wildlife officials.)
Tips for Planting for Pollinators:
- Plant a Variety: A diverse range of plants ensures a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the year.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm pollinators. Choose organic or natural pest control methods.
- Provide Water: Offer a shallow dish of water with pebbles to prevent drowning.
- Create a Habitat: Provide nesting sites for bees and butterflies, such as bee houses and brush piles.
Remember to check with your local nursery or botanical garden for specific recommendations based on your region’s climate and soil conditions. By planting native plants, you can help support local ecosystems and provide vital resources for pollinators.
The Ripple Effect
By creating a winter haven for pollinators, you’re not only helping these essential creatures but also contributing to the overall health of your garden and the environment. Pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of many plants, including fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers. By supporting pollinators, you’re ensuring a bountiful harvest and a beautiful landscape for years to come.
Additional Tips for Winter Pollinator Care
- Provide a Water Source: If possible, leave a small, shallow dish of water for birds and insects.
- Avoid Using Salt: Salt can harm plants and soil, impacting the insects that rely on them.
- Reduce Disturbance: Minimize foot traffic in areas with leaf litter or plant debris.
- Educate Others: Share your knowledge with friends, family, and neighbors to encourage them to create winter havens in their own gardens.
By following these simple tips, you can transform your garden into a winter wonderland for pollinators. Remember, every small action, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can have a significant impact on the environment. Let’s work together to create a future where pollinators thrive and our gardens flourish.
