I enjoyed this article by Don Shor about planting for pollinators. It’s good reminder for me to plant a few more varieties that are especially good at drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. By taking a few simple steps to provide habitat, food, water and nectar sources and avoiding pesticide use, I’ll be rewarded with a beautiful garden that is buzzing with life.

As of right now, I have ordered plenty of milkweed for the nursery, but I haven’t planted any at the home. And closer to Fall when natives are more readily available, I need to be on the lookout for native pipevine (Aristolochia californica). I’ve got lavender, Dicliptera, CA poppies, Echium… a birdbath… hummingbird feeder… and some untouched areas where nature can do its thing.

I’d also like to add a native bee house. It’s all about working with nature, not against it.