As we watch the birds, bees, and an assortment of other forms of wildlife playing away in our gardens, we sometimes forget that they are busily going about their work, and helping to ensure that our flowers will continue to return, year after year. Without these wonderful little creatures, some plants and flowers would soon disappear from our world.

The way flowers reproduce is an amazing and intricate system. There is even a scientific name for it: Pollination Botany. You see, the 'perfect' flower is one whose reproductive cycle is totally self-contained. Most flowers, however, can't reproduce on their own. They depend on insects, birds, and animals to pass on their hormone to receptive flowers. The result of this system of pollination is gorgeous flowers that have flourished for centuries.

The 'players' in this are the 'pollinators'. They take on many forms,
but bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and bats get the most work done. Why? Because they are the ones who feed on what the plants have to offer. They are eager to help, as they love their reward of either nectar or pollen.

Attracting pollinators to your garden is beneficial to both your flowers and the pollinators, while giving you endless viewing pleasure. Flowers strive to catch the attention of the pollinators by 'advertising'. Vibrant colors such as yellow and red draw them in, as do the large pale blooms of twilight blooming plants. Nighttime blossoms often have a sweet scent, also, which draws the pollinator right to the flower.

It is easier than you may think to lure the bees, butterflies, and hummers to your garden. Here are some brief tips and ideas:

First, reduce our use of pesticides. Avoiding the use of the 'broad spectrum' pesticides, which are meant to be sprayed all over your yard, is one important step we should all take in the name of conservation. In using these, you are not only killing unwanted pests, but also their natural enemies. Insects such as spiders, ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles help to control harmful insects. Please remember . . . all pesticides are also deadly to butterflies and caterpillars.

Butterflies seem to visit the flowers that are yellow, orange, pink or purple. They like a wide 'landing pad' (daisy-like flowers), but also visit more tubular flowers.
Some flowers to attract butterflies: Milkweeds (Asclepias tuberosa), Lantana, Zinnia, Common Cosmos, Hollyhock, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), Black-eyed Susan, and Purple ConeFlowers.
* An amazing little note ~ The Monarch Butterfly will ONLY lay its eggs on the milkweed plant, and the milkweed is the only plant the caterpillars will feed on. We should all plant milkweed, and many states are working to ensure that it is not completely eradicated.
For more on the importance of milkweed, visit Butterfly Encounters.
Parsley is an excellent herb to plant ... Tiger Swallowtails will lay their eggs on it; their caterpillars love to feed on it.
Another great herb is Pineapple Sage. Butterflies surround its red blooms in my garden around mid-summer.

Moths (yes, and bats) require flowers that are in bloom and providing nectar at night, because that is when they are active. Pale colors, especially white, and strong sweet scents are the easiest for them to locate. Some examples of flowers to attract moths: Angel's Trumpet, Honeysuckle, Primrose, and Flowering Tobacco.

Hummingbirds are attracted to red or orange flowers that are tubular in shape.
Some good ones are: Clematis, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), Honeysuckle, Lantanas, Azaleas, Trumpet Creepers, Impatiens, and Phloxes.

Bees tend to prefer flowers that are blue, purple, or yellow, and have petals that form a landing platform. Clover is a true magnet for bees, and they also love sweet scents. You will usually attract plenty of bees just by planting a variety of the above flowers to attract the other pollinators.

Don't forget to provide your guests with a source of fresh water. Birdbaths for birds of all kinds, of course, and bees love them, too. Hummingbirds and butterflies love a sprinkler, and also the puddles it leaves. Hummingbirds love to bathe on wet leaves.

Try some of these tips; plant some of these flowers, and I promise you . . . they will come. I think you'll agree that a garden filled with life, and teaming with activity is a special garden indeed.

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