
Experts generally agree that pollinator-friendly gardening involves providing habitat (food, water, shelter) and reducing the use of pesticides. A wide variety of plants that flower throughout the seasons, including natives, are recommended. There are a number of free online resources that provide additional guidance, including recommended plant lists and how-to advice. A selection is listed below, including those from Washington State University (WSU), Oregon State University (OSU) and King County
WSU References
WSU references are available at pubs.extension.wsu.edu:
- Beneficial Insects, Spiders, and Other Mini-Creatures in Your Garden, EM067E
- Lady Beetles: Should We Buy Them for our Gardens? FS268E
- Pesticide Ingredient: Neonicotinoids, FS210E
- Pollination & Protecting Bees and Other Pollinators, FS174E
- Washington Bumble Bees in Home Yards & Gardens, FS263E
- Are Native Trees and Shrubs Better Choices for Wildlife in Home Landscapes? FS300E
OSU References
OSU references are available at catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu:
King County
- Pollinator information. Website includes links to habitat guidelines and recommended plant lists.
Federal Government and Other Organizations
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Resources, including planting a pollinator garden and creating nesting sites.
- U.S. Forest Service. Includes gardening for pollinators and pollinator-friendly practices.
www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden Using Native Plants.
www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/AttractingHummingbirdsFS-1046April2015.pdf
- Xerces Society. Website includes pollinator plant lists by region.
- Pollinator Partnership. Website includes planting guides by region.
- National Pollinator Network. Website includes references, resources and links.
- National Wildlife Federation. Website includes guidance on creation of pollinator habitat.
www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/National-Initiatives/Plant-For-Pollinators
- Great Plant Picks. Plant recommendations for our PNW, including those for birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Washington Native Plant Society. Plant lists, including natives. Backyard wildlife and habitat resources.
Additional Master Gardener Tip Sheets
Additional Master Gardener Tip Sheets, including “Gardening Websites” and “Gardening Publications” are available at kingcountymg.org/gardening-tip-sheets. Also see WSU’s “Gardening in Washington State” at gardening.wsu.edu and free downloads of WSU gardening publications at pubs.extension.wsu.edu.
Feature image by Heidi McKibbin-Cooper. Detail image by Michael Schwarzenberger.
CLH 12/20/19
WSU Extension Master Gardener Program * 206-543-0943 * king.MG@wsu.edu * kingcountyMG.org Center for Urban Horticulture * Box 354115 * Seattle WA 98195-4115 Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
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