Plan for bloom across seasons

Combine cool-season bloomers with spring, summer, and fall flowering plants. Desert marigold, penstemons, globemallow, fairy duster, desert lavender, native milkweeds, and sunflowers can fill different windows when matched to the site.

Plant several of each species in visible groups. Repeated patches are easier for pollinators to find and make a designed landscape look intentional.

Include host plants and structure

Adult butterflies need nectar, but caterpillars need specific host plants. Learn which milkweeds, passionvines, legumes, or other natives support the species in your area. Expect and accept some chewed leaves.

Layer trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, and open ground. Native bees may nest in bare soil or hollow stems, while birds need branches, cover, and water placed where predators cannot easily ambush them.

Manage the garden as habitat

Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides and systemic products on plants intended for pollinators. Ask nurseries how plants were treated, especially while blooming.

Leave some seed heads and stems through winter, provide shallow clean water with landing stones, and use low-level warm outdoor lighting only where necessary. Habitat value depends as much on maintenance as plant selection.

Trusted resources

General educational information only. Site conditions and plant needs vary; consult local professionals when necessary.