Native and seasonal flowers to feed pollinators from early spring to late fall.
Our Pollinator Paradise Flower Garden Design is both beautiful and purposeful. This garden layout focuses on open, native flowers that are easy for pollinators to access for a vibrant garden—like lavender, echinacea, and borage. Attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies while providing colorful blooms from early spring to autumn!
Part of Our Garden Plan Collection
This plan is part of our free Garden Plan Library, featuring tested layouts for vegetables, flowers, and mixed gardens. Each plan guides you on what to plant, when, and how—so you can grow with confidence and enjoy a steady supply of blooms for cutting or decorative purposes. →Browse the full Garden Plan Library.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Garden Type: | Pollinator Flower Garden |
| Difficuty Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Hardiness Zones: | 4–8 |
| Sun Exposure: | Full Sun |
| Seasonality: | Early Spring through Late Fall Fall |
| Soil Type: | Well-draining garden soil |
| Watering Needs: | Regular, even moisture |
| Special Features: | Pollinator-attracting flowers, native plants, seasonal blooms |
| Garden Size: | Approximately 14 x 18 feet (very adaptable, depending on central yard size) |
| Fun Fact | Not just bees! Butterflies, bats, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and even moths are all pollinators. |
What Our Pollinator Plan Delivers
- A complete pollinator garden layout featuring native and seasonal flowers that provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
- Step-by-step instructions for soil preparation, planting, watering, and maintenance.
- Plant list with spacing, bloom times, and planting guidance to ensure year-round support for pollinators.
- Tips for companion planting and garden structure to create diverse habitats.
- Real gardener insights using this exact plan to attract pollinators successfully.
The Pollinator Plant List
The plant selection includes common pollinator-friendly flowers in a variety of shapes, heights, and colors—from tubular foxgloves and lavender for long-tongued bees to flat-flowered yarrow and coneflowers for easier access. Blue, purple, and violet flowers are emphasized, as these colors are highly visible to pollinators and signal rich nectar sources.
Early-season blooms like crocus and pulmonaria help pollinators emerging from hibernation, while late-season plants like borage and dahlias sustain species flying into autumn. The center “lawn” is allowed to grow long, providing structural diversity with daisies and clover that supplement pollen and nectar for bees and hoverflies.
See guides to all plants listed below: Almanac Flower Growing Guides.
| Plant | Bloom Time | Height | Notes for Pollinators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Mid–Late Summer | 18–24” | Tubular flowers attract long-tongued bees |
| Alyssum | Spring–Fall | 6–12” | Great for hoverflies; small florets accessible to many pollinators |
| Echinacea | Mid–Late Summer | 24–36” | Flat-topped; attracts bees and butterflies |
| Pulmonaria | Early Spring | 12–18” | Early nectar source for emerging pollinators |
| Yarrow | Summer | 18–24” | Flat clusters; accessible for many bee species |
| Agastache | Mid–Late Summer | 18–30” | Tubular flowers for bees; fragrant |
| Crocus | Early Spring | 4–6” | Early-season pollen and nectar |
| Borage | Summer | 18–24” | Attracts bees; edible flowers |
| Poached Egg Plant | Spring–Summer | 18–24” | Ideal for hoverflies and small pollinators |
| Foxglove | Summer | 36–48” | Tubular; preferred by long-tongued bees |
| Dahlia | Late Summer–Fall | 24–48” | Simple flower forms accessible to pollinators |
| Monarda (Bee Balm) | Summer | 24–36” | Tubular flowers; attracts hummingbirds and bees |
How to Create Your Pollinator Paradise
Step 1: Soil Prep
- Use rich, well-draining garden soil.
- Amend with compost to promote healthy growth.
- Ensure beds or garden areas have 6–8 hours of sun daily.
Step 2: Planting Tips:
- Provide continuous blooms from early spring to late fall by planting a mix of early, mid, and late-season flowers.
- Plant taller tubular flowers (foxgloves, lavender, agastache) toward the back or center for structure.
- Place flat, open flowers (yarrow, coneflowers) in clusters for easy access.
- Group early bloomers (crocus, pulmonaria) to support early pollinators.
- Allow the center lawn area to grow long, with daisies and clover for habitat and additional nectar.
- Some species like borage and dahlias are great for late-season pollinators.
Step 3: Watering and Maintenance
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage succession and extend flowering.
Gardener Spotlight: Alex’s Experience
“I planted this pollinator garden in my backyard last spring and was amazed at the activity. Early in the season, I spotted bumblebees on the crocuses and hoverflies on the alyssum. By summer, lavender, echinacea, and foxgloves were buzzing constantly. The garden not only looked gorgeous but felt alive—every day I saw new pollinators exploring different flowers.”
FAQs for Pollinator Gardens
Q: Do I need to plant native species only?
A: Native plants are preferred because local pollinators are adapted to them, but many non-invasive ornamental flowers like lavender or borage are also excellent nectar sources.
Q: Can I use this plan in a small backyard or container garden?
A: Yes! The plan is adaptable. Even a 6×6-ft area or large containers can support a variety of pollinators.
Q: How do I ensure flowers bloom all season?
A: Plant a combination of early, mid, and late bloomers. Succession sow or plant later-blooming species to maintain nectar and pollen throughout the year.
Q: Will this attract pests?
A: Pollinator gardens can attract some insects, but they also support beneficial species like hoverflies and ladybugs that help control pests naturally.
More References
- Try the Garden Planner for Free.
- How to Create a Pollinator Garden: Easy Steps
- Plants That Attract Pollinators BY ZONE
- Best Flowers for Bees
- Best Flowers for Hummingbirds
Wit & Wisdom
“The hum of bees is the voice of the garden.” – Elizabeth Lawrence
Did You Know: A majority of plants, more than 70 percent of species, depend on insects and other pollinators.
Other Plans to Explore
Want more flower garden ideas? Check out our other cutting flower plans:
- Cut Flower Garden Plan (Annuals, 3 Raised Beds).
– Perfect for bouquets and indoor arrangements. - Cut Flower Garden Plan (Perennials & Annuals, In-Ground)
– Mix of flowers for cutting throughout the season.
Or, explore our growing Garden Plan Library for tested layouts of vegetable, flower, and mixed gardens suitable for every skill level and space.
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