Photo by Steve A. Johnson under the Creative Commons Attribution License 2.0
From the Vegetable Gardener, a really great list of plants for supporting bees and butterflies. If you plant a vegetable garden, have an herb garden, or have fruit trees, this idea will not only benefit you, but also you local bee and butterfly population.
When it comes to vegetable and fruit production pollinating insects are the very lifeblood of the garden. For the majority of food plants they're 100% necessary, so it's important to make pollinators at home in the garden and
encourage them to stay.
This is yet another reason that my heart belongs to herbs -- they're incredible performers on so many levels. In the kitchen as food, seasonings, and garnishes. They're found in everyday beauty products and their natural
health benefits have been proven time and time again.
As if all of those things weren't enough, many herbs produce flowers that are completely irresistible to pollinating insects, as well as an unlimited number of wildlife species including native bee species, honey bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Complement your vegetable garden some polliantor-seducing herbs.
Herbs That Attract Butterflies
Butterflies are the happiest in sipping on flowers planted in areas with good sun and little or no wind.
- Chives
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Catmint
- Mint
- Chives
- Yarrow
- Parsley
Herbs That Attract Bees
Bees prefer single-petaled flowers as they make it easier to get to sweet nectar. Try planting:
- Basil
- Lemon balm
- Lavender
- Anise hyssop
- Hyssop
- Borage
- Germander
- Sage
- Savory
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Betony
- Lamb's ears
- Thyme
- Dandelion
Check out the Vegetable Gardener's site for the rest of the list, including plants for hummingbirds!
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