If we think in the long run we need food, we need pollinators. These beautiful buzzing creatures flitting from plant to plant spreading pollen and enjoying the nectar is an amazing sight to watch.
If every home had a pollinator plant it would helps these tiny creatures and selfishly for us provide the fruits, vegetables and nuts we need to thrive.
Flowering Trees
There is a quote which says “the best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago but the second best time is plant it now “. So if you missed planting a tree in spring, it is never too late there is always fall :)
Most gardens have an abundance of flowering plants both annual and perinneal. How about the flowering trees though? I see plenty of cherry blossom trees and the Bradford Pear whose flower smells really bad, is the other common tree that profilerates urban planned landscapes.
Here are 2 that are not as common but simply stunning in their beauty.
Southern Magnolia
My most favorite tree to have around is the Southern Magnolia and is native to the US. It has these beautiful glossy leaves which don’t shed during the winter, they shed in the spring and of course the beautiful flowers which bees seem to love. They flower late spring through early summer. These are also very slow growing trees so you have to be patient and enjoy it growing slowly. There are 7-8 of these native species and each one competes for beauty with the other
There are the Japanese Magnolia which bear pink flowers and are absolutely beautiful to look at and I see more of these in landscapes. Of course there are the cherry blossoms which make a big splash for a few weeks and disapper but the one that leaves my nose wrinkling is the Bradford pear which is an invasive species whose flowers look like white cherry blossoms. Muncipalities and cities are encouraging citizens to get rid of these trees apparently.
If you are considering planting trees you should absolutely consider magnolias, there are eight of these species which are native to the US and give the Bradford pear trees a pass :)
Tulip Poplar
One of my other favorite trees is the Tulip Poplar belonging to the Magnolia family, stunningly gorgeous and makes me to want to be a child again and play in the shade of the tree. The yellow flowers are absolutely beautiful and very attractive to honey bees. These trees grow large and last for 200 - 300 years making it a hugely attractive tree to plant. Nothing lasts that long! These decidious trees lose their leaves in the summer.
Lots of gardens have flowering plants easily accomodated in a small area but flowering trees are beautiful in a way that is not easy to describe, providing food and shelter for a lot of species.
Flowering Herbs
Take a pick of any herb they all produce flowers that the bees love. My favorites are sage and lavendar. With the increasingly mild winters we seem to have lavendar should do very well.
Sage is another one of those herbs which produce these vibrant purple flowers that are again a magnet for insects and pollinators.
Roses
Among the prickly thorns grows this beautiful specimen that brings a smile to every face and a flower that is perfect for any occasion.
Onions peels and egg shells are supposed to be good for them. I soak the onion peels and feed the water to them. I got more blossoms this year than years past attributed to onion peel water :)
Fruit Flowers
Whatever kind of pollinator is suitable for your growing condition give one of them a shot.