Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A monarch butterfly, one of the most popular pollinators, flies near a patch of black-eyed Susans, a native Ohio plant. Photo: Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images
Spring planting season is nearly here — for those wanting to make their yard more pollinator-friendly, there's no better time to start.
Why it matters: April is Native Plant Month, drawing attention to Ohio's native trees, shrubs and flowers as an important food and habitat source for local wildlife.
Pro tip: It's OK to start small, Ohio State University Extension experts tell Axios.
State of play: Awareness of native plants is growing locally, with places like the Columbus Zoo taking on large projects and Franklin Park Conservatory hosting educational events.
- But how homeowners handle their turf has become a contentious issue in some communities.
- Campaigns like "No Mow May" have gained traction in recent years, and some folks are replacing their lawns altogether.
- Many cities, like Columbus, have adopted more pollinator-friendly rules.
Yes, but: Traditionalists and homeowner associations usually stand by maintaining a lush, manicured lawn for curb appeal.
What they're saying: "You don't have to tear up your lawn to create a habitat," educator Pam Bennett says.
- Instead of thinking "all or nothing," just do what's feasible for you.
Zoom in: A mix of plants that bloom at different times of year supports pollinators like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies all year long.
- Bennett's rule of thumb is nine — three each for spring, summer and fall — but any is better than none.
- City-dwellers with limited yard space can add a few potted plants or a hanging basket to their balcony or patio.
There's no need for a separate garden, either, educator Mike Hogan says — just incorporate a few into your existing landscaping.
A few ideas:
- Spring: Phlox, trillium, salvia.
- Summer: Coneflower, bergamot, milkweed (a Monarch habitat).
- Fall: Aster, black-eyed Susan, little bluestem.
Where to find them: Several local growers specialize in natives, and Ohio State's "Plant by Numbers" guides can help you pick and arrange ones that work for you.
🧑🌾 Want some help? A June 6 workshop includes a collection of perennials to take home. Register by May 1 for $75.
