Pollinator shelters are gardens designed to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects by providing food, water, shelter, and nesting areas. In Maryland, these shelters are increasingly important due to habitat loss from urban development and agriculture. With over 430 bee species and 150 butterfly species in the state, creating pollinator-friendly spaces can help sustain local ecosystems and improve crop production.

Key points include:

• Use native plants: Maryland’s three ecological zones (western mountains, Piedmont plateau, and coastal plain) require region-specific plants for better growth and pollinator support.
• Provide year-round resources: Include plants that bloom from early spring to late fall, shallow water sources, and nesting spaces like bare soil or plant debris.
• Avoid harmful practices: Minimize pesticide use, avoid invasive plants, and leave plant stalks and leaves undisturbed in winter for overwintering insects.

For small yards, focus on a few native plants and container gardens. Larger properties can include diverse plant communities and layered designs. Professional landscapers can assist with tailored solutions for Maryland’s unique conditions. Whether you’re planting a single shrub or creating a full garden, every effort helps protect pollinators.

Gardening for Pollinators – Wildlife Webinar – Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Key Components of Pollinator Shelters

Creating a pollinator shelter that truly supports these vital creatures means addressing their basic needs: food, water, shelter, and nesting spaces. Let’s break down the essential elements that make a pollinator shelter effective.

Habitat Essentials

A well-designed pollinator shelter revolves around four key features: food sources, water access, shelter, and nesting sites. Together, these elements create a thriving environment where pollinators can live and reproduce.

• Food Sources: Pollinators rely on a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Did you know that 80% of flowering plants and over three-quarters of staple crops depend on pollinators ^[3]? To support them, include plants that bloom continuously from early spring through late fall ^[1]. A diverse selection of flowering plants ensures food availability during critical times when natural resources might be scarce.
• Water Access: Pollinators need water too! Simple solutions like shallow dishes filled with water and stones, or even small puddles, can provide safe drinking spots.
• Shelter and Nesting Sites: Different pollinators have unique shelter needs. For instance, some butterflies overwinter as adults and require protected spaces, while many native bees nest in bare soil or hollow plant stems. Leaving undisturbed areas with plant debris or patches of bare soil can serve as natural nesting spots.

Native Plant Choices for Maryland

When it comes to creating pollinator-friendly spaces, native plants are the real MVPs. These plants have evolved alongside local pollinators, forming specialized relationships that non-native species can’t replicate. In fact, some insects rely exclusively on specific native plants during critical stages of their life cycles ^[1].

Native plants not only support pollinators but also thrive naturally with minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners. Maryland offers a rich variety of native plants to suit nearly any garden. Here are some standout options:

• Perennials: Goldenrod (Solidago odora and rugosa), Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), New York Ironweed (Vernonia novaboriensis), and Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium ‘Lucurne’) are excellent choices ^[4]. For early-season blooms, consider Firepink (Silene virginica) and Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata) ^[4].
• Woody Plants: Trees and shrubs like Oak (Quercus), Black Cherry (Prunus), Willow (Salix), and Blueberry (Vaccinium) provide nectar, host caterpillars, and offer shelter for overwintering insects ^[4].

When selecting native plants, it’s important to consider Maryland’s three ecological zones: the western mountains, the Piedmont plateau, and the coastal plain. Plants native to your specific region will perform best and provide the most benefit to local pollinators.

Host plants are especially important. Many butterflies, for instance, need specific plants to nourish their caterpillars. Including these along with nectar plants ensures you’re supporting pollinators at every stage of their life cycle ^[1].

Practices to Avoid

Building a pollinator haven also means steering clear of practices that could harm pollinators. For starters, avoid using insecticides, as they can be highly toxic to the very species you’re trying to protect ^[3]. This includes many lawn treatments, fungicides, and even some organic pest control methods. Instead, encourage natural pest controllers like birds and beneficial insects.

Invasive plants are another pitfall. While some non-native plants might attract pollinators, they often outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems. For instance, the butterfly bush, despite its name, offers poor nutrition compared to native alternatives ^[1]. Instead, opt for natives like Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), New York Ironweed (Vernonia novaboriensis), or Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) ^[1]. These plants provide better nourishment and support pollinators throughout their life cycles.

Timing also matters when it comes to garden maintenance. Avoid cutting back plants in the fall, as many beneficial insects overwinter in stems and leaf litter. Leaving some areas undisturbed until spring can make a big difference.

Location and Layout Tips: Pollinators thrive in sunny spots, as many adult butterflies feed only in direct sunlight ^[3]. Planting in clusters – groups of three to five plants of the same species – makes it easier for pollinators to locate food and creates a more efficient shelter ^[3].

How to Design Pollinator Shelters

Creating a pollinator shelter involves providing essential resources like food, water, shelter, and nesting spots throughout the year.

Planning Your Pollinator Shelter

Start by evaluating your outdoor space. Take note of sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels to match native plants to each specific area of your yard ^[1]. Mapping out these microclimates will help you choose plants that thrive in their ideal conditions. Also, consider Maryland’s ecological zones – mountain, Piedmont plateau, or coastal plain – as plants native to your region not only require less upkeep but also better support local pollinators.

When designing your layout, think in layers. Incorporate groundcovers, shrubs, and other plant types to create diverse microhabitats and nesting spots. Place water sources close to flowering plants for easy access, and ensure they’re simple to maintain. These thoughtful arrangements make your space more inviting for pollinators.

Once your plant selection and layout are set, enhance the space with structures that complement these zones.

Building Habitat Structures

Pollinators thrive with additional habitat features that provide nesting spots, shelter, and places to overwinter. Adding a shallow water feature and refreshing it every two days prevents mosquitoes from breeding while keeping pollinators hydrated ^[1].

For nesting, cater to the needs of different species. Many native bees prefer bare soil, so leaving patches of undisturbed ground can make a big difference. Others might use pithy stems, dead wood, or even brush piles made from pruned branches and twigs ^[5].

To support overwintering insects, leave natural elements like dead stalks, rock piles, and layers of fallen leaves in place until spring ^[6]. If tidying up is necessary, relocate clippings to an out-of-sight area so stem-nesting bees can still utilize them. As Annette Cormany from the University of Maryland Extension puts it:

"Leaves aren’t litter: they’re habitat." ^[6]

Options for Small and Large Properties

Whether you’re working with a tiny urban yard or sprawling acreage, you can design an effective pollinator shelter. For smaller spaces, focus on a few native plants that bloom at different times, creating a compact but lively habitat ^[1]. Container gardens and small native plant groupings work well in limited areas.

For larger properties, you can establish broader native plant communities that provide continuous blooms across seasons. Regardless of your property size, overlapping bloom periods and layered planting designs ensure a diverse habitat that supports a variety of pollinators. Pay attention to each plant’s sun and moisture needs to keep your garden thriving season after season.

Maryland-Native Plants for Pollinator Shelters

Choosing the right native plants is key to creating a thriving pollinator shelter. Native species naturally work in harmony with local ecosystems, offering low-maintenance solutions while supporting Maryland’s pollinators. This guide expands on earlier habitat design tips, helping you create a garden that provides food and nesting opportunities throughout the year.

Top Maryland-Native Perennials and Shrubs

Here are some standout Maryland-native plants that can elevate your pollinator garden:

• Goldenrod: A late-season lifesaver, Goldenrod supports 115 butterfly and moth species. It blooms when many other flowers have faded, offering essential nectar in the fall.
• Asters: These plants are another powerhouse, hosting 112 butterfly and moth species. The New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), with its vibrant purple blooms, is a great choice for late summer through fall.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Blooming from June to September, this plant is a reliable nectar source and also provides seeds for pollinators.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Known for its bright yellow flowers, this plant blooms from summer into fall and supports 17 butterfly and moth species.
• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum): With tall stems and large pink flower clusters, this plant attracts a variety of butterflies and adds height to your garden.
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): This shrub offers early spring nectar, giving pollinators a much-needed boost as they emerge from winter dormancy.

Planning Year-Round Blooms

To keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season, aim for a garden that blooms continuously. For early spring, shrubs like Eastern Redbud provide nectar when few other plants are flowering. Summer bloomers, such as Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), deliver nectar during the peak season. As fall approaches, plants like Goldenrod, asters, and Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) ensure pollinators have food as they prepare for winter.

Planting in clusters of three to five per species not only creates a visually striking garden but also ensures a steady supply of nectar. Gardeners in Maryland’s mountain regions should prioritize species suited to cooler climates, while those in the Piedmont plateau and coastal plain can take advantage of longer growing seasons and diverse soil types.

Host Plants for Butterflies and Native Bees

A successful pollinator habitat goes beyond nectar; it also supports reproduction by including host plants. For example:

• Milkweed species: Essential for monarch butterflies, Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) thrives in cooler areas, while Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) prefers wetter conditions. These plants naturally die back in winter, helping to cue monarchs’ migration schedules.
• Violets (Viola species): Hosting 29 butterfly and moth species, violets are ideal for shaded woodland areas where other plants might struggle.
• Native grasses: Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) supports six butterfly and moth species and provides nesting sites for ground-nesting bees. These bees often create their nests in bare soil near the grasses.
• Sedges (Carex species): Supporting 36 butterfly and moth species, sedges bring year-round structure to your garden. They tolerate a range of moisture levels and pair beautifully with flowering perennials.

For a quick reference, here’s a handy table summarizing key plants, their bloom periods, and the pollinators they support:

Keystone plants, like those listed above, are vital because they support up to 90% of butterflies and moths and nearly 60% of native bees in Maryland’s unique ecosystems ^[7].

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Maintaining and Protecting Your Pollinator Shelter

Once your pollinator shelter is built, keeping it in good shape is essential to ensure it thrives in Maryland’s varied climate. Regular maintenance not only helps sustain your shelter but also supports native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in harmony with natural cycles. Unlike traditional gardens, this approach minimizes intensive upkeep.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Spring Maintenance
Hold off on early cleanup. Leaving plant stems and leaf litter intact provides critical habitat for overwintering native bees and other beneficial insects ^[1].

Summer Care
Refresh water sources regularly to avoid stagnation and reduce mosquito breeding ^[1]. When weeding, aim to leave some undisturbed patches for ground-nesting pollinators.

Fall Preparation
Skip removing dead plant stalks in the fall. Keeping this material through the winter creates much-needed shelter for pollinators during colder months.

These seasonal adjustments help your shelter adapt to changing conditions while promoting a healthy environment for pollinators.

Protecting Pollinators from Risks

Pesticide Management
Minimize pesticide use around your shelter, as even organic options can harm beneficial insects ^[1]. If pest issues arise, focus treatments on specific problem areas rather than using broad-spectrum sprays.

Monitoring weather is another important factor. Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and Director of the Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State, emphasizes:

"Our study found that the most critical factor influencing wild bee abundance and species diversity was the weather, particularly temperature and precipitation." ^[8]

By staying mindful of Maryland’s weather patterns, you can make informed decisions to protect and nurture your pollinator shelter.

Working with Maryland’s Weather Patterns

Maryland’s varied ecological regions – the mountains, Piedmont plateau, and coastal plain – each come with distinct weather challenges ^[1]. Tailor your shelter’s design and maintenance to suit these regional differences for the best results.

One way to prepare for shifting weather is by planting a variety of native species that bloom at different times. This ensures a steady food supply for pollinators throughout the seasons, even during unpredictable weather changes.

Think of your pollinator shelter as a self-sustaining mini-ecosystem. As the University of Maryland Extension explains:

"Pollinators need what every animal needs: food, shelter, water, and a place to raise a family." ^[1]

Professional Landscaping Support for Pollinator Shelters

Building a thriving pollinator shelter isn’t just about planting flowers – it takes thoughtful design and expert installation. Professional landscaping services bring the expertise needed to navigate Maryland’s unique soil, climate, and ecological zones, ensuring your pollinator garden doesn’t just survive but truly thrives.

Adding Pollinator Shelters to Your Landscape

Incorporating pollinator shelters into your yard requires a careful balance of aesthetics and functionality. Professional landscapers can seamlessly integrate these habitats into your existing design, creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also ecologically beneficial.

• Design Integration: Pollinator-friendly spaces can complement your home’s architecture and existing features. For example, native plants can be added around patios, pollinator pathways can link different garden areas, and native trees can serve as both striking focal points and essential habitat.
• Varied Structure: A successful pollinator garden needs diversity in plant heights, textures, and bloom times to support a wide range of species. Landscapers can ensure these elements are in place while also addressing factors like sun exposure and drainage to suit Maryland’s growing season.
• Water Feature Integration: Adding shallow water sources, rain gardens, or dry creek beds can provide pollinators with drinking water while managing stormwater runoff. These features not only enhance your garden’s functionality but also add a serene, natural aesthetic to your outdoor space.

How Pro Landscapes MD Can Help

Pro Landscapes MD specializes in creating pollinator-friendly landscapes tailored to Maryland’s distinct ecological regions, from the mountains to the coastal plains. Their team of horticulture experts conducts detailed site assessments, selects native plants that bloom throughout the year, and ensures precise installation with proper soil preparation, plant placement, and habitat creation.

• Ongoing Maintenance Support: Pollinator gardens require a different approach compared to traditional landscaping. For example, leaving plant debris in place during the winter provides essential shelter for pollinators. Pro Landscapes MD offers maintenance services that align with these unique needs, helping your garden flourish year-round.

Creating Eco-Friendly Outdoor Spaces

Professional landscaping goes beyond just aesthetics – it’s also about environmental responsibility. Pro Landscapes MD is committed to sustainable practices that support pollinator conservation and broader ecosystem health.

• Sustainable Hardscaping: Using eco-friendly materials like permeable pavers and natural stone, the company reduces runoff and supports native plant growth. Features like French drains and proper grading further enhance the health of your landscape.
• Native Plant Communities: By incorporating native trees, shrubs, and perennials, Pro Landscapes MD creates layered habitats that sustain pollinators throughout their life cycles. This approach also contributes to Maryland’s efforts to increase tree canopy coverage.
• Reduced Chemical Use: Their focus on native plants and healthy soil conditions minimizes the need for fertilizers and pesticides, protecting pollinators and the surrounding environment.

With professional planning and care, pollinator shelters can become more than just a garden feature – they can transform your outdoor space into a sustainable, vibrant haven for Maryland’s native wildlife. Pro Landscapes MD ensures that your landscape supports pollinator conservation while remaining beautiful and functional for years to come.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

A thoughtfully designed pollinator shelter can play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. With a quarter of known bee species not observed since the 1990s and the Eastern Monarch butterfly population plummeting by 80% between 2000 and 2020 ^[2][9], every pollinator garden contributes to reversing these alarming trends.

Why Pollinator Shelters Matter

Pollinator shelters offer both ecological and practical rewards. Native plants, perfectly suited to Maryland’s environment, require less watering and fertilizing while being more resilient to local pests ^[1]. Beyond their functionality, these plants bring vibrant colors, unique textures, and seasonal charm while nurturing the life cycles of butterflies, bees, and other crucial insects.

Your pollinator shelter becomes a dynamic ecosystem, changing with the seasons. In spring, early blooms welcome emerging bees. Summer delivers abundant nectar, while fall provides seeds and safe spaces for insects preparing for winter. This natural rhythm aligns seamlessly with Maryland’s climate, creating a balanced and thriving landscape.

Steps for Maryland Homeowners

Ready to make a difference? Here’s how you can create a pollinator haven in your yard:

• Survey Your Property: Observe sun exposure, soil moisture, and soil type in potential garden spots ^[1]. Even a small area with the right plants can make an impact.
• Choose Native Plants: Opt for plants that bloom at different times of the year. Include host plants like carrots, parsley, or dill for species such as black swallowtails. Add a shallow water source, like a dish or birdbath, to support thirsty pollinators ^[1].
• Embrace Natural Landscaping: Pollinator gardens thrive on a more natural aesthetic. For instance, leaving dead plant stalks through winter offers critical shelter for insects ^[1].

If you’re considering a more extensive pollinator habitat, professional help can maximize your results. Pro Landscapes MD specializes in Maryland’s unique ecological zones, offering expertise in plant selection, timing, and maintenance to create beautiful, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Whether you plant a single native shrub or transform your yard into a pollinator paradise, your efforts directly support Maryland’s environment. By applying these practices – or partnering with experts like Pro Landscapes MD – you can build a sustainable refuge that nurtures pollinators and enriches the local ecosystem.

FAQs

What are the best native plants for a Maryland pollinator shelter to attract bees and butterflies?

To build a thriving pollinator haven in Maryland, focus on planting native species that supply nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Some standout options include bee balm (Monarda didyma), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). These plants bloom at different times, ensuring a steady food supply for various pollinators.

You might also consider adding black willow (Salix nigra), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and asters to your garden. These choices are fantastic for supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while also adding natural beauty to your space. By including a mix of plants that flower at different times, you’ll create a lively, year-round habitat that benefits both pollinators and your garden’s ecosystem.

What are the best ways to maintain a pollinator garden year-round without harming the insects it attracts?

To keep your pollinator garden thriving throughout the year, focus on planting native, pesticide-free plants that bloom across different seasons. This ensures a steady supply of nectar and pollen for the insects your garden attracts. Steer clear of chemical pesticides – they can harm pollinators. Instead, go for natural pest control methods to maintain a safe environment.

During fall and winter, let nature take its course by leaving leaf litter and plant stems in place. These provide much-needed shelter for overwintering insects, caterpillars, and eggs. You can also enhance your garden by adding shallow water sources, nesting spots, and a diverse mix of plants. These thoughtful additions create a welcoming, sustainable habitat for pollinators all year long, while keeping your garden lively and buzzing with life.

How can I create a pollinator-friendly garden in a small urban space in Maryland?

To design a pollinator-friendly garden in a small urban space in Maryland, start by selecting native plants that bloom throughout the year. This ensures pollinators have access to nectar and pollen across all seasons. Plant in clusters of three or more, and include a variety of shapes, colors, and heights to draw in different types of pollinators.

Make the most of your limited space by incorporating containers and adding vertical elements like trellises or hanging planters. Create a safe and welcoming environment by setting up shallow water sources, such as a dish filled with stones, and steering clear of pesticides. These straightforward steps can transform even the smallest urban area into a thriving haven for pollinators.

Related posts

• Top 10 Native Plants for Maryland Pollinator Gardens
• How to Design a Pollinator Garden in Maryland
• Best Practices for Water-Wise Pollinator Gardens
• Checklist for Starting a Native Pollinator Garden