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My pollinator garden aims to help the environment by bringing pollinators to the HUB Garden 

About 

This project helps to clean up and beautify the entrance to the Cranbrook School's Community HUB Garden. Unfortunately during the COVID-19 pandemic, the garden had been neglected and the entrance has become overgrown with weeds, especially mint. As a member of the school's garden club, we were able to clear up the inside of the garden but the outside has yet to be given attention. By sprucing up the entrance, I will be promoting safety and making the garden accessible by having clear pathways and better defined steps. I will also be planting flowers and plants that attract pollinators, who can in return help pollinate the fruits and vegetables growing in the garden. Once the entrance looks more welcoming, this will encourage more participation in the garden club and from volunteers and awareness about pollinators. 

My Project

I have been working on this project since 2021 and I am so happy with the progress that was made.

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I used many native and pollinator plants in this garden:

  • Boneset

  • Butterfly Bush

  • Fountain Grass

  • Helenium

  • Lobelia

  • New England Aster

  • Rose/Swamp Milkweed

  • Rose Mallow Hibiscus

  • Snapdragon

  • Sedge

  • Wild Bergamot

Ways to Help

It is very important to help out the pollinators in our ecosystem. Here are some ways to help out local pollinators:

  • Plant Native plants

    • Golden Alexander​

    • Purple Coneflower

    • Beardtongue

    • Great Lobelia

  • Limit Insecticide Use

  • Plant Milkweed

    • Milkweed help to attract butterflies and is a beautiful addition to any garden​

Local 

Pollinators

What is a pollinator?

"A pollinator is anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma)."

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Plants rely on pollinators to seed. This movement of pollen helps will fertilization and successful seed development. Produce such as strawberries, avocados, cherries, blueberries and more would not be available without pollinators

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Local pollinators love native plants! Common pollinators in Michigan include ants, bees, butterflies, birds, hummingbirds and moths. Planting in the sun also helps pollinators. Also, planting a variety of plants will ensure you have a garden that blooms year-round, for you and the pollinators!

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Pollinator News

Common pollinators in Michigan are ants, butterflies, honey bees, and hummingbirds.

Mint

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One of my biggest struggles was dealing with the mint in the area. The mint that was planted was very invasive and had deep roots. To combat this, I pulled out as much mint as possible, laid down cardboard, and put a thick layer of wood chips down after planting.

Natural pest control

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One way to combat invasive plants is to use a cardboard and/or woodchip barrier. This is a great eco-friendly was to protect your plants from weeds. 

(Make sure to use cardboard without a glossy finish or tape to ensure full decomposition)

While herbicides are effective, they can damage wildlife and future plants. Keep herbicide use to a minimum and opt for more natural methods.

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