Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners recently led a class highlighting the importance of creating pollinator-friendly landscapes and the simple steps homeowners can take to support these essential species.
Image
As habitat loss, chemical contamination, and climate change continue to contribute to declining pollinator populations, even a small patch of pollinator-friendly plants can make a meaningful difference. Gardens can provide critical "stepping stones" for migratory species such as butterflies, as well as reliable food sources for native bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season.
One of the most effective ways to support pollinators is by planting native species. Native plants provide the specific balance of nectar and pollen that local wildlife has evolved to use, while many also serve as host plants for butterfly and moth caterpillars. An added benefit is that native plants are generally well adapted to Tahoe's climate and soils, requiring less water and fertilizer than many ornamental species.
To provide continuous food sources, gardeners should include plants that bloom throughout the growing season:
Early season: Oregon grape (Berberis/Mahonia aquifolium), currants and gooseberries (Ribes sp.), and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana.)
Mid-season: Beardtongue (Penstemon sp.), lupines (Lupinus sp.), and elderberry (Sambucus sp.)
Late season: California goldenrod (Solidago velutina), sagebrushes (Artemisia sp.), and asters (Symphyotrichum sp.), which can provide valuable nectar well into the fall.
For gardeners looking to expand their pollinator-friendly plant selections, several excellent resources are available, including plant lists from the Xerces Society, filterable database from the California Native Plant Society’s calscape.org, and Tahoe Friendly Gardens Native & Adapted Plant List.
By incorporating a diversity of native, seasonally blooming plants into our landscapes, we can help sustain pollinators while creating beautiful, resilient gardens that thrive in the Lake Tahoe Basin.