Diary of a Gardener Protecting Pollinators: Why Your Landscape Matters for Butterflies, Bees, and Your Morning Coffee
In this series on butterflies and pollinator gardens, I think it’s important to discuss WHY creating pollinator-friendly landscaping matters. Having a beautiful landscape that supports our local ecology, is resilient, and attracts pollinators is a win-win! Most people don’t realize they can plant just a few common shrubs and flowers and be “pollinator-friendly.”
You don’t need a wildflower garden or an urban meadow. One nectar plant and one host plant can make a difference! But WHY?
🚨 Butterfly populations are in serious decline. New research shows that across the U.S., butterfly populations have been rapidly decreasing over the past two decades. Two-thirds of studied species have declined by more than 10% (Forrester, 2025). When you consider that these creatures have been around for millions of years, that loss is devastating. And it’s not just in the U.S.—similar findings are emerging in Europe.
The main causes?
🏗️ Habitat loss (urban sprawl)
🔥 Hotter, drier climates
☠️ Pesticide and insecticide use
Why does this matter? 🌍
According to the USDA, 85% of our flowering crops depend on pollinators to pollinate flowers and food crops.
Two out of every three bites of food come from pollinators. That includes chocolate and coffee !
If pollinators disappear, humans do too—not the other way around.
💡 Pollinators are essential! There’s no debate about it.
The good news? You can make a difference! 🏡🌱 Butterflies and other pollinators respond quickly to even small changes. It’s a simple “plant it, and they will come” scenario!
🌼 What can you do?
✅ Plant both nectaring and host plants
✅ Choose as many native species as possible
✅ Provide water sources (birdbaths, puddle stations)
✅ Reduce or eliminate pesticides and insecticides
You and I can’t stop overdevelopment, but we can plant more wildlife-friendly species that require less water and fewer chemicals… yes, even in your HOA! 🌿🏡
This is why I am so passionate about protecting our pollinators. I love chocolate 🍫, and I love coffee ☕… and so do the bees! 🐝💛
🌱 Looking to add pollinator-friendly plants to your landscape but not sure where to start? Book a consultation!
And always keep growing. 🌿✨
