Nature is pretty spectacular. Not only are the individual aspects of nature beautiful, fascinating, and amazing – but the interdependence exhibited by our ecosystem is something to behold. In the summertime especially, the connected lives of butterflies, bees, flowers – and us – are on full display. Flowers need butterflies to pollinate, bees need flowers to eat, we need bees to pollinate thus supporting our food supply. Therefore, creating gardens that are not only colorful and beautiful but that support bees and butterflies is something to be proud of. The floral experts at Stadium Flowers would like to use this opportunity to share some ways that you can cultivate a garden that is as good for the environment as it is for your well-being.
Butterfly Gardens: The most important goal for butterfly gardens is to include plants that provide nectar and pollen, as well as a providing an accessible water source for your visitors. The best types of plants are those with a wildflower look, such as Zinnia, Verbena, Yarrow, Phlox, Delphinium and Marigold. And you do not have to actually plant the flowers in the yard – window boxes, potted plants, and hanging plants will attract the butterflies just as readily. In fact, Stadium Flowers has beautiful hanging baskets which showcase many appealing plants to beckon butterflies! And here is an additional hint to make them feel at home – consider adding a small birdbath or rain basin that will provide them with a water source.
Bee Friendly: There aren’t many plants that bees are not attracted to, but they look for bold color and a strong fragrance. Lavender, California Lilac, Heather, Rhododendron, flowering herbs like rosemary, mint and oregano, and blackberry or raspberry bushes are also irresistible to bees. Our Gardener’s Gift plant basket, shown below, provides many of these bold flowering options that will appeal to the bees, as well as your gardening friend!
Repelling Pests: Lavender is known for its sweet fragrance, but that sweet smell keeps moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes (but not bees!) at bay.  Other effective plants to keep bugs away are the ones we love the smell of , but bugs hate them: Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano and Thyme. You can use them outdoors, or they can be cut and dried for indoor use.
If you need more ideas on how to cultivate a purposeful (and gorgeous) garden that supports bees and butterflies while repelling pests, come talk to the experts at Stadium Flowers. From Everett to Seattle, we are committed to creating the most beautiful homes and outdoor spaces.