Page 16 - Outdoor Living October 2023

GARDENING

CREATING A POLLINATOR PARADISE:

How to Attract Bees, Butterflies,

and Hummingbirds

s Joburg shakes off the last vestiges of winter, Swanky Bug Hotels
a flutter of wings and a buzz of bees herald Next on the agenda is accommodation! And we’re not talking
Athe much-awaited onset of spring. But before about any old digs here; we’re aiming for the Ritz-Carlton of insect
we lose ourselves in daydreams of sunshine and abodes. Crafting a bug hotel from natural materials is a surefire
blossoms, let’s chat about how to turn our gardens way to make your garden the talk of the town amongst the bee
into welcoming retreats for the unsung heroes of this and butterfly community. For the connoisseurs of comfort, consider
season - our pollinating friends! adding amenities like small mud patches for butterflies to puddle
in, or tiny saucers filled with sweet water to entice the ever-elusive
Choosing the Right Blossoms hummingbirds.
Transforming your garden into a pollinator haven
isn’t a Herculean task; it plays a vital role in sustaining Pesticide-Free Paradise
the local pollinator populace. These pollinators are Maintaining a pesticide-free space is vital to offering our petite
essential for plant reproduction, directly influencing guests a pure, chemical-free visit. It’s the garden equivalent of a
our food supply. Cultivating a friendly space for them farm-to-table dining experience. Moreover, setting up a compost
means creating a thriving, vibrant garden. pile guarantees your plants receive the best nutrition, fostering a
healthier, lively environment.
Opt for flora rich in nectar and pollen.
Here are a few favourites for your garden: The Watering Hole
• Agapanthus • Aloe Every classy habitat needs a buzzing café corner where
• Bougainvillea • Cosmos pollinators can hang out and enjoy some fresh water. A shallow
• Geranium • Hibiscus dish with some pebbles as landing spots functions as a trendy
• Lantana • Lavender social hub where every butterfly wants to be spotted. Reserve
• Marigold • Melianthus sunny spots in your garden where these solar enthusiasts can soak
• Salvia • Strelitzia up some rays while indulging in garden gossip - the buzzing spot
where all the cool pollinators rendezvous!
A vibrant mix of flower shapes and colours will attract
a myriad of pollinators. Ensure a steady bloom cycle As your garden transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, adorned
throughout the year to keep a constant nectar and with the soft hum of bees and the graceful dance of butterflies,
pollen supply. Leave some areas untouched to provide you’ll know you’ve created not just a pollinator haven but the
nesting grounds, especially for ground-nesting bees. trending hotspot for Johannesburg’s winged community.

OUTDOOR Living | 14