Our Pollinator paradise flower garden design is both beautiful and purposeful. This garden design focuses on open, native flowers that are easily accessible to pollinators to create a vibrant garden – such as lavender, echinacea and borage. Attract bees, butterflies and hoverflies while providing colorful blooms from early spring through fall!
Part of our garden plan collection
This plan is part of our free garden plan library and contains tested layouts for vegetable, flower and mixed gardens. Each plan tells you what to plant, when and how – so you can grow with peace of mind and enjoy a steady supply of flowers for cutting or decorative purposes. → Search the full garden plan library.
Quick facts
| Special feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Garden type: | Pollinator flower garden |
| Difficulty level | Beginner to intermediate level |
| Hardiness zones: | 4-8 |
| Sun exposure: | Full sun |
| Seasonality: | Early spring to late autumn |
| Soil type: | Well-drained garden soil |
| Watering needs: | Regular, even moisture |
| Special features: | Pollinator attracting flowers, native plants, seasonal blooms |
| Garden size: | Approximately 14 x 18 feet (very adaptable depending on central yard size) |
| Fun fact | Not just bees! Butterflies, bats, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and even moths are all pollinators. |
What our pollinator plan offers
- A complete pollinator garden with native and seasonal flowers that provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and hoverflies.
- Step-by-step instructions for soil preparation, planting, watering and care.
- Plant list with spacing, flowering times and planting instructions to ensure year-round pollinator support.
- Tips on companion planting and garden structure to create diverse habitats.
- Real insights for gardeners who use this exact plan to successfully attract pollinators.
The pollinator plant list
The plant selection includes common, pollinator-friendly flowers in a variety of shapes, heights and colors – from tubular foxglove and lavender for long-tongued bees to flat-flowered yarrow and coneflower for easier access. Blue, purple, and violet flowers are highlighted because these colors are highly visible to pollinators and indicate rich sources of nectar.
Early-blooming plants like crocuses and pulmonaria help pollinators wake up from hibernation, while late-season plants like borage and dahlias support species that fly into the fall. The central “lawn” is allowed to grow long and offers textural diversity with daisies and clover, which bees and hoverflies supplement with pollen and nectar.
Check out the guides for all plants listed below: Almanac Guides for Growing Flowers.
| Attachment | flowering time | Height | Advice for pollinators |
|---|---|---|---|
| lavender | Mid to late summer | 18-24 inches | Tubular flowers attract long-tongued bees |
| Alyssum | Spring–autumn | 6-12 inches | Ideal for hoverflies; small flowers accessible to many pollinators |
| Echinacea | Mid to late summer | 24-36 inches | Flat top; attracts bees and butterflies |
| Pulmonary | Early spring | 12-18 inches | Early source of nectar for emerging pollinators |
| yarrow | Summer | 18-24 inches | Flat clusters; accessible to many species of bees |
| Agastache | Mid to late summer | 18-30 inches | tubular flowers for bees; fragrant |
| crocus | Early spring | 4-6 inches | Previous season pollen and nectar |
| Borage | Summer | 18-24 inches | Attracts bees; edible flowers |
| Poached eggplant | Spring–summer | 18-24 inches | Ideal for hoverflies and small pollinators |
| thimble | Summer | 36-48 inches | Tubular; preferred by long-tongued bees |
| dahlia | Late summer–autumn | 24-48 inches | Simple flower shapes accessible to pollinators |
| Hill (Bee Balm) | Summer | 24-36 inches | Tubular flowers; attracts hummingbirds and bees |
This is how you create your pollinator paradise
Step 1: Soil Preparation
- Use rich, well-drained garden soil.
- Amend with compost to promote healthy growth.
- Make sure beds or garden areas get 6-8 hours of sun daily.
Step 2: Planting Tips:
- Ensure continuous blooming from early spring to late fall by planting a mix of early, mid, and late season flowers.
- Plant taller tubular flowers (foxglove, lavender, agastache) toward the back or center to add structure.
- Place flat, open flowers (yarrow, coneflower) in clusters so they are easily accessible.
- Group early bloomers (crocus, pulmonaria) together to support early pollinators.
- Allow the middle area of the lawn to grow long, with daisies and clover for habitat and additional nectar.
- Some species, such as borage and dahlias, are great late-season pollinators.
Step 3: Watering and Care
- Keep the soil moist at all times, especially during establishment.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Deadhead deadhead to promote succession and prolong flowering.
Gardener Spotlight: Alex's Experience
“I planted this pollinator garden in my backyard last spring and was amazed at the activity. At the beginning of the season I spotted bumblebees on the crocuses and hoverflies on the alyssum. In the summer, lavender, coneflowers and foxgloves were constantly buzzing. Not only did the garden look beautiful, but it felt alive – every day I saw new pollinators exploring different flowers.”
FAQs for Pollinator Gardens
Q: Do I only have to plant native species?
A: Native plants are preferred because local pollinators are adapted to them, but many non-invasive ornamental flowers such as lavender and borage are also excellent sources of nectar.
Q: Can I use this plan in a small backyard or container garden?
A: Yes! The plan is adaptable. Even a 6-by-6-foot area or large containers can accommodate a variety of pollinators.
Q: How do I ensure the flowers bloom all season long?
A: Plant a combination of early, mid and late bloomers. Sow or plant later-flowering species one at a time to provide nectar and pollen all year round.
Q: Will this attract pests?
A: Pollinator gardens can attract some insects, but they are also home to beneficial species such as hoverflies and ladybugs, which naturally contribute to pest control.
More references
Joke & wisdom
“The hum of the bees is the voice of the garden.” –Elizabeth Lawrence
Did you know: Most plants, more than 70 percent of all species, rely on insects and other pollinators.
Other plans to explore
Want more flower garden ideas? Check out our other cut flower plans:
Or explore our growing garden plan library for tested vegetable, flower and mixed garden layouts suitable for every skill level and space.