How to Create a Native Pollinator Garden

A lawn is usually one of the many stipulations that comes with homeownership. We all buy houses and then complain for the rest of time about having to do yard work. Especially when you have a larger property (really anything over a quarter acre IMHO), mowing the grass is an all day event. During the warmer, rainier months, yard upkeep feels like running a marathon where the finish line is actually just a mirage.

It’s a frustrating never ending cycle: Weed-Eat, Mow, Rain, Everything Grows, Weed-Eat, Mow, Rains, Everything Grows.

A well manicured empty plot of grass used to be a status of wealth. The emptier your lawn and the greener the grass, the wealthier you were. But someone else was typically being paid to maintain it. Nowadays, the average American spends about 32 hours during the warmer months doing yard work. That’s almost a full weeks worth of work at a full-time job and majority of people are not getting paid, if anything they’re outsourcing the labor and the resources required to maintain a pristine green lawn.

What if as a society we started to move a way from the nice and neat monoculture lawn and started to incorporate more creativity and biodiversity into our lawns?

One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by transforming part of our lawns into a dedicated area for a native pollinator garden.

Not only does this contribute to biodiversity by providing a habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, but it also creates a beautiful, low-maintenance space that thrives naturally in your local climate. Here’s how you can start the process by removing grass and preparing your yard for a flourishing pollinator garden.

Why Remove Grass?

Traditional lawns are resource-intensive, requiring frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizing. By replacing a portion of your grass with a native pollinator garden, you reduce your environmental footprint and create a sanctuary for wildlife. Native plants are adapted to your local conditions, meaning they require less water and are more resistant to pests and diseases. Additionally, they provide essential food and shelter for pollinators, which are crucial for the health of our ecosystems.

My house sits pretty far back from the street on a corner plot. This much grass in the front yard makes yard upkeep a journey. We decided to utilize a large portion closest to the street to make a pollinator garden as a way to break up the space visually and provide a barrier between our house and the street.

Steps to Remove Grass

1. Choose Your Method

There are several methods to remove grass, each with its own pros and cons. Here are a few common approaches:

Starting the Sheet Mulching Process + A better visual of our project area!

• Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Method): This involves layering cardboard or newspaper over the grass and covering it with compost and mulch. This method smothers the grass and enriches the soil as it decomposes. It’s an excellent choice if you’re not in a rush and want to avoid disturbing the soil structure.

• Sod Removal: For those looking to plant immediately, manually removing the sod with a shovel or using a sod cutter is a more direct approach. This method involves physical labor but allows you to get started on your garden right away.

• Solarization: By covering the grass with clear plastic for several weeks during the hottest part of the year, you can kill the grass using the sun’s heat. This method is effective but takes time and works best in sunny climates.

• Herbicide: If you’re looking for a quicker solution, applying an organic herbicide can help remove grass. However, this method should only be used as a last resort.

We removed the grass for our pollinator garden using a Round Edge Cutter. If you are going to tackle a project like this, YOU NEED THIS TOOL https://a.co/d/9etd3nt ***not sponsored, just trying to help***

2. Prepare the Soil

Once the grass is removed, you’ll need to prepare the soil for planting. Native plants thrive in soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Consider the following steps:

• Test the Soil: A soil test can help you understand its pH and nutrient content. This will guide you in making any necessary amendments.

• Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil to improve its structure and fertility.

• Loosen the Soil: If the soil is compacted, gently till or aerate it to allow roots to penetrate easily.

3. Plan Your Pollinator Garden

Before you start planting, take some time to design your garden. Consider the following:

• Select Native Plants: Choose a variety of native plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for pollinators. Include a mix of flowers, shrubs, and grasses to create a diverse habitat.

• Consider the Layout: Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together. Place taller plants towards the back and shorter ones in front to create a visually pleasing design.

• Include Water Sources: Pollinators need water, too! Incorporate a shallow birdbath, a small pond, or a simple dish filled with pebbles and water.

An example from a previous client.

4. Plant and Mulch

Now that your garden is planned and the soil is ready, it’s time to plant!

• Planting: Follow the planting instructions for each species, ensuring they are spaced appropriately. Water the plants well after planting.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil. Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems, as this can cause rot.

Maintaining Your Native Pollinator Garden

A native pollinator garden is relatively low-maintenance compared to a traditional lawn. However, some care is still needed:

• Watering: Water your garden regularly until the plants are established. After that, most native plants will only need watering during prolonged dry spells.

• Weeding: Keep an eye out for invasive species that may compete with your native plants. Regular weeding will help keep your garden healthy.

• Deadheading: Removing spent flowers encourages plants to produce more blooms and extends the flowering season.

Conclusion

By removing grass and dedicating a space for a native pollinator garden, you’re not only reducing the environmental impact of your yard but also contributing to the health and diversity of your local ecosystem. With a little effort, your garden can become a thriving haven for pollinators, bursting with life and color throughout the seasons. Happy gardening!