We’re at the end of “Pollinator Week” here in the U.S., an opportunity to draw attention to the plants and practices that build habitats for our pollinator friends. For the past four years, I have systematically eliminated groups of plants that have either been rated as invasive for our area or simply don’t provide any value to pollinators or wildlife in general. Replacing them with natives has resulted in a massive shift in the number and variety of birds, butterflies, and other pollinators that now reside here. The dawn chorus is astounding when Pixie and I step into the garden each morning – take a listen for yourself!
The circle garden is overflowing with lush growth after week-long periods of rain. 
I’ve been experimenting with what native plants do well in different parts of the garden – one delightful surprise has been foxglove beardtongue, the graceful Penstemon digitalis native to our area. It grows equally well in rich sunny areas and dry woodland beds, stands up to the rain and resists deer browsing while its white blossoms on tall wands feed small winged pollinators. It’s easy to grow from seed so it’s time to add another dozen plants to every part of the garden! 
Another happy native plant is Zizia aurea, better known as Golden Alexander. It blooms with the peonies and has handsome foliage all season long but importantly, is the host plant for black swallowtail butterflies. I’ve been letting it self seed so that I will have more to spread about the garden. 
The woodland garden I began last year has begun to fill out and actually look like a garden, thanks to the almost constant rain. 
Filled only with native plants, it has been a fun challenge to play with the textures and shapes of woodland denizens. A new copper birdbath provides a clean and dependable source of drinking water for wildlife while adding a little shine to the area. 
Sometimes my heart hurts a little when I watch online videos of gardeners who continue to promote plants that are damaging to the environment because, in addition to adding to a problem, it encourages others to do the same without thought for the consequences. Creating a beautiful garden that is also a healthy habitat does not have to be mutually exclusive.
So this year, I’ve decided to shine a light on beautiful garden plants that also support pollinator life in the hopes of encouraging others to do the same. Today’s video features five of my favorite native plants, with more videos to come. I continue to learn and refine my plant choices as I reach for a 70% native plant balance, the “magic number” to creating a viable habitat. Enjoy!
If you have a garden, I hope you will consider adding a “native to your area” plant or three to provide food for our precious pollinators.
Our wild violets (Viola sororia) have been blooming for weeks
and are now joined by the soft blue and white blossoms of hardy geraniums.
but in another, it is a way of tracing the exploration of an idea over a long period of time. 
I immediately gravitated to playing with color – it is something that looks good on the screen and people in the northern hemisphere are desperately hungry for color during our long gray and white winters. Creating short garden videos has become a new form of expression for me – I continue to learn and refine my skills while working to add new techniques. My instincts proved correct – my collaboration video has gone a bit viral and gives me encouragement to pursue this avenue of expression. Enjoy a feast of color for the eyes, spring is not far off! 
Next year, those changes should be more evident in the number and diversity of insects and birds yet still add beauty and balance to the garden.
Pixie decided to erase the error by breaking her year-long record of no counter-surfing; she was feeling left out of the festivities and grabbed her own piece of cake. 
Honestly, it was a day of hilarity and celebration, from the time we removed the cake from its box and started giggling, toasted the day with Prosecco, reminisced over our wedding album photos, and laughed at Pixie’s antics. Forty-four years of loving and laughing has brought its own point of equanimity to our marriage.
When I awake tomorrow, the earth will be poised on its seasonal moment of balance. May you find joy and balance in your days ahead, no matter what comes your way. Happy Equinox!
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