Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and you don’t need a sprawling garden to support them! With a well-thought-out small-space pollinator garden, you can create a thriving habitat in any yard, no matter the size.

Here’s a simple garden layout, plant placement suggestions, and tips to ensure your pollinator garden is buzzing with life.

Garden Design Plan

Even in a 10×10-foot area, you can plant a diverse selection of nectar-rich flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. The key is to provide a mix of heights, colors, and bloom times to support pollinators from early spring through fall.

Layout Overview

💠 Backdrop (Tall Plants, 3-4 feet) – Planted along a fence, wall, or as a central focal point.
🌿 Middle Layer (Mid-Height, 1-3 feet) – A mix of shrubs, perennials, and herbs.
🌼 Front Layer (Low-Growing, 6-12 inches) – Groundcovers and low-growing flowers.
🪨 Pathway or Seating Area – A small stepping stone path or bench to enjoy the view.

Plant Selection & Placement

Here’s a simple plant-by-plant guide to designing your pollinator garden:

Tall Plants (Back of the Garden)

• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) – Hummingbirds and bees love its bright red or pink blooms.
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) – A butterfly magnet with tall, airy flowers.
• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – Provides food and shelter for pollinators.

🌿 Placement: Line the back of the space or create a backdrop for the garden.

Mid-Height Plants (Center Layer)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Attracts butterflies and native bees.
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) – Essential for monarch butterflies.
• Salvia (Salvia nemorosa) – A long-blooming, drought-tolerant favorite.

🌿 Placement: Cluster these in the center for a full, lush look.

Low-Growing Plants (Front of the Garden)

• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Loved by bees and easy to grow.
• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – Great for ground cover and attracts small pollinators.
• Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) – Offers fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.

🌿 Placement: Edge garden beds or line pathways with these plants.

Bonus: Shrubs & Herbs for Pollinators

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A bee favorite with a calming scent.
• Blueberry Bushes (Vaccinium spp.) – Provide nectar and fruit for wildlife.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Beneficial for pollinators and your kitchen.

🌿 Placement: Tuck into corners or along pathways for added structure.

Garden Care & Pollinator-Friendly Tips

✅ Plant in Clumps – Pollinators prefer large groups of flowers rather than scattered blooms.
✅ Use Native Plants – They require less maintenance and attract more local pollinators.
✅ Avoid Pesticides – Use natural pest control methods to protect bees and butterflies.
✅ Provide Water – A shallow dish with pebbles offers a safe drinking spot for insects.
✅ Offer Shelter – Install a bee house or leave some natural areas untouched.

Small Space, Big Impact

With this small-space pollinator garden design, you’ll create a beautiful and beneficial oasis for pollinators while adding vibrant color and life to your yard. Even a small corner, raised bed, or container garden can make a difference in supporting bees, butterflies, and birds!

🌸 Visit Nunan’s Florist & Garden Center to find all the plants you need to build your pollinator haven. Our expert team can help you select the best varieties for your space!

Get More Gardening Inspiration with Our App!

📲 Stay up to date with expert gardening tips, exclusive promotions, and seasonal updates—right at your fingertips! Download the Nunan’s app today and enjoy special app-only offers.

🔗 Download Now