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How to Build a Pollinator Paradise This Spring

Posted on by Mike Paduch
08
Apr

Plant the First Wave of Nectar-Rich Flowers for Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds

Spring has officially sprung at Crystal Lake Garden Shop, and there’s no better time to roll out the welcome mat for the winged wonders that keep our gardens thriving. Whether you’re in Plymouth or Carver, MA, creating a pollinator paradise is a beautiful and rewarding way to support local wildlife while bringing vibrant color and life to your yard.

Why Pollinators Matter

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are the unsung heroes of our gardens, doing the essential work of pollination that helps flowers bloom, fruits form, and veggies grow. A healthy pollinator population means a healthier garden—and a more beautiful one, too!

By planting early-blooming perennials and shrubs, you’ll give pollinators a critical boost just as they emerge from dormancy or migrate back to our region.

Get a Head Start: Early Bloomers Pollinators Love

Here are a few nectar-rich plants you can plant now to kick off the season with a buzz:

🌼 Perennials

  • Lupine (Lupinus) – A favorite of bees and butterflies with spiky, colorful blooms in late spring.

  • Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) – Their heart-shaped pink flowers are charming and attract early pollinators.

  • Columbine (Aquilegia) – Hummingbirds can’t resist the tubular flowers of this woodland beauty.

  • Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – A low-growing mat of color that draws bees early in the season.

  • Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) – Native and beloved by native bees.

  • Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) – One of the first host plants for swallowtail butterflies.

🌿 Shrubs

  • Fothergilla – With fragrant, bottlebrush blooms in spring, this native shrub is a pollinator favorite.

  • Spirea ‘Tor’ or ‘Goldmound’ – Compact, colorful, and buzzing with bee activity when in bloom.

  • Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – One of the best multi-season natives; early flowers, edible berries, and fall color.

  • Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Not a shrub but a small tree worth mentioning—its magenta flowers attract hummingbirds early.

Crystal Lake’s Pollinator Promise

We’re proud to support the Pollinator Program at both our Plymouth and Carver locations. Our benches are brimming with Proven Winners® favorites like Superbena, Supertunia, and Superbells, plus native perennials and shrubs grown right here at Crystal Lake. Look for our Pollinator Paradise tags in-store to find plants that do double duty—beautiful and beneficial.

Helpful Tips to Get Started

  • Mix it up: Combine different flower shapes and sizes to attract a variety of pollinators.

  • Plant in drifts: Group 3+ of the same plant together—pollinators love a big, bold buffet.

  • Include natives: They’re adapted to our climate and offer the best food sources for local species.

  • Avoid pesticides: Even organic sprays can harm bees. Focus on healthy soil and natural pest control.

  • Water thoughtfully: Pollinators need hydration too. A shallow dish with pebbles makes a great landing pad.

Let’s Grow Together

Stop by Crystal Lake Garden Shop in Plymouth or Carver to find everything you need to get growing—from early-bloomers and pollinator guides to soil, compost, and local expertise. We grow our own, so you know your plants are strong, healthy, and ready to thrive.

Want to make it even easier? Download our free app at apjl.app/crystallake to access tips, specials, and our Pollinator Program perks. New users get $10 off a $50 purchase with promo code WELCOME, and every $50 purchase gets you a free 1-gallon perennial—perfect for adding to your paradise!

Together, we can make this spring bloom with purpose. Let’s plant a pollinator paradise—one flower at a time.

Mike Paduch