How to create an insect-friendly garden

There’s just something magical about spending time in a garden, enjoying the warm sunshine on the skin, and the softness of a lush, green lawn underfoot. This scene would not be complete without the gentle hum of bees and the fluttering of butterflies as they flit from flower to flower.

These magical little pollinators not only bring life to every garden but play an essential role in maintaining a thriving ecosystem that directly benefits every single plant and blade of grass in your garden.

Here’s how you can create an insect-friendly garden:

Plant for pollinators
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and even birds are attracted to a diverse range of plants, including brightly coloured flowers, flowering shrubs, and trees. The more variety you can include, the more inviting your outdoor space becomes for these helpful creatures.

Hardy grass varieties
Don’t forget the grass itself! Choosing hardy, low-maintenance lawn varieties like Buffalo or Berea are perfect for creating the ideal environment for pollinators because they thrive in a variety of conditions, including light shade, giving insects plenty of places to rest and feed.

Keep the blooms coming
One of the best ways to ensure a constant flow of pollinators in your garden is to plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year. In doing so, bees and butterflies will always have access to nectar, and your garden will remain vibrant all year long!

Avoid pesticides
While pesticides can sometimes seem like quick fix for keeping pests at bay, they can also be harmful to the beneficial insects you want to keep in your garden. Instead, consider using natural pest control methods or integrating pest-repelling plants into your garden.

Helpful extras
A pollinator-friendly garden doesn’t stop at flowers and grass. Providing a few helpful extras like a water source such as a shallow dish with pebbles for bees to perch on, and shelter like hollow stems, makes your garden even more inviting.

When you create an environment that encourages pollinators to thrive, you’re not only supporting biodiversity, but you’re also setting yourself up for a stress-free summer of lawn enjoyment. That means less time working in the garden and more time enjoying it – whether that’s lounging in the sun, braaiing with friends and family, or simply taking in the beauty that’s right at your feet!

We’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space! If you’re still looking for the perfect grass variety to suit your garden, chat to us on office@evangrass.co.za or (031) 785 1388/ 1612.