Greenheart Roots

Beginner Garden Plan: Small Pollinator Bed

A simple, tidy layout for a small bed in your yard or community space. Designed for sun and well‑drained soil, it layers plant heights for year‑round interest and continuous bloom.

Bed Specs

  • Size: 4×8 feet rectangle (adjustable to 3×6 in tighter spots).
  • Sun: Full sun (6+ hours). Partial sun works with shade‑tolerant swaps.
  • Soil: Well‑drained, amended with 1–2 inches of compost; mulch with leaves/pine straw.
  • Region: Southeastern NC (Zones ~8a–8b). Verify plant suitability for your micro‑site.

Layout (Layered Heights)

Arrange plants in three bands from back to front to create habitat and structure:

  • Back row (tall, 3–5 ft): Joe‑Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) or Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).
  • Middle row (mid, 18–36 in): Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black‑eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata).
  • Front edge (low, groundcover): Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) or Green‑and‑Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum).

Spacing: 12–18 in for perennials; 24–30 in for tall species. Group in 3–5 plant clusters to help pollinators find blooms.

Suggested Plant List (SE NC)

Mix bloom times for spring–fall nectar and include host plants for butterflies:

  • Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) — bright orange, monarch host.
  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) — summer nectar; seedheads feed birds.
  • Black‑eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) — long bloom, easy care.
  • Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) — early color, supports native bees.
  • Joe‑Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) — tall, late‑season nectar.
  • Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica) — moist spots; adds spring texture.
  • Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) or Green‑and‑Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) — groundcover habitat.

Swap species based on site moisture: use Swamp Milkweed for wetter beds; use Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) for dry, sandy sites.

Step‑by‑Step

  1. Mark & prepare: Outline the bed; remove grass/weeds; loosen top 6–8 inches of soil; mix in compost.
  2. Place plants: Set pots on the soil to preview spacing; keep taller plants at the back.
  3. Plant & water: Plant at crown height; water deeply to settle roots.
  4. Mulch: 1–2 inches of leaves or pine straw; keep mulch off crowns.
  5. Observe: Note sun/water patterns; adjust species or spacing as needed.

Care & Seasonal Notes

  • Establishment: Water weekly for the first 6–8 weeks, then taper.
  • Winter habitat: Leave seedheads and leaf litter; cut back in late winter.
  • Pests: Avoid pesticides; let beneficial insects keep balance.
  • Refresh: Add compost in spring; top up mulch as needed.

Accessibility: keep edges tidy, add a stepping stone for reach, and label plants to support learning.