Start with three native plants.

Yes, and it’s easier than you think. You don’t need a full redesign — just swap in a few keystone natives that pull their weight for pollinators.

Native plants evolved alongside local insects, so they actually feed the bees and butterflies instead of just looking nice. Non-native ornamentals are often sterile or require perfect soil and constant watering. Natives are the opposite: they’re basically weeds that happen to be beautiful.

Pick plants that bloom at different times so there’s always something open — early spring bulbs like Virginia bluebells, then milkweed or coneflower for summer, and goldenrod or asters for fall. Throw in some host plants for caterpillars (milkweed for monarchs, dill or parsley for swallowtails) and you’ll have action all season.

One more thing: skip the pesticides. That includes “natural” ones like neem oil. Pollinators are sensitive, and the whole point is to not kill them.

Your garden will look lived-in and wild — in a good way.