Transforming an Urban Median into a Pollinator Garden

Just beyond my front yard lay a large grassy space full of crabgrass, weeds, and dried dirt—your typical urban median separating the busy street and sidewalk.

The City had completed some street work, leaving the space worse for wear, and this was my cue from nature to create a little oasis for passing pollinators, dogs walking their owners, and myself.

The garden's design was simple. Tall plants would give height to cover the view of the street and parked cars. A mix of perennials and annuals that could withstand baking in the sun, poor soil, and occasional watering.

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Line drawing of perennial garden that shows where pollinator friendly plants should go — Pollinator garden layout includes areas for various annuals such as sunflowers and vegetables.

My media garden morphs and changes each year, some years better than others. But there are a few plants I consider staples because of their beauty and attracting pollinators. Below you'll find my favorite go-to plants for creating this small but mighty pollinator garden.

Urban median filled with flowers to create a pollinator garden — My urban median turned into a pollinator garden

Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed is a perennial plant that produces clusters of large dusky pink flowers and sizable green leaves. I find the leaves almost as appealing as the blooms. You can choose between a small dwarf variety or a larger one, but I suggest opting for the dwarf version named "Little Joe Pye," which can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. While not overly demanding, make sure to water the plant during dry summers, particularly if it starts to wilt. The blooms of Joe Pye Weed are attractive to pollinators and are beautiful in floral arrangements fresh or dried.

Giant Purple Hyssop

Giant Purple Hyssop is my reliable magnet for bees throughout the Summer and Fall. It also lures various butterflies and serves as a crucial food source for the endangered Rusty Patch Bumblebee. And, the intense licorice fragrance of its leaves is intoxicating and can be used in tea. Given that this plant can reach heights of up to six feet (although mine typically reaches four feet), it is ideal for placement along fences or at the back of a garden. To prevent the plant from spreading too much once it reaches its full size, I use a plant ring to keep its stems contained. A perennial that is very easy to grow in poor soils and partial to sunny locations, Purple Hyssop tolerates some transplanting and division which I have successfully done so after two years.

A bee sitting on top of purple Giant Hyssop — A bee delighting in Giant Purple Hyssop

Tall purple spikes of Giant Purple Hyssop in pollinator garden — Giant Purple Hyssop used in back of pollinator bed

Coneflower

Another hardy perennial is the coneflower which displays daisy-like blooms. I find their best enjoyed when placed in the front of a garden and tucked in here and there to fill empty spaces. Their blooms bring a cheerful vibe to the garden. Even when they start to fade and the center cone becomes firm, they retain their beauty, adding charm to the garden. I have never encountered any issues with disease or stress when it comes to coneflowers.

Zinnias

Zinnias are champions at attracting butterflies and bees. A singular, bright blossom sitting on top of a tall, thin stem brings a smile to my face and party to the garden every time. Zinnias are annuals and need to be planted every Summer. Once temperatures are consistently warm, loosen soil, sprinkle Zinnia seeds, and lightly cover with dirt, and water. In no time you'll have these bright colorful beacons for pollinators in your green space. Learn more about why Zinnias are a garden's delight and how to choose the ideal planting spot with more Zinnia tips.

Red Zinnia with a bee sitting in the yellow middle — Multicolor Zinnias grown from seed

Holly Hocks

Could there be a more charming cottage flower than the Hollyhock? I doubt it. I became completely enamored with this tall flower when I witnessed its blooming staircase reaching towards the sky. I will always have Hollyhocks in my garden from now on. With its big, open flowers, bees bathe in the pollen of Hollyhocks. It's a joy to observe multiple bees inside a single Hollyhock blossom with room to spare. I have enormous bees visiting my garden for these magnificent blooms that form an irresistible vertical showcase. One important note about Holly Hocks is that they are biannual plants and need cold weather to go dormant.

Starting a Pollinator Garden is Easy

Now that you know the right plants to attract bees and butterflies, starting a pollinator garden is easy! Find a little green space in a sunny spot and soon you'll have your own pollinator paradise. Just beware that you may find yourself mesmerized by the number of new inhabitants to your garden and surprised at how simple it can be to bring beauty to rather dull and unused urban spaces.

I love hearing about other's success with pollinator gardens. Please share in the comments if you've had success with any of these plants and other must-grow plants for our bee and butterfly friends.

Happy gardening!

Amanda Rae