Build a Pollinator Pit Stop for the August Dearth
August challenges pollinators. Spring’s abundant blooms have faded, and fall asters haven’t peaked yet. This “nectar dearth” leaves bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects scrambling for food. A strategic pollinator pit stop in your yard can provide essential resources when they’re most needed—and create a vibrant late-summer display.
Understanding the August dearth
Why late summer is tough for pollinators
- Most spring and early summer flowers have finished blooming
- Agricultural crops offer limited nectar sources
- Urban development reduces wild flower meadows
- Heat stress affects both plants and pollinators
What pollinators need right now
- Consistent nectar sources from diverse flowers
- Clean water sources for drinking and cooling
- Shelter from heat and predators
- Chemical-free environment for safe foraging
Star performers for August bloom
Native powerhouses that never quit
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea) - beloved by bees and butterflies
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) - long-blooming native favorite
- Bee balm (Monarda) - attracts hummingbirds and native bees
- Goldenrod (Solidago) - crucial fall nectar source, not an allergen
Non-native reliable bloomers
- Zinnia ‘Zahara’ series - heat-tough annual with constant flowers
- Lantana - drought-tolerant magnet for butterflies
- Salvia ‘Victoria Blue’ - beloved by bees, heat and humidity tolerant
- Verbena bonariensis - see-through height with purple clusters
Late-season native grasses and perennials
- Little bluestem - provides shelter and late-season seeds
- New England aster - essential fall bloomer for monarchs
- Joe Pye weed - tall native that feeds dozens of butterfly species
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ - crucial late-season nectar when options dwindle
Find more regional native options in Design a Garden That Saves the Bees and companion planting strategies in Companion Planting Guide.
Essential pollinator garden features
Diverse bloom succession
- Early bloomers: spring bulbs, wildflowers
- Mid-season: summer perennials, herbs
- Late bloomers: asters, goldenrod, sedum
- Plan for something flowering April through October
Water sources that work
- Shallow dishes with landing stones
- Dripping water features for sound attraction
- Mud puddles for butterfly minerals
- Avoid deep water that poses drowning risk
Shelter and nesting sites
- Native bunch grasses for overwintering beneficial insects
- Hollow stems left standing through winter
- Small brush piles in garden corners
- Native trees and shrubs for nesting sites
Quick pollinator pit stop design (6×8 ft bed)
Back row (tallest)
- 3× Joe Pye weed or New England aster (4-6 feet)
- 2× ornamental grasses for winter structure
Middle row
- 5× Purple coneflower staggered placement
- 3× Bee balm clustered for impact
- 4× Black-eyed Susan drifted naturally
Front edge
- 7× Zinnia ‘Zahara’ series for continuous color
- 5× Salvia ‘Victoria’ series for reliable blue spikes
- Shallow water dish on flat stone
Accent throughout
- 3-5× Verbena bonariensis threaded between plants
- Native sedge grass or little bluestem in corners
Water feature that pollinators actually use
Simple bee and butterfly water station
- Wide, shallow ceramic dish (12-15 inch diameter)
- Fill with water and add flat stones for landing pads
- Place in partial shade to slow evaporation
- Refresh every 2-3 days, scrub weekly to prevent mosquitos
Upgrade options
- Solar fountain for movement and sound
- Graduated stone depths for different species
- Native plants like cardinal flower nearby for integrated design
Regional bloom calendar for late summer
Northeast and Midwest
- August: Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Monarda, goldenrod
- September: New England aster, ironweed, Joe Pye weed
- October: Late goldenrod, sedum, fall-blooming crocus
Southeast
- August: Pentas, lantana, salvia, native milkweed
- September: Asters, goldenrod, beautyberry
- October: Sedum, fall-blooming anemone
West Coast
- August: California native sunflowers, salvias, pentas
- September: Asters, coreopsis, native grasses
- October: Late-blooming manzanita, toyon berries
Southwest
- August: Desert willow, fairy duster, autumn sage
- September: Fall-blooming prickly pear, desert marigold
- October: Ghost plant blooms, late desert broom
Avoid these pollinator garden mistakes
Pesticide use
- Skip systemic insecticides that persist in plant tissues
- Avoid “bee-friendly” plants treated with neonicotinoids
- Use organic pest control methods when needed
Wrong plant timing
- Don’t rely only on spring bloomers
- Avoid plants that finish flowering by July
- Include late-season blooms when pollinators are desperate
Garden design errors
- Single species plantings offer limited resources
- Tiny scattered plantings are hard for pollinators to find
- Forgetting water and shelter elements
Maintenance for maximum pollinator support
Weekly during bloom season
- Deadhead selectively—leave some seed heads for birds
- Refill water sources, clean algae buildup
- Monitor for pest issues, use targeted organic solutions
Monthly
- Allow some plants to go to seed for food sources
- Divide overcrowded perennials in fall
- Add new late-season bloomers to extend season
Seasonal
- Leave stems standing through winter for beneficial insect habitat
- Plant new species to fill bloom gaps you’ve noticed
- Record bloom times to improve next year’s succession
See your pollinator garden design first
Upload a photo of your potential pollinator space to Gardenly and get an instant pollinator garden design. Preview plant combinations, check bloom succession, and get a region-specific shopping list with guaranteed late-summer nectar sources. Get Gardenly to help you create a pollinator paradise that supports local wildlife while beautifying your space.
Budget for a thriving pollinator garden (8×10 ft)
| Item | Quantity | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native perennials | 12-15 plants | $120-$225 | 1-gallon sizes establish well |
| Annual color plants | 8-10 plants | $24-$40 | Zinnias, salvias for instant nectar |
| Water feature supplies | 1 set | $25-$45 | Dish, stones, solar fountain optional |
| Mulch and soil prep | 3-4 cubic yards | $45-$80 | Compost and shredded bark |
| Total | $214-$390 | Multi-year investment |
Plant spacing for pollinator success
| Plant Type | Spacing | Mature Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple coneflower | 18-24” | 2-3’ tall | Clumps provide impact |
| Black-eyed Susan | 18-24” | 2-3’ tall | Spreads naturally |
| Bee balm | 18-24” | 3-4’ tall | Can be aggressive spreader |
| Zinnia annuals | 12-18” | 1-2’ tall | Mass for continuous bloom |
| Joe Pye weed | 36-48” | 4-6’ tall | Needs room to develop |
| Native grasses | 24-36” | 2-4’ tall | Provides structure, shelter |
Create pollinator corridors
Connect isolated gardens
- Plant pollinator strips between garden beds
- Include native plants in front yard designs
- Coordinate with neighbors for larger habitat areas
- Use containers on patios and balconies for apartment gardening
Work with existing landscape
- Add native understory plants beneath trees
- Convert lawn edges to pollinator strips
- Include bee-friendly plants in vegetable garden borders
- Plant native species in rain garden designs
Seasonal maintenance calendar
August setup
- Plant heat-tolerant annuals for immediate nectar
- Install water features before peak summer stress
- Mulch around new plantings to conserve moisture
September expansion
- Add fall-blooming perennials like asters and goldenrod
- Plant spring bulbs for early-season pollinator food
- Collect seeds from successful plants for next year
October-November wind-down
- Leave seed heads standing for winter bird food
- Cut back only diseased or problem plants
- Plan next year’s additions based on pollinator activity
Winter planning
- Research native plants for your region
- Order seeds and plants for spring installation
- Document which plants attracted the most pollinators
Pollinator ID guide for your garden
Common bee visitors
- Honeybees: social, medium-sized, carry pollen in leg baskets
- Bumblebees: large, fuzzy, excellent native plant pollinators
- Mason bees: solitary, metallic sheen, very efficient pollinators
- Sweat bees: small, metallic green/blue, attracted to perspiration
Butterfly regulars
- Monarchs: orange and black, prefer milkweed and asters
- Swallowtails: large, colorful, love zinnias and bee balm
- Skippers: small, darting flight, feed on grass flowers
- Painted ladies: orange/brown markings, generalist feeders
Transform your yard into a pollinator haven
A well-planned pollinator garden provides essential resources during the late-summer nectar dearth while creating months of colorful blooms. Focus on native plants, provide water and shelter, and avoid pesticides to create a true refuge for beneficial insects.
Ready to build your pollinator pit stop? Upload your space to Gardenly and get an instant pollinator garden design with region-specific plant recommendations and bloom succession planning. Support local pollinators while creating a stunning late-summer display.
Further reading
- Native plant databases: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Pollinator research: Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation
Ready to create a pollinator paradise that blooms when it matters most? Design your pollinator pit stop with Gardenly and get region-specific plants that support local wildlife.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant a pollinator garden?
Fall is ideal for perennials, giving roots time to establish before summer stress. Spring works too, but requires more watering the first year.
How big does a pollinator garden need to be?
Even a 4×4 foot space can support pollinators. Focus on diverse plant types rather than large size.
Do I need only native plants?
Native plants are best, but some non-natives like zinnias and salvia provide excellent nectar and integrate well with natives.
How can I avoid attracting unwanted insects?
Diverse pollinator gardens naturally support beneficial predator insects that control pest populations. Avoid pesticides that disrupt this balance.
What about allergies to bee stings?
Bees are generally docile when focused on feeding. Plant gardens away from high-traffic areas and avoid disturbing foraging bees.
Can I create a pollinator garden in containers?
Yes! Use large containers (20+ gallons) and focus on compact native plants and nectar-rich annuals.
Quick planning checklist
- Choose site with 6+ hours sunlight daily
- Include plants that bloom in succession April-October
- Add shallow water source with landing areas
- Avoid pesticides and treated nursery plants
- Leave stems standing through winter for beneficial insects
- Start small and expand based on pollinator activity
- Use Gardenly to plan plant combinations and timing
Create a pollinator haven that supports wildlife and beautifies your space—preview your design with Gardenly first.