I am working on a rudimentary layout of an apothecary and pollinator garden I'm planning for next spring. I'm choosing plants that I know I enjoy working with when making tinctures, salves, and teas, but also plants that I know will be a good resource for our honey bees and the native pollinators. I'm also choosing plants that will not escape or threaten any of the native flora around us.

On the list so far:
Perennials:
Echinacea
Sage
Thyme
Rosemary
Lavender
Goldenrod
Monarda
Hyssop
Motherwort
Valerian
Skullcap
Marshmallow
Spilanthes
Aster
Red Clover

Annuals:
Chamomile
Calendula
Holy Basil
Sunflower
Buckwheat
Borage

The open areas will be mulched with local wood chips and the fence will be made of T-posts and chicken wire - just enough of a barrier to keep deer from entering.

One really important aspect of this project is to give our honey bees something to forage when other resources are dismal. It will also be a place of beauty we can sit and enjoy observing the pollinators and flowers working together.

#garden #gardening #pollinators #flowers #honeybees #beekeeping #beekeeper #bloomscrolling