LIVING IN THE DUNES A HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO POLLINATOR GARDEN LANDSCAPING IN INDIANA’S COASTAL COMMUNITIES

VOLUME 2 Acknowledgments This project would not have been possible without our supportive staff, expert advisory committee, skilled project team, and generous funding partners. Save the Dunes greatly appreciates those who dedicated their time, knowledge and energy to complete this guide. Advisory Committee Name Affiliation Karl Ackermann Wild Ones - Gibson Woods Chapter Eric Bird Shirley Heinze Land Trust Laura Henderson Naturalist/Member - Indiana Native Society Susan Kirt Susan Kirt Photography and Chicago State University Brianne Lowe USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service Laura Milkert The Field Museum Joel Perez-Castaneda The Nature Conservancy Desi Robertson-Thompson, Ph.D. Indiana Dunes National Park Steve Sass Indiana Nature LLC Ron Trigg Naturalist/Photographer

Project Team Name Affiliation Victoria Wittig, Ph.D. Save the Dunes (Project Lead) Gina Altieri Phenix7 Mktg, Inc. Joel Baldin Hitchcock Design Group Kate Bulin Hitchcock Design Group Nathanael Pilla Orbis Environmental Consulting Barbara Spies Labus Artist/Illustrator Betsy Serdar Phenix7 Mktg, Inc.

This publication was made possible by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Coastal Program. Matching support was generously provided by BP, the McDougal Family Foundation, NIPSCO and the Unity Foundation. Printing and outreach support was provided in part by a grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

2 Printed on Recycled Paper. Photo © Susan Kirt Introduction “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of

Save the Dunes has long been a champion for defending, protecting and celebrating the rich diversity of life, or biodiversity, found in the Indiana dunes. This Guide endeavors to empower residents of the Indiana coastal region with tools and inspiration to transform home gardens with beautiful native plants that support an incredible diversity of native pollinators.

Moving south from the sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, successional changes take shape through marram grass-covered coastal dunes that soon give way to towering woodland-covered dunes and a myriad of wetlands. Dune and swale remnants outline the historic Lake Michigan shoreline, while rare savannas, riparian woodlands and sun-filled prairies form a mosaic across the region. Each ecosystem boasts an impressive assemblage of plants and wildlife that collectively support one of the most biodiverse regions in the country – the Indiana Dunes – significance embodied by the Indiana Dunes National Park, the Indiana Dunes State Park, countless nature preserves and conservation organizations like Save the Dunes that are working to preserve and protect these areas in perpetuity.

Pollinators are hard-working creatures that enable flowering plants to complete their life-cycle in a rhythmic symbiosis that evolved through the ages. In this way, native pollinators are an intricate, irreplaceable member of the region’s ecosystems. Habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and chemical pesticides are driving alarming declines in pollinator populations worldwide – including right here at home. Owing to its natural biodiversity, a garden in the Indiana coastal region has nearly endless possibilities for helping pollinators not only survive - but thrive - when they feature native plants linked to pollinator life cycles. A native gardening approach transforms gardeners into powerful protectors of native plants and their pollinators by increasing ecosystem connectivity across the region’s fragmented landscape and building plant and pollinator populations resilient to climate change impacts and other stresses.

This Guide provides rich content on six ecosystems, seven groups of pollinators and dozens of native plants found throughout the region. It builds on this information by offering six ecosystem-themed template garden designs suitable for regional landscaping. Gorgeous illustrations of seasonal changes in a pollinator garden will fill any gardener with inspiration for the possibilities that await. Stunning photographs showcase the majesty of each and their close associations. Finally, cultivated resources provide the tools and information needed to develop, maintain and enjoy the bounties of your native pollinator garden for years to come. 1 Lake Michigan LAKE COUNTY PORTER COUNTY

© Nathanael Pilla © Susan Kirt Dune and Swale Dune and swale is a unique landscape Coastal Dunes feature formed thousands of years ago © Susan Kirt Coastal dunes occur between the shoreline during the retreat of glaciers and the of Lake Michigan and the older more subsequent retreat of the Lake Michigan established dunes further south. This coastline. It is characterized by alternating Prairie system is ever changing as the wind pushes low-dune ridges alternating with wetland Prairies are dominated by grasses and the dunes further away from the beach, swales. Several dune and swale remnants flowering plants with little to no tree cover. and new dunes form as sand is deposited are found in northern Lake County, Prairies once covered large areas of the from wave and wind activity of the lake. Indiana. Dune ridges are often black oak Midwest including areas of the Indiana The most actively moving dunes are often savanna systems, while swale wetlands coastal region. There are several distinct dominated by marram grass, a highly can be submergent and emergent types - sand prairies, tallgrass prairies, and rhizomatous grass species adapted to the wetlands. Depending on distance from mesic prairies - characterized by soil type disturbance of the shifting sands. These the lake, swales may be wet year-round or and moisture regimes. Prairie plants thrive grasses form some stability that allows ephemeral wetlands with high water levels in full sun, have deep roots, and support a other plants to find a place to establish in the spring and fall and low water in the large number of pollinators. Intermittent, themselves. These other plants include summer. Plant communities found here prescribed fire management prevents milkweeds, flowering spurge, sand cress, are fire-adapted and depend on regular encroachment by woody plants. creeping juniper, St John’s wort, little disturbance to maintain open savannas bluestem, starry false Solomon’s seal, on dune ridges. Many of the same plants sand cherry, and goldenrods. found in savanna and wetland ecosystems 2 can be found here. Ecosystems of the Indiana Coastal Region An ecosystem is defined as all of the plants and wildlife that coexist in an area characterized by similar abiotic, or non-living environmental conditions. This includes annual and seasonal precipitation, temperatures, soil types and

s

g

n solar exposure. The Indiana coastal region boasts one of i

d

n u the most diverse assemblages of ecosystems in the United o r r u S States with coastal dunes, dune-and-swale remnants, n a ig h ic woodlands, wetlands, oak savannas, and prairies woven M ke across the landscape. La LA PORTE COUNTY

© Susan Kirt

© Susan Kirt Woodland Woodlands are dominated by trees that © Ron Trigg form high canopies and promote a Oak Savanna proliferation of shade-loving plants in Savannas are rare ecosystems that are the understory. Canopy gaps and edges Wetland part prairie and part woodland. Savannas enable partial-sun-loving plants to take Wetlands are often described by their are described by the dominant tree species root. Woodlands are further described by water depth, acidity and associated plant that occur, even though the trees never the type of trees that dominate the canopy. species. There is a great diversity of form a complete canopy cover. Black oak In the Indiana coastal region, black oak wetland types in the Indiana coastal region. savannas are the most prominent in the woodlands dominate mature dune systems Interdunal wetlands are connected to the Indiana coastal region. Large-crowned, further inland from the shoreline. Some water levels of Lake Michigan; riparian open-grown black dot the savanna black oak woodlands are thought to be wetlands are in floodplains associated landscape and are interspersed with savannas that transitioned to woodlands with streams and rivers; fens are wetlands swaths of sunny areas. This solar exposure due to a lack of fire disturbance which that have a high pH; bogs are wetlands is maintained through the regular fire allowed trees to mature and fill in canopy with a low pH; sedge meadows are disturbance that prevents open areas gaps. Woodlands dominated by a variety shallow wetlands dominated by sedges; from becoming overgrown with trees and of oaks, hickories, maples, and beeches swamps are wetlands with trees. More shrubs. Historically this was a disturbance also occur in ravines and other low wet generally, wetland plant communities can regime maintained by indigenous people. areas throughout the region. Understory be divided into submergent (underwater Now, land managers replicate this plants tend to be shade-loving with an plants in deep water) and emergent plant disturbance in spring and fall seasons abundance of spring ephemerals that communities (plants that grow above the with the application of prescribed fires. bloom early in the year before the trees water line). While some wetlands contain The wet, dry, sunny, and shady habitat have leafed out. Ferns, trilliums, violets, water year-round, ephemeral wetlands found throughout savanna systems allows bloodroot, wild ginger, hepatica, and tend to be wet in the spring and/or fall and for a great amount of plant diversity. other flowering spring ephemeral plants dry in the summer. Wetlands support an Characteristic plants of savanna systems provide an important source of nectar for astonishing diversity of plants and , include sundial lupine, tickseed, blazing early-emerging pollinator species that may help prevent flooding, and store large stars, asters, goldenrods, indigo, and more. reproduce and/or hibernate in the trees quantities of carbon, thereby mitigating A variety of grasses, both sun- and shade- and shrubs of the woodland ecosystems. climate change. loving, also dominate the herbaceous layer of savannas and provide much of the fuel needed for regular fire disturbance. 3 Native Pollinators Introducing seven groups of native pollinators: bees, butterflies, , birds, beetles, flies, and wasps. In addition to ensuring native plants complete their life cycles - their fascinating ecology, diversity, host plant requirements, floral associations and more are sure to captivate the native gardener.

Andrena species © Susan Kirt Mining Bees • Sociality & diversity: Solitary; ~30 species in Northwest Indiana (NWI) • Active period: One of earliest bees to emerge in spring • Nesting habits: Ground nesting bee • Floral preferences: Many species are floral specialists On upper part of hind legs an • Pollen collection: lab Ba © John

Bombus species Bumble Bees European Honey Bee • Sociality & diversity: Colony forming; 6 species in NWI • Active period: Early spring-October; Queens require European honey bees (Apis mellifera) have received early blooming a lot of attention due to significant declines from • Nesting habits: Colonies nest in ground and litter; colony-collapse disorder. This species is not queen overwinters underground however native to North America; it was imported • Floral preferences: Floral generalists from Europe for large-scale agriculture and irt n K • Pollen collection: On hind legs honey production. While these honey bees have © Susa become naturalized in some places (i.e. they have established populations within natural settings), Halictidae family in actuality they are more akin to agricultural

livestock managed by humans for crop production. BUTTERFLIES Sweat Bees European honey bees can provide important • Sociality & diversity: Solitary; ~70 species in NWI pollination services for agricultural crops, but • Active period: April-October; varies among species their role in pollination is far less important than Ground nesting bee; often nests near BEES • Nesting habits: that of local, native pollinators. Native bees do other sweat bees not just supplement honey bee pollination within • Floral preferences: Most species are floral generalists agricultural landscapes, they provide significantly • Pollen collection: On hind legs greater pollination efficiency in natural areas. irt n K © Susa Increasingly, evidence shows that a large presence of European honey bees can overwhelm local Megachile species pollinators, including native bees, by consuming Leafcutter Bees pollen resources in high quantities. This depletes available pollen for and reproductive success • Sociality & diversity: Solitary; ~12 species in NWI of native species. Honey bees do not share the • Active period: May-October mutualistic pollinator-plant relationships our native • Nesting habits: Hollow cavities of stems and logs; cut pollinators have. This results in cascading impacts, to line nest including less successful pollination of native plants • Floral preferences: Some are aster specialists and more successful pollination of invasive species lla Pi • Pollen collection: Under abdomen el that are then able to continue their spread. As the ana © Nath number of hobby beekeepers grows, it is important to ensure there are sufficient habitat and plant resources available for native species, so they are Osmia species not unintentionally out-competed by populations Mason Bees of non-native honey bees. • Sociality & diversity: Solitary; 8 species in NWI, some species dark metallic blue-green The native bee groups and associated native plants • Active period: May-June featured in this guide showcase the wonderful • Nesting habits: Nests in hollow cavities of plant stems possibilities for supporting them so they may and logs; leaf tissue and mud to divide nest cells continue their important work pollinating plants in • Floral preferences: Some species are Penstemon specialists our natural areas. • Pollen collection: Under abdomen 4 Euphydryas phaeton © Susan Kirt Baltimore Checkerspot • Flight time: June-August • Habitat: Wetlands–bogs, fens and marshes; wet prairies • Life stages: 1 generation per year; caterpillars overwinter in rolled leaves • Caterpillar host plant: Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) • Floral preferences: Nectars on milkweeds and a variety of h elt y B other flowers © Jefffre

Limenitis artemis Red-Spotted Purple Monarch Butterfly • Flight time: April-October • Habitat: Woodlands and woodland edges Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) are one of the most • Life stages: ~2 generations per year; overwinters as recognizable and celebrated butterflies across caterpillars the nation. Their striking beauty, impressive long- • Caterpillar host plant: , poplars and birch trees distance migration—up to 3,000 miles spanning • Floral preferences: Nectars on white flowers; spoiled fruit three countries—and large winter gatherings in irt n K • Mimicry: Pipevine swallowtail mimic Mexico and California, coupled with their cultural © Susa connection for many people, make them icons of transformation and resilience. But monarch Papilio glaucus populations are plummeting—they have declined more than 80% in just two decades—largely due Eastern Tiger Swallowtail to habitat loss. Once widespread across North • Flight time: April-September America, milkweeds ( spp.) that provide • Habitat: Woodlands, prairies and wetlands critical food for monarch caterpillars and nectar-rich • Life stages: ~2 generations per year; overwinters in native plants that provide nourishment for adult chrysalis butterflies, have been replaced by monoculture • Caterpillar host plant: Trees such as tulip tree stands of crops treated with chemical pesticides (Liriodendron tulipifera), and black cherry (Prunus serotina) harmful to . Increased stress from climate- irt n K • Floral preferences: Nectars on a wide variety of flowers © Susa change-related events such as severe storms, droughts and wildfires make this untenable situation much worse. Papilio troilus BUTTERFLIES Spicebush Swallowtail Home gardens and green spaces in neighborhoods and communities can play an important role in • Flight time: April-October helping monarch populations to recover. Some • Habitat: Woodlands, savannas, prairies and wetlands butterflies are specialists – meaning they will only • Life stages: ~3 generations per year; overwinters in lay their eggs on specific “host plants” that provide chrysalis; late instar caterpillars are snake mimics food for their hungry caterpillars. The monarch is a • Caterpillar host plant: Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and wonderful example; it only lays eggs on milkweed, sassafras (Sassafras albidum) irt or Asclepias species. Caterpillars n K • Floral preferences: Nectars on a wide variety of flowers © Susa that eat milkweed obtain a chemical defense that persists in adult monarchs Speyeria cybele to ward off predators who Great Spangled Fritillary simply cannot stand the • Flight time: June-September taste! This strategy is so • Habitat: Woodlands, savannas, prairies and dunes effective that the viceroy • Life stages: 1 generation per year; overwinters as newly butterfly evolved similar h patterns and coloration elt hatched caterpillars y B Jefffre • Caterpillar host plant: Violets (Viola spp.) so predators will avoid it too. © • Floral preferences: Nectars on a wide variety of flowers Slightly smaller and with distinct lines across g rig the middle of the hindwings, viceroys are easily Ron T © mistaken for monarchs by even seasoned butterfly enthusiasts. Vanessa cardui You can join the effort to save the monarch Painted Lady butterfly by planting milkweed species such as • Flight time: April-November prairie, common or butterfly milkweed (Asclepias • Habitat: Woodland edges, savannas, prairies and dunes sullivantii, A. syriaca, A. tuberosa). You can go further • Life stages: Number of generations varies; migrates by creating high-quality pollinator habitat with the north from warmer climates native plants and practices featured in this guide. • Caterpillar host plant: Primary host plant are thistles To learn more about monarch conservation in the (Cirsium spp.) region, visit: www.Fieldmuseum.org/monarchs. g Trig • Floral preferences: Nectars on a wide variety of flowers © Ron 5 Ctencucha virginica © Susan Kirt Virginia Ctencucha • Flight time: May-July • Habitat: Prairies • Life stages: 2 generations per year; overwinters as caterpillars in leaf litter • Larval host: Sedges, grasses and iris species • Floral preferences: Nectars on many flowers like h elt y B goldenrods (Solidago spp.) © Jefffre

Eumorpha pandorus Pandora Sphinx Metamorphosis • Flight time: May-October • Habitat: Prairies Metamorphosis is one of the most • Life stages: Night-flying magnificent transformations in t ir nature. Performed by members K • Larval host: Grape (Vitis spp.) and Virginia creeper BEETLES an us (Parthenocissus spp.) of the order of – the © S • Plants associated: Nectars on campions (Silene spp.) and butterflies and moths – it features four h elt y B the eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. © Jefffre

Egg: Butterflies “oviposit” (lay) eggs Haematupis grataria on the surfaces of “host plants” Chickweed Geometer edible to their caterpillars. The eggs are small and depending • Flight time: May-October on species may be laid singly or • Habitat: Prairies in clusters. They are often found • Larval host: Low-growing plants like chickweeds and th protected from the elements on el B MOTHS smartweeds ey the underside of leaves. © Jefffr • Floral preferences: Nectar on goldenrods, milkweeds,

h it and Joe-Pye-weed m a S After about a week, a tiny, voraciously and Larva: © Am hungry “larva” or caterpillar, eats its way out of its egg and continues eating the host plant until Hemaris species nearly bursting. It then sheds its outer skin and resumes eating as Hummingbird Moths a new “instar.” Caterpillar species • Flight time: April-August vary in the number of instars, • Habitat: Prairies come in many colors and shapes, • Life stages: Caterpillars spin cocoons at the soil surface sometimes with armor, are often g • Larval host: Cherries, honeysuckles and others camouflaged to match their host ig Tr © Ron g • Floral preferences: Preference for bee balm ( plant, or mimic snakes to avoid being g ri T fistulosa) eaten by hungry birds! on R © • Mimicry: Hummingbird mimic Pupa: A caterpillar ready to

transform will search for a secure FLIES Hyles lineata place to attach before shedding White-lined Sphinx its final skin to reveal a jewel- h t l like chrysalis. Several weeks pass e • Flight time: March-November B y re before the caterpillar’s organs fff • Habitat: Dunes and prairies Je © • Life stages: Caterpillars pupate in soil for 2–3 weeks; transform into a butterfly. overwinters in soil • Larval host: Primrose and rose families Adult: As the butterfly emerges from • Floral preferences: Preference for bee balm its chrysalis, it unfurls its wings and h elt y B hangs from the chrysalis until its © Jefffre • Mimicry: Hummingbird mimic

wings are fully extended and dry. g

i

The butterfly then takes flight t

t i

W Archilochus colubris in search of flowers to drink ia r energy-rich nectar to find a mate. to ic Ruby-Throated Hummingbird V Fertilized females lay their eggs on ©

• Flight time: Active in the region from April-September host plants to begin the cycle anew. • Life stages: Overwinters in Mexico and Central America • Floral preferences: Tubular flowers; drawn to red/ Butterflies may have multiple generations each BIRDS orange flowers such as red columbine and cardinal ; year - each species is different. Some overwinter WASPS also nectars on bee balm as an egg, caterpillar, adult or like the monarch, • Coevolution: Flowers shapes and colors designed to attract migrate to warmer climates. irt n K hummingbirds © Susa 6 Chauliognathus pensylvanicus © Susan Kirt Goldenrod Soldier Beetle • Activity time: July-September • Habitat: Open habitats including old-fields and meadows • Life stages: Pupation occurs in spring when larva feeds on eggs of locusts, cucumber beetles, and other larvae

lla Pi • Floral preferences: Adults eat pollen of goldenrods el ana (Solidago spp.), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) and many others © Nath

Oncopeltus fasciatus Large Milkweed Bug Where Do Pollinators Live? • Activity time: June-October • Habitat: Open habitats with milkweed (Asclepias spp.) Pollinators live in different places depending on • Life stages: Like monarch caterpillars, they eat milkweed the stage of their life cycle and the time of year. Butterflies for example, live on host plants while BEETLES for chemical defenses that keep predators away • Larval host: Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) they are caterpillars, rely on stable structures to Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) transform inside a chrysalis and need sheltered an • Floral preferences: lab Ba spaces to survive as adults during periods of high © John wind, rain or severe storms. Adult butterflies can be found sheltering under leaves, using them Trichiotinus species like umbrellas in the rain! Winter presents many challenges for butterflies, which may weather the Hairy Flower Beetle season as an egg, caterpillar, chrysalis or adult. Eggs • Activity time: May-August and caterpillars need snug spaces in leaf litter near • Habitat: Prairies, woodlands, savannas host plants so that when they emerge in the spring • Larval food: Dead hardwood they have food ready and waiting. An overwintering • Floral preferences: Adults feed on pollen, transporting chrysalis is often formed under a sturdy branch or excess pollen on their hairy backs to the next flowerheir little under the awning of a house. Adult butterflies may hairy backs transporting it to the next flower overwinter in leaf litter or are camouflaged on the rt Ki usan • Mimicry: Bee mimic bark of trees. © S Native bees have wonderfully complex lives; the Helophilus species majority are solitary while a few species live in colonies. In fact, 90% of native bees are solitary, Hoverfly meaning that a single female builds her own nest, • Activity time: April-October lays eggs, and feeds her own young. About 70% of • Habitat: Wetlands solitary bees nest underground, excavating vast • Life stages: Eggs laid on vegetation overhanging water; tunnel systems. The other 30% of solitary bees larvae falls into water where they feed on submerged nest above ground, in holes of old logs, crevices plant material between stones, or in the hollow or pithy stems of t ir K • Floral preferences: Adults nectar on asters () n flower stalks or shrubby branches. sa Su © • Mimicry: Common yellow jacket mimic Bumble bees are the only native example of the social colony lifestyle that includes a division of FLIES Bombylius major labor and cooperative care of young. Bumble bee colonies begin with a single queen female that Great Bee Fly mated near the end of the previous summer. • Flight time: March-June She overwinters in a sheltered spot a few inches • Habitat: Woodlands underground. In the early spring, she emerges, • Life stages: Bumble bee mimicry enables it to lay eggs builds her nest, and begins provisioning it with near wasp and bee nests; its larva parasitizes wasp and pollen, which she shapes into a ball. She lays her bee larvae; non-aggressive eggs on the pollen ball, and larvae hatch a few Tulip tree, black cherry and others an • Larval host: days later. They feed on the pollen ball, growing lab Ba • Mimicry: Bumble bee mimic © John and molting several times until they are ready to spin a silken cocoon in which they pupate for about two weeks. The first adult bees to emerge are all Sphex ichneumoneus female workers and forage to feed the developing Great Golden Digger Wasp larvae as the colony grows. The queen continues to lay eggs; some will become males, workers, and June-September • Flight time: some new queens. Toward the end of the summer, Open habitats including dunes and prairies • Habitat: the new queens and males mate. The old queen, Solitary species; nests in the ground • Life stages: workers, and males then die; only the new queens WASPS Milkweed (Asclepias spp.), • Floral preferences: survive to begin the next colony in the spring. If you rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), and others would like to learn more, Pollinators of Native Plants Preys on garden pests; non-aggressive; an • Beneficial insect: lab by Heather Holm provides exquisite details and Ba only stings if harassed © John information. 7 Seasonal Features of Pollinator Gardens

View of Shade Garden: Early blooming native flowers provide critical food for hungry pollinators emerging from hibernation, such as this queen bumblebee. Don’t be too quick to clean up leaves and stems. This tiny great spangled fritillary caterpillar has overwintered in the leaf litter to feed only on Spring the leaves of violets. Spring is a good time to divide and transplant your native plants.

View of Rain Garden and Partial Sun Garden: Fall-blooming native flowers provide critical nourishment for monarch butterflies on their annual migration south. This final brood of butterflies travels all the way to Mexico! Leave the leaves and hollow plant stems in your flower beds as shelter and Fall nesting sites for bees and other overwintering pollinators. 8 Native pollinator gardens change through the seasons in extraordinary ways. These illustrations showcase beautiful plantings that serve as food and shelter as pollinators move through their life cycles. Pollinator-friendly tips highlight activities to enjoy as your garden grows.

View of Sun Garden: Pollinators are in full swing during the summer. Sit back and enjoy the show as busy bees, beautiful butterflies, and other Summer pollinators visit your garden buffet of nectar and pollen. Observe the life cycle of the monarch butterfly on milkweed plants.

Swallowtail Chrysalid

Great Spangled Bumblebee Miner Bee Fritilary Larva Queen Pupae

View of Sun, Partial Sun, and Shade Gardens: Winter is a time of rest for gardeners and insects, but not for hungry birds! Dried standing seed heads leftover from the fall become food for birds. Enjoy the view of your snow-covered landscape knowing you have provided good habitat for the next Winter year’s pollinators. 9 Template Garden Designs As you use these garden designs to help you arrange your native plantings make sure to review each native plant’s ideal B: Shade Gardenconditions, height, and bloom season to help you chooseWoodland best plant for your landscape.

1: Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis 2: Dutchman’s Breeches, Dicentra cucullaria 3: Spotted Crane’s-bill, Geranium maculatum 4: Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica 5: Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis 6: Great White Trillium, Trillium grandi orum 7: Common Blue Violet, Viola sororia

4 4 3 4 2 3 3 2 1 2 4 3 7 3 4 1 4 7 1 7 5 4 5 1 Woodland 1 5 Example plant list for Shade Garden 2 2 6 1. Eastern red columbine, Aquilegia canadensis 2. Dutchman’s breeches, Dicentra cucullaria Understanding the Guide: 2 6 6 3. spotted crane’s-bill, Geranium maculatum The following garden template designs 4. Virginia bluebells, Mertensia virginica feature plant lists specific to one of the 3 7 5. bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis Undsix ecosystemserstan describedding on t pageshe G2 uide: 7 6. great white trillium, Trillium grandiflorum and 3. 3 7. common blue violet, Viola sororia The following diagrams have a plant Woodland - Shade Garden 3 7 5 Alternatives 5 white false indigo, Baptisia alba ecosystems Prairie - Sun Gardendescribed on pages 2 and 3: 5 purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea purple Joe-Pye weed, purpureum Wetland - Rain Garden false sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides DuneWoodland & Swale - Sloped- Shade Garden Garden cardinal flower, cardinalis black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta OakPrairie Savanna - Sun- Partial Garden Sun Garden C: Sun Garden showy goldenrod, Solidago speciosa Coastal Dune - Buffer Wetland - Rain Garden 6

6 Dune & Swale - Sloped Garden 6 Prairie Oak Savanna - Partial Sun Garden 7 Example plant list for Sun Garden 3 3 1. prairie milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii DuneCoastal - 7 2. white false indigo, Baptisia alba 5 5 3 3. lanceleaf tickseed, Coreopsis lanceolata 6 4 6 7 5 4. purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea 1 5. purple Joe-Pye weed, Eutrochium purpureum 6 4 6. dense blazing star, Liatris spicata 2 4 1 7. foxglove beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis 1 4 2 2 Alternatives 2 false sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides 4 cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis 2 obedient plant, Physostegia virginiana 1 1 black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta 7 7 showy goldenrod, Solidago speciosa 5 1 New England American aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis 3 5 5 3 3 common blue violet, Viola sororia 10

Prairie Plant List

1: Prairie Milkweed, Asclepias sullvantii 2: White False Indigo, Baptisia alba 3: Lanceleaf Tickseed, Coreopsis lanceolata 4: Purple Cone ower, Echinacea purpurea 5. Purple Joe-Pye Weed, Eutrochium purpureum 6: Dense Gayfeather, Liatrus spicata 7: Foxglove Beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis D: Rain Garden

1 1 5 3 3 5 4 4 3 4 4 4 2 2 1 5 1 5 5 2 1 6 1 5 6 6 6 6 1: Meadow Anemone, Anemone canadensis Dune and Swale2: Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis Example plant list for 3:a SundialSloped Lupine Garden, Lupinus perennis 4 4: Showy Goldenrod, Solidago speciosa 1. meadow anemone, Anemone5: Spiderwort canadensis, Tradescantia ohiensis 6: Common Blue Violet, Viola sororia 4 2. Eastern red columbine, Aquilegia canadensis 4 3. sundial lupine, Lupinus perennis 2 6 4 4. showy goldenrod, Solidago speciosa 2 5. spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis 3 3 3 1 4 6. common blue violet, Viola sororia 1 1 3 6 3 1: Purple Joe-Pye Weed, Eutrochium purpureum 3 1 1 2 2: False Sun ower, Heliopsis helianthoides Alternatives 6 5 3: Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis 5 1 greaterDune fringed and Swale gentian, Plant List Gentianopsis crinita 4: Wild Bergamot, Monarda stulosa false sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides 5: Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta var. hirta 1 Coastal Dune Plant List 5 5 cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis 6: Showy Goldenrod, Solidago speciosa Wetland F: Bu er 5 1: Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis 1 Example plant list for a Rain Garden foxglove beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis 2: Meadow Anemone, Anemone canadensis 1 obedient plant, Physostegia virginiana 3: Purple Coneower, Echinacea purpurea Chelone glabra 1 1 1 1. white turtlehead, New England American aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 4: False Sunower, Heliopsis helianthoides 2. greater fringed gentian, Gentianopsis crinita 5: Sundial Lupine, Lupinus perennis Black Oak Savanna Plant List 6: Common Blue Violet, Viola sororia Wetland Plant List 3. cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis 4. bee balm, 1: White Turtlehead, Chelone glabra 2: Greater Fringed Gentian,5. obedientGentianopsis plant, crinite Physostegia virginiana 3: Cardinal Flower, Lobelia6. cardinalisNew England American aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 4: Bee Balm, Monarda stulosa A: Partial Sun Garden 5: Obedient Plant, Physostegia Alternativesvirginiana 6: New England American Aster meadow, Symphyotrichum anemone, Anemone canadensis 5 novaeangliae Eastern red columbine, Aquilegia canadensis 5 3 false sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides 5 dense blazing star, Liatris spicata 3 3 foxglove beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis 5 common blue violet, viola sororia 5 6 4 6 5 4 4 4 6 5 4 6 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 6 6 2 5 1 3 3 3 4 2 4 6 1 1 6 6 1 5 4 1

1 5 2 4 Oak Savanna 1 3 5 Example plant list for Partial Sun Garden 2 3 1. purple Joe-Pye weed, Eutrochium purpureum 3 2. false sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides 2 3. cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis 4. bee balm, Monarda fistulosa 5. black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta 6. showy goldenrod, Solidago speciosa Coastal Dunes Alternatives Example plant list for a Buffer meadow anemone, Anemone canadensis 1. meadow anemone, Anemone canadensis lanceleaf tickseed, Coreopsis lanceolata 2. Eastern red columbine, Aquilegia canadensis spotted crane's-bill, Geranium maculatum 3. purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea sundial lupine, Lupinus perennis 4. false sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis 5. sundial lupine, Lupinus perennis common blue violet, Viola sororia 6. common blue violet, Viola sororia 11 Native Plants for Native Pollinators The following native plants support native pollinators. They are listed according to bloom time to enable gardeners to select plants that will provide pollen and nectar for pollinators that are active from early spring through late fall.

Dicentra cucullaria © Victoria Wittig Dutchman's-Breeches Ecosystem: Woodland Pollinator host plant: Moths Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, flies Tips: Compliment’s sister species, bleeding hearts, and native squirrel corn; loamy, rich soil; goes dormant in summer - plant within garden bed instead of borders

g Trig © Susan Kirt © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D

Mertensia virginica Virginia Bluebells What is Pollination? Ecosystem: Woodland Pollinated by: Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, Over the ages, flowering plants - the moths, flies angiosperms - developed sophisticated Tips: Shade tolerant; rich soil; deer resistant strategies to attract pollinators to move pollen, containing the male genetic material, to the carpel, the female

gg reproductive portion of the flower to Tri © John Balaban © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D ignite fertilization and produce fruits and seeds that ensure their future Sanguinaria canadensis generations. Their strategies not only attract pollinators, they attract us to Bloodroot glorious floral displays, aromatic scents Ecosystem: Woodland and shapely expressions treasured in our Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, ants gardens. Plants increase the chance of Tips: Rich soil; shady location fertilization, resulting in seeds and fruits that ensure their next generation, when they work in harmony with pollinators.

g rig Native plants live in a symbiotic, give- on T Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D © Susan Kirt © R and-take, relationship with pollinators. For the plant, there is an increased Trillium grandiflorum chance of pollination; for the pollinators, Great White Trillium there is a source of nutritious food in the form of sweet nectar or protein-rich Ecosystem: Woodland pollen grains for their nourishment and Pollinated by: Bees, flies the nourishment of their young. Tips: Needs rich soil Related natives: Drooping trillium (Trillium flexipes), Why are native plant flowers so red trillium (Trillium erectum) important to our native pollinators? Often, pollinators are specialists, e ek Cs © John Balaban feeding on only one or a few closely- © Myra Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D related flower relatives. This includes some of our favorite pollinators, the Viola sororia bees. While some bees visit multiple Common Blue Violets plant species, others, like the distant Ecosystem: Coastal dunes, savannas, prairies, miner bee (Andrena distans), will only woodlands, wetlands, dune and swale feed on spotted crane’s bill (Geranium Host plant for: Fritillaries (Speyeria spp.) maculatum). Many native plant species Tips: Tolerant of disturbance have these specialist pollinators and Interesting feature: Viola spp. occur in purple, would be lost without them. white and yellow; shades vary ig To learn more visit: itt W ria © Susan Kirt © Victo Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ 12 Aquilegia canadensis © Susan Kirt Eastern Red Columbine Ecosystem: Woodland, wetland, dune and swale, coastal dunes Host plant for: Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius) Pollinated by: Bees, hummingbirds Tips: Many colors available in garden centers

g Trig © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D

Geranium maculatum Spotted Crane's-Bill Common Misconceptions Ecosystem: Woodland edges, savanna Host plant for: White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia For many people, the word “pollinator” leucostigma) is synonymous with bees, and the two Tips: Long-blooming flowers that grow in clumps; words most associated with bees are ideal for borders “honey” and “sting.” While it is true that many insect pollinators have defense g Trig © Susan Kirt mechanisms capable of rendering © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D painful stings, most are non-aggressive, many are docile, and others merely Lupinus perennis look intimidating. We can minimize Sundial Lupine our chances of having unpleasant interactions with insect pollinators by Ecosystem: Savanna, dune and swale, coastal dunes learning more about them. Most bees Host plant for: Karner Blue Butterfly Lycaeides( melissa samuelis) and wasps are non-aggressive, but they will defend themselves and their colonies Pollinated by: Bees, wasps, butterflies, flies if provoked. The rule of thumb is: if in Interesting feature: Fixes nitrogen; increases soil doubt, stay away and call an expert. fertility g Trig © Susan Kirt A recurring trait among many bees and © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D wasps is the black-orange/yellow-black color pattern. Entomologists believe Coreopsis lanceolata that this is a warning coloration or Lanceleaf Tickseed “aposematism” meant to alert predators Ecosystem: Prairie, savanna of a potentially painful interaction. Host plant for: Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) Amazingly, many other unrelated, Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, beetles, wasps, ants completely harmless insects such as Related natives: Prairie coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata), great bee flies (Bombyliidae), hairy flower tall coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris) beetles (Syrphidae), and exquisite moths have developed similar colorations to fool would-be predators into thinking irt n K © Erin Bartels © Susa Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D that they are dangerous. Ecologists describe this as mimicry.

Baptisia alba Let’s also consider the purpose of an White False Indigo insect’s stinging mechanism. The stinger Ecosystem: Woodland, prairie, savanna itself is a modified segment of the Host plant for: Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis abdomen that contains venom. Both baptisiae) bees and wasps use their stingers as Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, flies a means of defending themselves or Related natives: false blue indigo (B. australis), their colonies, only used in desperate yellow indigo (B. tinctoria) situations. Wasp stingers also have s bu an offensive purpose. Wasps play an La © Ron Trigg © Barb Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D important role in ecology as predators and parasitoids of other insects, many of which are garden and agricultural Anemone canadensis pests. Some dunes-area wasps such as Meadow Anemone the great golden digger wasps (Sphex Ecosystem: Savanna, wetland, dune and swale, coastal ichneumoneus), are also pollinators. dunes Pollinated by: Bees, flies, beetles By better understanding these beneficial Tips: Divide plant in fall; ideal for borders and corners insects and their roles in the ecosystem, Related natives: Wood anemone (Anemone not only can we coexist with them, quinquefolia), eastern tall anemone (Anemone virginiana) but we can also take advantage of the ig itt W ecosystem services they provide. ria © John Balaban © Victo Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D 13 Tradescantia ohiensis © Heather Holm Spiderwort Ecosystem: Prairie, savanna, dune and swale Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, flies Interesting feature: Long, narrow leaves with angular arrangement resemble crouching spiders; flowers open in the morning

g Trig © Susan Kirt © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D

Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beardtongue Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Ecosystem: Prairie, wetland, dune and swale Pollinated by: Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, Once common across its range in over moths, flies, wasps, beetles 31 states and provinces, in 2017 the Similar natives: Long-sepaled beardtongue rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus (Penstemon calycosus) affinis) became the first bumble bee to Interesting feature: Flower ideal for bees be listed as endangered by the United g Trig © John Balaban States Fish and Wildlife Service. Loss of © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D habitat, disease, pesticides, and climate change have led to a 90% decline in the Asclepias sullvanii population. Prairie Milkweed The rusty patched bumble bee begins Ecosystem: Prairie; other Asclepias spp. found in every ecosystem each season in the woods, where the solitary queen emerges from Host plant for: Monarch (Danaus plexippus) overwintering cavities and forages on Related species: Swamp, common & butterfly early wildflowers and blooming trees. In milkweed late spring, the queen moves into open meadows and prairie areas to create a g Trig © Victoria Wittig © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D colony underground. The hive persists through the summer by drawing on the nectar and pollen available from local, Echinacea purpurea preferably nutrient-rich native flowers. Purple Coneflower New queens are produced at the end of Ecosystem: Woodland, prairie, coastal dunes the season, when they leave the colony, Host plant for: Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) mate, and then head into hibernation in Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, wooded areas for the winter. moths Help conserve the rusty patched bumble bee by planting native vegetation,

g including early blooming shrubs, Trig © Victoria Wittig © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D reducing tillage and soil disturbance, and keeping brushy, unmown areas available Liatris spicata for nest construction. To avoid poisoning these sensitive pollinators, minimize Dense Blazing Star pesticide usage whenever possible. In Ecosystem: Wetland, prairie the spring, reduce mulch layers over Host Plant for: Glorious Flower Moth ( gloriosa) garden soil to provide access to the soil Related species: Prairie blazing star, rough blazing star nesting sites. Tips: Increases the number of flower shoots each year; can divide and share The dunes region recently

ig suffered the loss of a itt W ria © Susan Kirt butterfly, the Karner Victo Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D © blue from habitat loss

h lt and climate change. e B ey Physostegia virginiana We hope this guide fffr © Je Obedient Plant provides the inspiration and encouragement needed Ecosystem: Prairie, wetland, dune and swale to sustain dwindling rusty patched Pollinated by: Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, bumble bee populations so we don’t end beetles up losing them too. Interesting feature: Bees take late afternoon naps inside the tubular flowers To learn more visit: www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/ g Trig © Susan Kirt © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D insects/rpbb/ 14 Rudbeckia hirta © Susan Kirt Black-Eyed Susan Ecosystem: Prairie, woodland, savanna Host plant for: Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, beetles Similar natives: Yellow coneflower Ratibida( pinnata), brown-eyed Susan (Coreopsis triloba)

ig itt W ria © Ron Trigg © Victo Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D

Eutrochium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye Weed Fireflies Ecosystem: Prairie, woodland, savanna Host plant for: Moths - clymene, Carmenta In our region, a signature summertime bassiformis, Eupithecia miserulata experience definitely includes the Pollinated by: Bees, magical flashing of fireflies. It also Tips: Spreads vigorously unless seed heads are cut beckons one to remember a childhood filled with laughter while chasing brief g Trig © Ron Trigg flashes of light through the yard to © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D showcase prized fireflies in a jar before releasing them back to the summer Lobelia cardinalis breeze. Also known as “lightning bugs,” Cardinal Flower fireflies are neither flies nor bugs, they are beetles in the Lampyridae family. Their Ecosystem: Coastal dunes, prairies, woodland, savanna, wetlands, dune and swale flashing light show is a summertime courtship display, designed to dazzle and Pollinated by: Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies attract a mate. Related species: Great Blue Lobelia () For most of the past century, scientists Tips: Keep roots a little wet, especially during droughts believed that adult fireflies were only g Trig © Susan Kirt © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D interested in romance and had no need for nourishment. Evidence is now accumulating that fireflies are drinking Monarda fistulosa nectar from milkweed flowers - possibly Bee Balm to gain protection from the same Ecosystem: Savanna, wetland savanna, wetlands, chemical defenses that monarchs enjoy dune and swale when their caterpillars eat milkweed Host plant for: Hermit Sphinx ( eremitus), leaves. There is increasing Orange Mint Moth ( orphisalis) evidence that when Pollinated by: Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, nectaring on milkweed moths, flies, wasps, beetles flowers, fireflies are

g also pollinating them! Trig © Susan Kirt © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D Although this is new t ir science with many K an us Heliopsis helianthoides more discoveries yet © S to be made, fireflies are a False Sunflower welcome addition to the pantheon of Ecosystem: Prairie, woodland, savanna, wetland, milkweed-associated pollinators. This dune and swale, coastal dunes precious milkweed connection may also Host plant for: Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) help reverse the alarming declines in Tips: Spreads; grows up to 5’ tall; abundant display of firefly populations; efforts to protect the daisy-like yellow flowers monarch butterfly by planting milkweed

ig species will also protect fireflies. itt W ria © Victoria Wittig Victo Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D © Like all pollinators, fireflies are vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change, but Solidago speciosa they seem to be particularly sensitive Showy Goldenrod to chemical pesticides. If your garden is rich in native plants and protected from Ecosystem: Prairie, woodland, savanna chemical pesticides, fireflies will reward Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, wasps you with one of nature’s most charming Related species: Many Solidago species summertime light-shows sure to create Interesting feature: Pollinator magnet lasting memories and a new generation of admirers. Learn more about the magic and science of fireflies from the Xerces g Trig © Ron Trigg © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D Society, visit: www.xerces.org. 15 Chelone glabra White Turtlehead Garden Maintenance: Ecosystem: Wetland Host plant for: Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas Pesticide: phaeton) Pesticides are deadly to pollinators Pollinated by: Long-tongued bees and are strongly discouraged in native Tips: Needs moist soils to thrive plantings. Mechanical weed removal is encouraged and is easier if timed shortly g Trig © Ron Trigg © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D after the rain. Plant Spread: Gentianopsis crinita Divide plants in the spring or fall; choose Greater Fringed Gentian areas with ample space for spreading Ecosystem: Wetland, dune and swale species to serve as color-beacons for Similar Natives: Bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) pollinators. Interesting Feature: Flower shape ideal for bumble bee bodies Spring Clean Up: Tips: Flowers form clumps of oblong balloon shapes at Wait until temperatures are consistently the end of stems; varieties in pink and white. above 50º (F) to protect pollinators that g Trig © Josh Fecteau © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D haven’t emerged from hibernation in plant stems, leaf litter and soil.

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Fall Clean Up: New England American Aster Leave the leaves to provide essential Ecosystem: Prairie, wetland, dune and swale habitat for pollinators that overwinter Host plant for: Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) in leaf litter. Standing flower stalks are Similar Natives: Heart-leaved aster (Symphyotrichum nesting sites for bees; seed heads are cordifolium), smooth aster (S. laeve), swamp aster food for birds. (S. puniceum)

g Trig © Susan Kirt © Ron Bloom Time J F M A M J J A S O N D

Sassafras albidum Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Pollinators Sassafras Woody perennials are host plants, food sources and shelter for Bloom time: Spring Host plant for: s s pollinators. Timing is everything! Spring blooms support early- a S Spicebush Swallowtail ve emerging pollinators; fall blooms offer food late in the year. © Ste Amelanchier arborea Hamamelis virginiana Cephalanthus occidentalis Downy Serviceberry Witch-hazel Buttonbush Bloom time: Spring Bloom time: Fall Bloom time: Spring Host plant for: Viceroy, Important late pollen and nectar Host plant for: Titan Sphinx h lt s t e s ir B Red-spotted Purple a source for bees K ( titan), Hydrangea Sphinx y S re ve an © Jefff © Ste © Sus (Darapsa versicolor)

Asimina triloba Liriodendron tulipifera Hypericum kalmianum Pawpaw Tuliptree St. John's Wort Bloom time: Spring Bloom time: Spring Bloom time: Summer Host plant for: Host plant for: Tiger Swallowtail Host plant for: h t lt ir e g K Zebra Swallowtail B g Gray Half-Spot Moth y ri an re T © Sus © Jefff © Ron

Cornus florida Prunus serotina Lindera benzoin Flowering Dogwood Black Cherry Northern Spicebush Bloom time: Spring Bloom time: Spring Bloom time: Spring Host plant for: Host plant for: Tiger Swallowtail, Host plant for: h lt t t e ir ir B Spring Azure Butterfly K Red-spotted Purple, Summer Azure, K Spicebush Swallowtail y re an an © Jefff Related species: red-osier dogwood © Sus Coral Hairstreak © Sus

Cercis canadensis Quercus spp. Clematis virginiana

Redbud Oak Species Virgin's Bower Clematis

g g r Bloom time: Spring Bloom time: Spring r o Bloom time: Fall .

V Host plant for: Henry's Elfin, Host plant for: Hairstreaks and N Pollinator magnet; fragrant blooms G t t ir ir M K Io Moth, Redbud Leaffolder Beetle, K Duskywing Butterflies, Moths e, an an Fre © Sus Redbud Leafminer Beetle © Sus © M. 16 Soil Conditions: How to Start Your Pollinator Garden: Determine if the soil has good drainage or experiences ponding. Areas that easily saturate are great candidates for wetland-style Plant Preferences: rain gardens. Dry areas in full sun are ideal candidates for prairie- Familiarize yourself with the plants in this guide by their color and style sun gardens. Use compost to enrich nutrient-poor soil. bloom time. Do you need more flowers in the spring? If so, focus on spring blooming plants that have colors that speak to your Growing with Your Garden: gardening palette. You may enjoy the complementary nature of Exercise patience to learn how well the plants you’ve selected do purple asters and yellow goldenrods in the fall. You may want to in your garden. If the native plant is doing exceedingly well, you’ll incorporate every red flower you can find! Knowing what you like is likely need to divide it or thin it out during the spring or fall. If you important so that you enjoy your garden as it grows. like the spreading nature of your plant and have the space for it, then you can let it go. If it’s popping up in unexpected places, maybe Solar Exposure: you gently dig it up and trade with a friend for a plant you have had Assess your landscape to determine the length of direct sunshine your eye on. If there is a plant you do not like, it’s a good idea to or full shade in areas you would like to plant. Review optimal solar replace and/or remove it. Protecting your enjoyment of your space exposure times for plants you like. This will help you select plants will keep you coming back for more. suited for your spaces. Essential Features of Pollinator Gardens:

Pollinator gardens require four essential features for habitat; food, water, shelter, and a place to rear young. Providing all four of these elements will create habitat for the pollinators and they will be able to complete their life cycle in your garden. This will help ensure they return to your garden year after year

Food: A Place to Rear Young: To attract a wide variety of pollinators, have a variety of food To complete the pollinator’s life cycle and have them return to your sources available. This includes pollen and nectar sources from yard, the garden should provide a place for the pollinators to rear trees, shrubs, and forbs and host plants for caterpillars. To provide their young. The garden should be free of pesticides. There should a consistent source of pollen and nectar, feature plants that bloom be spots of bare ground in the yard where pollinators can burrow from early spring through late fall. to raise their young. Some pollinators will also use the stems of plants. Because many pollinators are specialists, they require a Water: host plant for their young to feed at certain stages of their life cycle A water source is important for pollinators and birds alike! -as demonstrated by the relationship between the monarch and Maintaining a clean birdbath is a great start. Pollinators also drink milkweeds (Asclepias spp.). water from rain puddles and morning dew. BONUS! Shelter: Providing a habitat with a great variety of plants will provide year- Shelter is required for resting and quiet areas are required for round interest for the gardener as well. This includes annual nesting. This can be near trees, shrubs, logs on the ground, and flowering plants that you can add in to provide pops of color, plants with varying heights and textures that are tucked away. interest and a consistent source of nourishment for pollinators throughout the growing season.

Recommended Reading: Native Plant Sales, Resources, and More: • Butterflies of Indiana: A Field Guide by Jeffrey Belth • Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas Tallamy Annual Native Plant Sales: Plant & Pollinator Resources: • The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative • Friends of Indiana Dunes - April • Fish and Wildlife Service (State and Federal) Plants by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard Schwartz • Wild Ones Gibson Woods Chapter - May • Natural Resource Conservation Service - USDA • Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts • Indiana Wildlife Federation - Seasonal • Pollinator Partnership in Your Yard by Douglas Tallamy • Openlands - Seasonal • Save Our Monarchs • Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm • Wild Ones • Xerces Society Garden Centers & Nurseries Living in the Dunes: that Stock Native Plants: • A Homeowner’s Guide to Landscaping in Native Garden Certification • Cardno Nursery - Walkerton, Indiana Indiana’s Dune Communities • Chesterton Feed and Garden - Chesterton, Indiana & Award Opportunities: • Volume 1 of Living in the Dunes features LIVINGA HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TOIN LANDSCAPING THE IN INDIANA'S DUNES DUNE COMMUNITIES • Native Plants Unlimited - Fishers, Indiana • Indiana Native Plant Society essential information on problematic • Naturally Native Plant Nursery - LaPorte, Indiana • Indiana and National Wildlife Federation invasive species, native plant • Possibility Place - Monee, Illinois • Monarch Watch identification, template garden designs, • Prairie Moon Nursery - Winona, Minnesota • Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s Bringing resources and more! Nature Home Award • Visit savedunes.org to download your copy of our Living in the Dunes Guides. 17 Cover Photo: © Susan Kirt

444 Barker Road • Michigan City, IN 46360 phone: 219-879-3564 • fax: 219-872-4875 www.savedunes.org

Summer 2021

Hitchcock Design Group • Phenix7 Mktg, Inc. • Orbis Environmental Consulting