Our free service includes a site visit, discussion, and advice
The Pollinator Garden Assistance and Recognition Program is a joint project with a network of Texas Master Naturalist and Native Plant Society (NPSOT) volunteers who educate local homeowners, groups, institutions, and organizations about the importance of native plants and habitat in our unique Hill Country environment. We help plan native pollinator gardens.
The program’s volunteers advise gardeners who wish to plant pollinator gardens which provide nectar and habitat for native pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths, insects, beetles, bats and hummingbirds.
Becoming a Pollinator Champion is not a requirement for our assistance. If you are just interested putting in a pollinator garden and feel a little overwhelmed, contact us and we will help you to identify your best course of action.
We discuss garden plans, recommend plants that will grow best on the site, provide advice and encouragement, and recognize and reward gardeners’ important contributions to pollinator conservation.
The Pollinator Garden Assistance and Recognition Program’s Pollinator Champion Team presents certificates of recognition to pollinator gardeners during Hill Country Chapter and NPSOT meetings.
Why: Loss of habitat and overuse of pesticides are detrimental to the nectar plants used by pollinators essential to our food sources and the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Who: The program is open to Hill Country residents with existing gardens as well as those establishing new gardens.
Where: Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter’s ten-county region: Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real, and San Saba counties.
We love to talk pollinators and native plants. Give us a buzz at [email protected]
Pollinator Champion Criteria
Pollinator gardens must meet minimum and select requirements to qualify for recognition.
Minimum Requirements (must meet all):
- Size of proposed garden: 100-5500 square feet. Size of existing garden: minimum 100 square feet.
- Flowering plants available to pollinators at least nine months of the year.
- Selective use of pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides in or around the pollinator garden to minimize environmental impact.
- Plant mix of no less than 75% native and no more than 25% non-native plants.
- Supplemental water source, such as birdbath, fountain, pollinator puddle, or small stream.
Suitable Pollinator Habitat
Additional Requirements (meet at least five):
- Bare ground area with no mulch or stone for native bees
- Crevices in walls
- Dry plant stems
- Low hanging limbs for resting spot
- Native bee houses
- Rock piles
- Snags (Standing dead or dying trees)
- Stacked logs
- Un-mown area for overwintering pollinators
Other considerations and recommendations:
- Contact 811 before digging to verify location of underground utilities.
- Deer proofing measures
- Wire fencing to exclude small animals.
- Verify planting plans with Homeowners Association if necessary.
- Talk to your friends and neighbors about your pollinator gardens.
Resources
This is a short list of pollinator-friendly native and adapted perennial plant species for the Hill Country.
Plants and Pollinators Lists
The Texas Hill Country is home to many native plants that bloom at various times of the year and support native pollinators.
Native Plant Nurseries
Area nurseries may offer native plants and seeds. Local organizations also hold seasonal native plant sales.
Books and websites are great resources for planning pollinator gardens.
