New Resources
The City of Fort Collins has added a pollinator/rain garden seed mix to the recommended native seed mixes. Additionally, signs for these seed mix areas or any pollinator garden area have been created in color and black and white to help discourage chemical spraying and mowing, and for educational purposes so others can create these gardens in their own landscaping.
Rain and Pollinator Garden Benefits#
Multiplying Benefits with a Rain Garden and Pollinator Garden Combo#
Combining a rain garden with a pollinator garden can offer several benefits:
-
Improved Water Management: Rain gardens are designed to absorb and filter rainwater, helping to prevent runoff and erosion. By incorporating native plants that attract pollinators, you not only manage water effectively but also create a habitat that supports biodiversity.
-
Habitat Creation: Pollinator gardens provide essential habitats for bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial insects. Integrating a rain garden into this habitat increases its attractiveness to pollinators by providing additional resources like water and shelter.
-
Biodiversity Support: Both rain gardens and pollinator gardens promote biodiversity. Rain gardens support a variety of native plant species adapted to local conditions, while pollinator gardens attract a diverse range of insects and birds. Together, they create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters biodiversity.
-
Erosion Control: Rain gardens help to control erosion by capturing rainwater and allowing it to infiltrate the soil rather than flowing over the surface. The root systems of plants in both rain gardens and pollinator gardens also help stabilize the soil, further reducing erosion.
-
Aesthetic Appeal: Combining the colorful blooms of pollinator-friendly plants with the lush foliage of rain garden plants can create a visually appealing landscape. Whether in a residential yard, a public park, or along roadsides, these gardens enhance the beauty of the environment.
-
Educational Opportunities: A combined rain and pollinator garden can serve as an educational tool, teaching people about the importance of water conservation, native plant species, and pollinator conservation. Schools, community centers, and botanical gardens can use these gardens to educate visitors of all ages.
-
Environmental Stewardship: By creating a rain and pollinator garden, individuals and communities demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. These gardens contribute to the conservation of natural resources, protection of wildlife habitats, and promotion of sustainable gardening practices.
Library Park Rain and Pollinator Garden#
Rain Garden Resources#
Creating a rain garden can help manage stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Check out these resources for learning about and implementing rain gardens.
- City of Fort Collins Utilities Low Impact Development - Low Impact Development (LID) is a stormwater management technique that seeks to mimic natural systems, primarily through gardens and landscaping. Check out this site for information on rain gardens and much more.
- Colorado Stormwater Center This link opens in a new browser tab- Information on rain garden installation and planting layouts.
- City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List - Interactive search for recommended plants in the Fort Collins, Colorado, area where you can filter by season of bloom, flower color, soil type, sun considerations, and many other factors.
Pollinator Garden Resources#
Having a pollinator garden is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your own enjoyment and well-being. It's a win-win situation for both you and the planet. By tapping into the following resources, you can gather information, plants, and guidance to create a beautiful and beneficial pollinator garden.
- City of Fort Collins Design Guide - An introduction to diversifying urban landscapes in Fort Collins that helps you create your very own pollinator garden. In this guide, you will find the main considerations needed for installing each landscape option with tips for design, installation, and maintenance.
- Garden in a Box Program - Do-it-yourself kits for Fort Collins residents come with starter plants, a comprehensive Plant and Care Guide, and one to three plant-by-number maps. This is a great resource to start your pollinator garden in an affordable way.
- Xerces Society This link opens in a new browser tab- An international nonprofit organization that has region-specific collections This link opens in a new browser tabof publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
- Pollinator Partnership This link opens in a new browser tab- From planting resources to start or improve your garden, bee and butterfly ID guides, to kids educational pollinator curriculum.
- City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List - Interactive search for recommended plants in the Fort Collins, Colorado, area where you can filter by season of bloom, flower color, soil type, sun considerations, and many other factors.
- Colorado State University Extension Pollinator Fact Sheet This link opens in a new browser tab- Provides educational facts about pollinator habitat and a local plant list for forage.