Attracting Pollinators: How to Build a Bee- and Butterfly-Friendly Garden

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds do more than bring life to a landscape—they play a vital role in supporting Montana’s ecosystem and ensuring successful plant reproduction. In Billings and the surrounding area, creating a pollinator-friendly garden not only boosts the beauty of your yard but also contributes to healthier flowers, trees, and food crops. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we’re helping homeowners design gardens that buzz with activity—and purpose.

Why Pollinators Matter in Montana

Pollinators are essential to plant health and biodiversity. Roughly 75% of flowering plants rely on animal pollinators to reproduce, and that includes many vegetables, fruits, and native wildflowers. But habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate changes have led to a decline in pollinator populations. By creating a space in your yard designed to support their lifecycle, you provide a safe, food-rich environment—and reap the rewards of a vibrant, self-sustaining garden.

Start with Native Plants

The foundation of a pollinator-friendly garden is planting species that are native to the Yellowstone Valley region. These plants are adapted to local conditions and are more likely to attract native bees and butterflies. Consider varieties like blanketflower (Gaillardia), yarrow (Achillea), purple coneflower (Echinacea), bee balm (Monarda), and milkweed (Asclepias), which is essential for monarch butterflies.

Grouping similar plants together in clusters can help pollinators find them more easily. Choose a variety of plants that bloom from early spring to late fall so there’s a constant food source throughout the growing season.

Ditch the Pesticides—and Add Shelter

Even small amounts of pesticides and herbicides can be harmful to pollinators, especially bees. Consider switching to organic or integrated pest management approaches, and avoid treating your garden during blooming periods when bees are most active.

In addition to food sources, pollinators need safe places to rest and nest. Leave small brush piles or patches of bare ground for ground-nesting bees. You can also add bee hotels or hollow stems to support solitary species. Butterflies love sunny spots and also appreciate shallow dishes of water or wet sand where they can “puddle” for nutrients.

Design for Beauty and Function

A pollinator-friendly garden can be just as visually stunning as it is ecologically functional. Use pathways, stones, or decorative mulch to frame colorful flower beds. Add trellises with flowering vines or incorporate flowering herbs like lavender and thyme. Choose a variety of flower colors, shapes, and heights to attract a diverse range of pollinators.

Whether you’re adding a few flowering perennials to an existing landscape or designing a brand-new pollinator garden from scratch, thoughtful planning will ensure it thrives year after year.

We’ll Help You Create a Buzz-Worthy Garden

At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we love building gardens that are both beautiful and beneficial. Our team can help you select the best native plants, design layered beds for seasonal blooms, and even install irrigation systems that keep everything growing without waste.

Let’s create a landscape that supports bees, butterflies, and your backyard enjoyment. Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule a consultation and get started on your pollinator paradise.