There’s something satisfying about building a space that not only looks good but also gives back to nature. Pollinator gardens do exactly that — they bring color and life to your yard while providing food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators.

I know it sounds corny, but “if you build it, they will come” really is true. Along with woodworking, I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in spending time in the garden. It’s hands-on work with visible results — and even better, it’s something I can share with my wife, Laurel. Usually, she dreams up the ideas, and I put my woodworking skills to work to make them happen.

This time, Laurel suggested adding a few beehives with gable roofs in front of a field of zinnias. I thought it was a great idea.

I started by building the new roofs for the hives. A little unconventional and not quite as practical as standard hive tops — but they’ve got character, and I like how they turned out. Once the hives were in place, it was time to get to work on the garden.

First, I stripped away the top layer of grass and laid down fresh topsoil with a bit of fertilizer mixed in. After leveling it out with a rake, the ground was ready. To spread the zinnia seeds evenly, I mixed them with a bucket of play sand — a simple trick that makes for great coverage. Once the sand and seed mix was ready, I spread it evenly, gave it a solid watering, and waited.

Double Zahara™ Salmon Zinnia Seeds

 

A few days later, the first sprouts appeared. Within a few weeks, the hives were surrounded by a field of bright zinnias — and soon enough, the bees, bumblebees, and butterflies showed up. It was a great sight and a solid addition to the yard.

The project turned out so well that we’re already planning to expand it next year.

If you’re looking for a rewarding project that brings some life to your outdoor space, try starting a pollinator garden. You don’t need a lot of room — just good soil, some flowering plants, and a little patience. Before long, you’ll have a yard buzzing with activity.