Bring on the Buzz: How to Attract Pollinators to Your Fayetteville Garden This Spring

There’s nothing like the sight of bees buzzing, butterflies fluttering, and hummingbirds zipping through your yard to let you know spring is in full swing. These pollinators aren’t just beautiful—they play a vital role in helping your garden thrive. And here in Fayetteville, we have the perfect climate to create a pollinator-friendly space that’s both eye-catching and eco-conscious.

At Green Side Up Garden & Gifts, we’re passionate about helping gardeners build healthy, vibrant landscapes that support local wildlife. If you’re planting this spring, here’s how to invite pollinators to your garden—and keep them coming back.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds help plants reproduce by spreading pollen from flower to flower. That includes your favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowering shrubs. A garden buzzing with pollinators is typically healthier, more productive, and better balanced overall.

Top Pollinator Plants for Fayetteville, NC (Zone 8a)

These plants not only thrive in our climate but also offer the nectar and pollen that pollinators love.

For Bees:

• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Long-blooming and easy to grow.
• Bee Balm (Monarda) – Fragrant and colorful; attracts both bees and butterflies.
• Lavender – Great for borders and containers; bees can’t resist it.
• Basil and Thyme (Herbs) – Let a few flower for a bee buffet.

For Butterflies:

• Milkweed (Asclepias) – A must for monarchs.
• Coneflower (Echinacea) – Long-lasting blooms and easy care.
• Lantana – Loves heat and offers nonstop color.
• Zinnias – Bright and bold, and butterflies flock to them.

For Hummingbirds:

• Salvia (especially red varieties) – Tubular flowers are perfect for hummingbird beaks.
• Trumpet Vine – Fast-growing and full of nectar-rich blooms.
• Coral Honeysuckle – Native to the Southeast and hummingbird-approved.
• Fuchsia (in hanging baskets) – Great for porches and patios.

Garden Tips for Supporting Pollinators

• Plant in Clumps: Pollinators are more likely to visit areas with large clusters of the same plant.
• Include Native Plants: Native species are better adapted to our climate and more recognizable to local pollinators.
• Avoid Pesticides: Even “organic” sprays can harm beneficial insects. Opt for natural pest control methods instead.
• Provide Water: A shallow dish with stones or marbles gives bees a place to land and drink safely.
• Add Bloom Variety: Choose plants that bloom at different times so there’s always something in season.

Start Your Pollinator Garden at Green Side Up

Whether you’re planting a full butterfly garden or just want to add a few hummingbird-friendly pots to your porch, we’ve got what you need. Our team can help you select the right plants for your yard’s sunlight, soil, and layout—and we’re always happy to offer local advice tailored to Fayetteville gardens.

Stop by Green Side Up Garden & Gifts this spring and let’s make your garden a pollinator paradise. Your plants—and the planet—will thank you.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for gardening tips, new arrivals, and behind-the-scenes fun. And don’t forget to check out our Events page to see what’s happening this season—we’d love to see you at the garden center!