A former board member of the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest and supporter of several Massachusetts-based charities, Gigi Cowan-Bondick is an active contributor to her community. In her spare time, Gigi Bondick is an avid gardener who recently installed beehives in her garden.

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are an important part of a healthy and bountiful garden. However, some gardening practices, such as adding non-native varieties, can harm these creatures and even reduce their local numbers. Here are several ways to attract pollinator populations into a garden:

Add a Water Feature: Insects and pollinating birds need to drink water. Gardeners can place water sources such as outdoor fountains or birdbaths to encourage pollinators to gather. Allowing puddles to accumulate can also attract butterflies that need muddy water to extract nutrients.

Leave Weeds: Many pollinators feed on indigenous weeds. Allowing a small plot to sprout with wildflowers and grass can be a boon for bees and butterflies, especially at the start of the spring.

Create Shelters: Pollinators will move into a garden that provides a safe, dark place to lay their eggs. Gardeners can install purpose-built bee hotels and nests or avoid removing natural nesting sites like dead tree trunks.