The natural world is amazing – not only do flowers bring color and vibrancy to our lives with their beauty, but they are an indispensable part of the ecosystem. When researching ways to decorate a back porch or patio, there are specific floral options available that will assist bees, attract butterflies, and even repel those pesky insects you don’t want hanging around on a serene afternoon. Come to City Line Florist for arrangements, potted plants and dish gardens that will impress your guests while making these long Trumbull summer days more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the plants and flowers you can consider for small butterfly gardens and bee friendly gardens that are not only beautiful, but purposeful. Why Bees? The disappearance of the bees worldwide is an alarming phenomenon. Because their pollination is needed to support our the growth of food worldwide, it is imperative that we all find ways to encourage these industrious creatures to thrive. Experts say that honeybees generally do not sting unless threatened, and almost never when foraging for nectar. 
Butterfly Gardens: Sunflowers, shasta daisies, zinnias, and asters are all excellent options to attract butterflies of different species. Goldenrod can be easily added for bright color and texture, and is also quite inviting to the beautiful insect. When planting a garden, you may wish to include a butterfly bush or two, black-eyed Susans and marigolds, Thistle, clover, milkweed, and even dandelion lay out the welcome mat for butterflies as well. If you research the different types of butterfly here in Trumbull, we can help you to choose the appropriate flowers.
Bee Friendly: Over the two decades, experts have recorded a sudden and drastic decline of bee populations globally, and have chronicled a 40% loss of honeybees here in the United States alone. Bees are well known for producing honey, but they also have a critical role in world-wide food production – they are absolutely indispensable to our ecosystems. However, more and more bees are disappearing. How can each of us assist in solving the problem? Provide bee-friendly plants that encourage the insect to visit, and give them a welcoming place to pollinate safely. Ideas for flowers and plants include bee balm, echinacea, crocus, lilac, lavender, hyacinth and snapdragons for summer gardens. As we approach autumn, provide them with zinnias and asters.
Did You Know? Some plants (primarily herbs such as lemon grass, basil, rosemary and mint) and flowers such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, petunias and geraniums will repel a broad range of pests, from mosquitoes to ticks. Simply look up which plant is best for your type of pest, and we will help you to acquire it. 
Flowers gardens are not only beautiful, but can also be a great natural haven for our favorite creatures. Call City Line Florist if you need more ideas – we are happy to provide everything you need for your own backyard oasis.
