4th July 2025 sltmedia

Pollinator Paradise: Creating a Bee‑, Butterfly‑ & Bird‑Friendly Garden

At Onefold, we believe gardens should delight the senses—and support the environment. With bees, butterflies and songbirds facing increasing threats,... Read More

A Garden That Gives Back

At Onefold, we believe gardens should delight the senses—and support the environment. With bees, butterflies and songbirds facing increasing threats, every outdoor space has the potential to become a vital refuge. From a classic stone birdbath to a fragrant border brimming with lavender, even the smallest detail can make a difference.

This guide will help you create a pollinator paradise—balancing natural beauty, sustainability, and timeless garden design.

🌸 1. Start with Stone: Beautiful & Biodiverse

Natural stone doesn’t just look elegant—it feels right at home in a wildlife-friendly setting. Its textures provide grip for insects, while its weight and durability mean features like stone birdbaths, fountains, and planters become long-term assets in your garden.

Top picks from our collection:

🌼 2. Choose Plants That Pollinators Love

Pollinators need access to nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Try to create a planting scheme that ensures something is always in bloom from March through October.

Season-by-season favourites:

  • Spring (Mar–May): Crocus, lungwort (Pulmonaria), wild primroses
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Lavender, echinacea, foxgloves, catmint
  • Autumn (Sep–Oct): Sedum, verbena bonariensis, Japanese anemone

Tip: Place planters close to benches, patios or statues so you can quietly observe the movement of butterflies and bees without disturbing them.

Need help choosing a planter to match your style? Explore our full range of stone garden planters.

💧 3. Add Water Features for Pollinators

Pollinators need a clean, shallow water source—especially in the warmer months. A well-placed birdbath or gently trickling fountain can be a life-saver during dry spells.

Wildlife-friendly water feature tips:

  • Use shallow bowls with gently sloping sides so bees and butterflies can land and sip safely.
  • Add pebbles or floating corks to give insects a perch.
  • Place in dappled shade to reduce algae and keep water cool.
  • Clean and refill regularly to avoid stagnation.

Browse our curated selection of bird baths designed for elegance and durability.

🌿 4. Shelter & Structure: Stone as a Sanctuary

While plants provide food, pollinators also need shelter from wind, rain, and predators. Stone ornaments can help create microclimates and safe spots.

Ideas to combine stone and shelter:

  • Tuck stone statues into borders near wildflowers to provide calm, warm resting spots.
  • Build a low stone wall or rockery with crevices for solitary bees and beetles.
  • Let ivy or climbing jasmine grow around stone benches or pedestals, offering cover and nectar at once.

🐦 5. Go Natural, But Keep It Elegant

Pollinator-friendly gardens don’t need to be wild or messy. With a thoughtful mix of soft planting and strong, sculptural stone features, you can achieve a look that feels intentional and refined.

Finishing touches:

  • Leave some seed heads and hollow stems over winter for overwintering insects and seed-feeding birds.
  • Opt for natural stone colours that complement silver-leaved plants and soft grasses.
  • Add a bee hotel or nesting box discreetly within a stone alcove or planter base.

🛒 Bring Your Pollinator Garden to Life

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden isn’t just about doing good—it’s about enjoying a richer, more vibrant outdoor space. Every statue warmed by the sun, every butterfly dancing near your birdbath, becomes part of a living story.

Ready to get started? Browse our full collections of:

Let your garden become a refuge—for nature, for visitors, and for yourself.