Pollinator gardens in Anacortes Washington

It is best to use native plants adapted to the Maritime Northwest climate. 
Local organizations like the San Juan County Land Bank's Salish Seeds Project and the Master Gardener Foundation are excellent resources for local species. 

Native trees and shrubs

* Pacific red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa): Provides food for birds and nesting material for bees. Its flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
* Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana): This shrub offers nectar and pollen for pollinators and nesting material for leafcutter bees. It is tolerant of both wet and dry soils.
* Saskatoon serviceberry(Amelanchier alnifolia): A spring-blooming shrub that provides nectar for early-season pollinators.
* Redflower currant (Ribes sanguineum): Its abundant spring blooms are an important early nectar source for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
* Salal (Gaultheria shallon): A native evergreen shrub whose flowers are primarily visited by bumblebees. 

Native perennials

* Common camas (Camassia quamash): This flowering bulb has beautiful purple-blue flowers in April that are very attractive to bees.
* Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum): A significant late-season nectar source for leafcutter bees and butterflies.
* Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum): This perennial is especially beneficial to bees.
* Bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus): Attracts bumblebees and hummingbirds. It also serves as a host plant for various butterfly species.
* Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): An easy-to-grow perennial with accessible pollen that attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bumblebees, and beetles.
* Broad-leaved penstemon(Penstemon ovatus): Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and other insects with its showy blue and violet flowers.
* Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis): Blooms late in the season, offering a crucial nectar and pollen source for late-season bees.
* Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea): A fall-blooming plant that provides important late-season resources.
* Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): A host plant for the monarch butterfly and a high-quality nectar source.
* Common woolly sunflower(Eriophyllum lanatum): A great choice for pollinators. 

Additional tips for a successful pollinator garden

Plant in drifts: Planting groups of the same plant species together makes them easier for pollinators to find.
Offer continuous blooms: Choose a variety of plants that bloom in different seasons to provide a food source from early spring through fall.

Provide water: A shallow water source with rocks for perching will attract pollinators.

Limit chemical use: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can harm pollinators.

Add soil and structure: Leave some bare soil for ground-nesting bees and provide nesting opportunities for other species