• ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES. They love nectar-rich flowers. There are also certain plants that butterflies lay their eggs on. Try planting sunflowers, magnolia, prairie clover or hollyhocks. Each of these attracts dif erent types of butterflies and will look beautiful in your meadow.
• HELP HUMMINGBIRDS BUILD THEIR NESTS. “Hummingbirds are most attracted to plants with long, tubular blooms in shades of red, orange, blue and yellow,” writes Lizotte. Zinnias, bee balm, and golden aster are good options. You can also plant leafy trees, ornamental grasses and plants with soft seedpods (like milkweed) to give hummingbirds materials to create their nests.
• BUILD A BEE HOTEL. Depending on what bees are native in your area, a bee hotel may be a great option to provide a habitat. An easy option is to find an old log or stump and drill 1/4 to 3/8-inch holes in one side about 3-5 inches deep. Make sure the wood is thick enough that the holes don’t go all the way through. Place the log about 3 feet above the ground with the holes facing south.