Looking to help support your local pollinators? Why not try planting in drifts! By grouping plants together, you can make it easier for pollinators to find the flowers they need.

And don't worry - even if you're not an expert gardener, this is a gardening technique that anyone can do! So read on for tips on how to create beautiful pollinator-friendly drifts.

First-What are Plant Drifts?

Planting in drifts or clusters

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When most people think of planting in drifts, they envision large expanses of a single species. But drifts can also be created on a much smaller scale using a mix of different plants.

By definition, a drift is simply a group of three or more plants of the same species. The key to creating an effective drift is to plant in odd numbers and use a variety of plants that bloom at different times throughout the season. This will ensure that there is always something in bloom to attract pollinators.

How To Plant In Drifts

Planting in drifts spring flowers

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When it comes to planting in drifts, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that your plants are healthy and well-suited for the space you have available.

Second, consider the placement of your plants carefully. You'll want to create a pleasing and cohesive design that looks natural and inviting.

And finally, don't be afraid to get creative! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to drifts, so feel free to experiment until you find what works best for you.

Best Plants For Drifts

Creating drifts is a great way to add visual interest to your garden. Instead of having rows of identical plants, you can create drifts that are pleasing to the eye and offer a diversity of blooms that will attract a variety of pollinators.

Some of the best plants for drifts are:

Lavender

happy young woman smelling lavender flowers at summer garden over festive lights background

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If you're looking for a way to attract pollinators to your garden, planting lavender in drifts is a great option. Not only is lavender a beautiful plant, but the fragrance is also incredibly inviting to bees and other insects.

Here's what you need to know about planting lavender in drifts to attract pollinators:

The first step is to choose the right location. Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive. Once you've selected the perfect spot, it's time to prepare the soil. Add some organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage and aeration.

Next, it's time to plant the lavender. When planting in drifts, it's important to space the plants evenly. This will help ensure that each plant has enough room to grow and stay healthy. Once the plants are in place, water them well.

Once the lavender is established, you can start enjoying the beauty and fragrance of this wonderful plant. Plus, you'll be providing a valuable service to your local pollinators!

Yarrow

yarrow flower

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Yarrow is a great choice for drifts because it blooms over a long period of time, from early summer through fall. It is a beautiful and versatile perennial flower that is easy to grow in a variety of soil types and conditions. It's also a great plant for attracting pollinators, like bees and butterflies, to your garden!

When planting yarrow, it's best to do so in drifts rather than as individual plants. This will give the plants room to spread out and fill in over time, creating a stunning display in your garden. Plus, the extra flowers will provide plenty of nectar for hungry pollinators!

Black-Eyed Susan

Black eyed susan

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Black-eyed Susans are one of the best flowers for attracting pollinators. They're easy to grow and make a beautiful addition to any garden. Planting them in drifts is a great way to create a pollinator-friendly space in your yard. Here's everything you need to know about planting Black-eyed Susan in drifts:

When to plant: Black-eyed Susans can be planted in either spring or fall.

Where to plant: Choose an area of your yard that gets full sun. Black-eyed Susans will do well in most types of soil, but they prefer it to be well-drained.

How to plant: Dig a hole that's twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil. Water well to help the plant get established.

Care: Once your Black-eyed Susans are planted, they're pretty low maintenance. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Fertilize in early spring if you want to give them a boost.

Echinacea

Echinacea

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When it comes to attracting pollinators, few plants can compare to the beauty and versatility of the Echinacea. And one of the best ways to enjoy their company is to plant them in drifts. Not only will this give your garden a more natural look, but it will also provide these important insects with the pollen and nectar they need to thrive.

When selecting a spot for your drifts, make sure it receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Once you've got the perfect location picked out, simply dig a hole that's large enough to accommodate the roots of your plants. Once they're in the ground, water them well and give them a little time to adjust to their new home.

As your plants begin to grow, keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. These tiny creatures can do a lot of damage to young Echinacea plants, so it's important to nip infestations in the bud as soon as you spot them.

Things To Note About Planting In Drifts

Planting in drifts

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If you’re looking to attract a specific type of pollinator, there are certain plants that are especially attractive to them. For example, bees are attracted to blue, purple, and violet flowers; while butterflies are attracted to bright colors such as pink, red, and orange.

When selecting plants for drifts, it’s also important to consider the size of the plants. You want to make sure that the plants you choose will mature to be roughly the same size so that they don’t overcrowd each other. A good rule of thumb is to plant drifts that are 18-24 inches wide.

In Summary

Drift gardening is a fun and easy way to add some appeal and diversity to your garden, while also providing food for pollinators. By using a mix of different plants that bloom at different times, you can create drifts that are both beautiful and beneficial. Do you have any tips or tricks for creating successful drifts? Let us know in the comments below!