One pollinator project we’ve told you about in the past is “Lawns to Legumes” which is run by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). This program offers a combination of workshops, coaching, planting guides, and individual grants to install pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential lawns.
Last summer Red Wing couple Pam and Kyle Klatt found themselves the recipients of an individual grant from the Lawns to Legumes program. The Klatt’s learned of the Lawns to Legumes program on Facebook and while they had previous interest in gardening, they did not specifically know much about gardening for pollinators or with native plants, so they decided to find some help with the project. “We have a very small yard,” said Pam, “and participating in this program is one way for us to make the best use of our small yard, fill our desire to garden, and learn about native plants, all while helping the environment.” That’s when the Klatt’s reached out to Sargent’s and were paired with landscape designer–and pollinator specialist–Sarah Blue. The Klatt’s asked for her help in designing a pollinator-friendly garden for their front yard and they were excited to get started on their project.
Sarah met with the Klatt’s to discuss their personal goals for the project as well as to review the program with them to ensure they met all the requirements. “Working with Sarah helped bring the project to life for us. Given the parameters of the program we weren’t sure which plants to use or how to space & arrange each plant in the garden given the plant’s habit. I really know very little about native gardens and this is a hands-on way to learn a lot very quickly,” said Pam. Sarah put together a design for a front yard pocket garden and with that, gave the Klatt’s a detailed plant list that corresponded to their design. The chosen plants met the requirements of their Lawns to Legumes grant and went together to create a pleasing front yard garden that will attract pollinators from season to season. Pam explained, “[Sarah] helped us to figure out which plants to choose so that something will be always blooming in the garden for both looks and to keep the pollinators happy.” It’s a lovely little space and one the Klatt’s and their neighbors will enjoy for a long time.
Pollinator species are important to all of us and we at Sargent’s Nursery love helping you better understand pollinator species, the plants they love, and what you can do to support them!
Pollinator Garden Templates:
The templates below are from BWSR and provide base designs for native plant pollinator gardens, including boulevard and shade garden designs. They are customizable with substitutions for each plant. (Links will take you out of Sargent’s Nursery.com)
Adjust the design for your space and choose plants that work for your site. This may mean choosing from the substitutions list.
Rain Garden Plans for Pollinators
(Sunny and Moist)
Apply Now:
Applications are open for the Fall 2023 Lawns to Legumes Individual Support program through June 30, 2023. Recipients of the Fall grant should expect to be notified in late summer.
Apply online at Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water’s website.
Applicants who are accepted into the Lawns to Legumes individual support program can receive up to $350 of funding through a reimbursement process and are expected to match 25% of any funding received.
Eligible expenses can include, Minnesota native plants, compost, mulch, and delivery fees. A full list of eligible expenses can be found here: Eligible Expenses for Reimbursement .
