Jun 14, 2026

Save the Buzz: 3 Simple Ways to Support Pollinators This Summer

Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our summer gardens. While we’re out enjoying the sun, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are hard at work ensuring that our ecosystems remain vibrant and productive. In fact, nearly one out of every three bites of food we eat exists thanks to the work of these tiny giants.

However, pollinator populations are facing significant challenges due to habitat loss and climate change. At Moss Apparel, we believe that conservation isn't just something you talk about: it’s something you wear and something you do. Through our partnership with The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund, we are dedicated to restoring the high-quality habitats these species need to survive.

Want to help? You don't need a massive farm to make a difference. Here are three simple, actionable ways to support pollinators in your own backyard this summer.

1. Plant Regionally Native Milkweed

If you want to support monarch butterflies, you have to start with milkweed. Monarch caterpillars are specialists; they only eat the leaves of milkweed plants. Without milkweed, there are no monarchs.

When choosing plants, it is crucial to select regionally native milkweed. Native plants have co-evolved with local pollinators, meaning they provide the exact nutrients and timing that local species require. Native varieties are also generally hardier and require less water once established.

Actionable Tip: Visit a local nursery and ask for "Common Milkweed," "Butterfly Weed," or "Swamp Milkweed" specifically native to your zip code.
Pro Tip: Plant milkweed in small "clumps" rather than single stalks. This makes it much easier for butterflies to spot from the air.

Bumblebee in flight, photographed in crisp detail against a natural background

2. Build a Season-Long "Pollinator Buffet"

Pollinators need food from early spring through late autumn. A common mistake is planting a garden that only blooms in June and July, leaving pollinators hungry in the late summer and fall.

To create a truly pollinator-friendly space, aim for a diversity of flower shapes, colors, and bloom times. Different pollinators have different needs:

Bees are often attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers.
Butterflies prefer bright reds and oranges with flat surfaces they can land on.
Hummingbirds love tubular flowers that hold plenty of nectar.

By planting a mix: like Zinnias, Gerberas, and Magnolias: you ensure that there is always a "buffet" open for business.

Because Moss Apparel partners specifically with The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund, supporting real habitat work matters just as much as choosing the right flowers. Focus on practical, pollinator-friendly planting choices and avoid decorative displays or imagery that look artificial. Real insects need real habitat.

3. Provide a Shallow "Butterfly Bath"

It gets hot out there. Just like us, pollinators need a reliable source of clean water to stay hydrated. However, traditional birdbaths are often too deep for small insects like bees and butterflies, posing a drowning risk.

You can create a "butterfly bath" or "bee waterer" in minutes:

Take a shallow dish or saucer.
Fill it with pebbles, stones, or marbles so they break the surface of the water.
Add just enough water so the tops of the stones stay dry.
Action: Place this in a shady spot near your flowers. The stones provide a safe landing pad where pollinators can drink without getting their wings wet.

Wear Your Values: The Pollinator Collection

If you’re looking for the perfect animal lover gifts that give back, look no further than our Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund Collection.

We don't just put a graphic on a shirt; we fund the mission. 10% of every purchase from this collection goes directly to establishing high-quality habitats for pollinators. When you wear Moss Apparel, you are literally helping plant the wildflowers that save the bees.

Join the Mission

Conservation shouldn't be complicated. Whether you’re planting a single pot of milkweed on your balcony or upgrading your wardrobe with nature-inspired apparel, every action counts.

By supporting the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund through Moss Apparel, you’re helping create a world where every acre of habitat works harder for pollinators, people, and the planet.

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