Creating a water feature for pollinators in your Tennessee garden doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With just a Mason jar and a few simple materials, you can provide bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with a safe drinking spot during hot summer days.
This DIY project helps support local wildlife while adding a charming touch to your outdoor space.
1. Gather Your Materials
Start with a clean quart-sized Mason jar – those vintage blue ones work beautifully but any glass jar will do. You’ll also need small rocks or marbles, water-loving plants, wire for hanging, and waterproof glue.
Tennessee’s climate is perfect for this project since our long summers mean pollinators are constantly searching for water sources. The materials cost less than $10 if you’re thrifty and check local dollar stores.
2. Create A Landing Platform
Fill the bottom third of your jar with colorful stones or marbles. These create safe landing spots where pollinators can perch without drowning – a crucial safety feature!
Choose flat-topped stones when possible as they make better resting places. In Tennessee’s humid environment, consider adding a few pieces of native quartz which are plentiful in our region and add a beautiful sparkle when wet.
3. Add Native Tennessee Plants
Tuck small water-loving plants among the stones. Native Tennessee options like water mint or small pieces of moss create a natural look pollinators love. Plants help keep water clean and provide additional landing spots.
Many Tennessee gardeners find that small cuttings from native ferns work beautifully too. The plants don’t need soil – they’ll absorb nutrients directly from the water while helping to prevent algae growth.
4. Secure A Hanging Wire
Fashion a wire hanger by wrapping sturdy wire around the jar’s neck, creating a decorative holder. Copper wire develops a lovely patina over time and stands up well to Tennessee’s occasional summer storms.
Leave enough extra wire to form a hook for hanging. Many gardeners in our state wrap the wire several times for strength, then twist the ends into decorative spirals that catch morning light.
5. Find The Perfect Spot
Hang your jar where pollinators already visit – near flowering plants but in partial shade. Tennessee’s summer sun can quickly overheat glass, so morning sun with afternoon shade works best.
Many Tennessee gardeners place their pollinator stations near vegetable gardens to encourage beneficial insects. The ideal height is about 3-5 feet off the ground, making it visible to passing butterflies but safe from curious pets.
6. Fill With Fresh Water
Pour in clean water until it’s just below the jar’s rim. Rainwater collected from Tennessee’s frequent summer showers works wonderfully since it’s free of chemicals that might harm delicate pollinators.
During our hot months, the water might need refreshing every 2-3 days as it evaporates quickly. A quick tip from experienced Tennessee gardeners: add a drop of raw local honey occasionally as a special treat that helps sustain bees.
7. Maintain Your Pollinator Oasis
Clean your jar weekly to prevent mosquito breeding. Tennessee summers bring plenty of mosquitoes already, so dump, rinse, and refill regularly to keep your feature from becoming their nursery!
Wipe algae from the glass sides with a soft cloth. Some gardeners in our region add a drop of food-grade hydrogen peroxide to inhibit algae growth naturally. Replace any plants that don’t thrive with fresh cuttings from your garden.
8. Watch The Magic Happen
Within days, Tennessee’s abundant pollinators will discover your creation! Honeybees, native bumblebees, and butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (our state butterfly) will stop for refreshing drinks.
Keep a garden journal noting which visitors come most often. Many Tennessee gardeners report seeing hummingbirds hovering near their Mason jar features too! This simple project connects you with local wildlife while supporting the pollinators our gardens depend on.