06/08/2026
Pollinator Patch Program
Community Seed Bank + Backyard Habitat Network
One backyard at a time, we are building a living pollinator corridor across Middle Tennessee.
Our Pollinator Patch Program is a community effort to create more habitat for monarch butterflies, native pollinators, and beneficial insects.
Each participating household will create and care for a small pollinator patch. Together, these gardens will form a connected network of habitat across our local communities.
You provide the space, care, and any seeds you can share.
The Program helps organize the seed bank, redistribute seeds each year, and provide three types of milkw**d for fall planting.
Core Principles
Every yard matters.
Milkw**d clusters support monarch reproduction.
Fall nectar plants matter.
Diversity creates resilience.
A slightly wild garden can be healthy habitat.
Shared seed creates shared abundance.
Small gardens can make a big impact.
How to Join
If you are not already following the Farm page at CedarHillTNHoney - please do so that you are in the loop for updates!
Message us with:
Your name and address
Your preferred June or July weekend for a site visit
A sunny space of approximately 15 feet by 15 feet or larger is ideal.
Step 2: Prepare Seeds to Share
At your site visit: Have ready any excess seeds and seed heads ready to add to the seed bank.
We will organize these contributions from and for the Participants and redistribute to increase the variety of plants in your patch.
Useful contributions include:
Milkw**d pods, Butterfly w**d pods
Native wildflower seeds
Herb seeds - dill, fennel, oregano, lavender, mint, mountain mint, all types of basil, calendula,
Zinnias, Cosmos, Mexican Sunflower, Bachelor’s Button, Aster, Ironw**d, Goldenrod, Black-eye susan, purple coneflower, blazing star, sunflowers- and many more!
Step 3: Prepare Your Patch
During the summer, participants will begin preparing their garden space by reducing grass competition and adding cardboard, leaves, or mulch where appropriate.
Step 4: Plant This Fall
In the fall, seeds from the community seed bank will be redistributed to participants.
Each participating household will also receive three types of milkw**d:
Butterfly w**d
Swamp milkw**d
Common milkw**d
Fall planting allows many native seeds to naturally overwinter and germinate in spring.
What We Ask From Participants
Each household agrees to:
-Maintain a pollinator patch of approximately 15 feet by 15 feet or larger
-Avoid insecticides and systemic chemicals in or near the patch
-Allow some seed heads and plant material to remain through the season
-Contribute excess seed back to the community seed bank each year when possible
-Share butterfly, caterpillar, bee, and pollinator sightings with the community
All of these actions will help the habitat network become more diverse and self-sustaining over time!
Share Your Progress
Participants are encouraged to post photos and updates on our private group page for participants!
Share:
Your planting progress
First sprouts
Flowers in bloom
Pics of bees, butterflies, Monarch caterpillars
Seed harvests
Before-and-after photos
Your garden may inspire another neighbor to plant a patch of their own.
Annual Seed Bank Cycle
Each year:
Participants collect and contribute excess seed.
Seeds are organized and pooled.
New varieties are shared across the network.
Every household has an opportunity to add more diversity to its patch.
The habitat corridor becomes stronger with each growing season.
Our Goal
More milkw**d.
More flowers.
More butterflies.
More native pollinators.
More neighbors working together to create something beautiful and lasting.
Join the Program!
Send your name, address, preferred June or July weekend for a site visit, and a photo or dimensions of your Full Sun Pollinator Patch space.
Together, we are building a living monarch corridor—one backyard at a time.
