This week marks the annual celebration of Pollinator Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and supporting the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystems and agriculture.

The initiative, started by Pollinator Partnership, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

According to Pollinator Partnership, "Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce. Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply and surrounding landscapes would collapse."

In coastal Alabama, the emphasis is on preserving the region's biodiversity by encouraging the growth of garden favorites that support local pollinator populations. Residents are urged to consider planting species that are easy to grow, highly beneficial to pollinators and not invasive.

Here are a few plants ideal for Baldwin County gardens that are known to attract and support pollinators:

Coneflowers: These hardy perennials, also known as echinacea, are popular for their daisy-like appearance and purple petals. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Coneflowers are magnets for bees and butterflies and offer seeds for birds after blooming. They are native to North America and do not exhibit invasive tendencies.

Gladiolus: These striking flowers, known for their tall spikes and vibrant colors, are particularly attractive to bees and hummingbirds. Gladioli prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can add vertical interest to gardens while providing ample nectar. Gladioli are cultivated from corms and do not spread aggressively. They are not known to be invasive.

Marigolds: Known for their pest-repellent properties, marigolds have bright orange, yellow or red blooms that attract bees and butterflies. They grow well in full sun and are easy to care for, making them a popular choice for borders and flower beds. Marigolds are annuals and are generally used to deter pests rather than spreading aggressively.

Pansies: These cool-season favorites offer a variety of colors and are easy to grow in partial to full sun. Pansies provide nectar early in the season, making them valuable for pollinators emerging from dormancy. They are perfect for garden beds and containers. Pansies are widely cultivated annuals or biennials that do not spread invasively.

Petunias: Petunias are known for their wide range of colors and patterns. They thrive in sunny locations and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Petunias are also versatile, working well in both containers and garden beds. Petunias are annuals and do not exhibit invasive characteristics. They are commonly used in ornamental plantings.

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are not only striking in appearance but also excellent for attracting pollinators. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and provide a significant nectar source for bees. The large heads also produce seeds that birds love. Sunflowers, especially the common garden varieties, do not typically spread uncontrollably. Some native sunflower species can self-seed but are not invasive.

Zinnias: With a wide range of bright colors, zinnias are easy to grow in almost any soil type and thrive in sunny locations. Their vibrant flowers attract butterflies and bees, providing nectar from summer to fall. Zinnias also tolerate heat and salt and are perfect for adding a splash of color to gardens. They also have long blooming periods and make great bouquets- best part is once cut, they grow back quickly. Zinnias are annuals that do not spread aggressively and are generally well-behaved in garden settings.

Many of these plants listed here are easy to begin by seed. However, most nurseries and garden centers also sell these flowers, so you can begin enjoying your pollinator garden immediately.

Conservationists emphasize that growing these garden favorites not only supports pollinators but also helps maintain the ecological balance of the area. These plants are well-suited to the local climate, making them easier to care for and more resilient to pests and diseases.

To further bolster pollinator health, residents are encouraged to minimize pesticide use and create habitats with a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. Providing water sources, such as shallow dishes with rocks for perches, can also support pollinator activities.

"Pollinators are essential to human and ecological survival, with more than 150 food crops depending on pollinators in the United States alone," EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said. "They also help plants reproduce, which in turn helps keep the air we breathe clean, purifies the water we drink and prevents erosion of the soils, protecting us from climate disasters. Now more than ever, we must act to protect them."