Promoting Pollinators when Pinching Pennies

As autumn approaches, my mind shifts to getting more native plants. But which plants to choose, especially with a small budget?

Joe Pye Weed (light magenta flowers) and boneset (white flower heads) in the sun, with native grasses

With budgets getting tighter, decisions about which flowers and plants to buy become more challenging, especially for those of us who can easily turn a quick trip to the garden store or local nursery into a shopping spree. Because I too get that must-get-more-plants itch, I've been thinking about how to get the biggest return in terms of supporting pollinators with the fewest amount of plants. I know that's not the point ultimately, but when times are tough, the tough get smart because I still want to enjoy watching bumblebees, the little shiny emerald native bees, and so many other insects on the plants that I have.