Novelist W.P. Kinsella’s line in Shoeless Joe, “If you build it, he will come,” is a common mantra associated with habitat restoration projects for a good reason: the transformation from empty field to lush meadow takes time and/or action to bring back diversity. In Bend’s Orchard Park, that means prepping and planting an area to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators by staff and volunteers from Bend Park & Recreation District, Pollinator Pathway Bend, East Cascades Bird Alliance and Wild Birds Unlimited.
“The project is a small one, about 650 square feet,” said Gwen Bartonek, Pollinator Pathway Bend president. “In coming years, a plan to double it in the adjoining landscape is under consideration.” That space is located next to the gazebo by the play area, and there are hopes that this becomes a learning garden for the community.
A total of 12 volunteers assisted in preparing the site by removing existing vegetation and roots and prepping the soils before planting native plants designed to attract hummingbirds.
“The plan itself had gone through many, many different incarnations,” said Bartonek. “It was developed by myself with consultation from Lisa Sanco (Worthy Garden Club Executive Director) and Barb Rumer (Pollinator Pathway Bend past-President).” Mike Duarte, park services landscape manager for BPRD, was also involved in the project and helped procure funding for plants.
Starts of penstemon, fireweed, hummingbird mint, phlox, buckwheat, currant, lupine, serviceberry and scarlet gilia were planted for their nectar rewards for hummingbirds, but also to attract insect pollinators. The native plants were sourced from Wintercreek Nursery, Great Basin Nursery, and Rumer’s private collection. Though hummingbirds thrive on flower nectar produced by flowers with red, tubular-shaped flowers, they also nectar from other plants and also eat spiders, gnats, mosquitoes, caterpillars, and other insects.
“This garden is a first for Central Oregon, and while it will take several years for it to become established, we hope that it will provide a sanctuary for hummingbirds and other pollinators for many years to come,” said Bartonek. “Rufous and Anna’s hummingbirds are the most predominant species here, with rare sightings of calliope, black-chinned and Costa’s hummingbirds, too. All hummingbirds migrate in winter, so having early blooms like currant and serviceberry are important first foods for them.”
In addition to which plants hummingbirds prefer, the group looked at other issues such as which groundcovers attract insects that hummingbirds feed on, the water needs of various plants, and plants that provide perches for hummingbirds, not to mention eliminating plants that might produce flowers or seeds that are toxic to children or pets. Fourteen different plant species were used in this initial planting.
The garden project was inspired by Dr. Doug Tallamy, professor and author whose book “Bringing Nature Home: How native plants sustain wildlife in our gardens” draws from numerous habitat restoration projects including his personal story of transforming his home and acreage into a nature sanctuary. Tallamy views hummingbirds as insectivorous birds that happen to also eat plant nectar.
Pollinator Pathway Bend is dedicated to its mission to create and connect pesticide-free habitat to support imperiled native pollinators. Through ongoing collaboration with local partners, the organization is expanding community stewardship and encouraging residents to take part in restoring vital habitat across Central Oregon. There are many ways to get involved —from planting and maintaining native gardens to helping with education and outreach.
The results of this work can be seen throughout Bend at the Pollinator Gardens in Al Moody Park, Bond/Wall Triangle, Brooks Park, Franklin’s Corner, and Orchard Park — living examples of how community-driven efforts can help pollinators thrive.
“A personal goal of mine is to come watch the hummingbirds dive bomb one another over their “territory” — hummingbirds are incredibly territorial and watching them protect their turf is endless entertainment,” added Bartonek. Yes, build it and they will come.
This article appears in Source Weekly June 5, 2025.
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