One of the things I really enjoy about gardening for wildlife is that it has made me more attuned to the parade of plants that bloom and are replaced by others that begin flowering somewhat later during the course of a year.  Currently, in my yard it is the time for Georgia mint (Clinopodium georgianum) to be in the spotlight.

       Georgia mint (also called Georgia savory) is a sub-shrub that grows in clumps 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide.  The plant features upright stems. In addition, when you crush the leaves, they give off a pleasing peppermint-like scent.  Each plant produces scores of small pinkish white blossoms.

       Georgia mint requires little, if any, maintenance.  In addition, it does well with little water and grows in direct sunlight.       Throughout most of the year, you would hardly notice it.  However, when it comes time for it to bloom, scores of blooms seemingly magically appear. 

      The Georgia mint that is growing alongside a section of my driveway is now in full bloom.  While I do have a number of other plants that are also blooming, the sheer number of pollinators they are attracting pales in comparison to those visiting the Georgia mint.  By far the most common visitors are small bumblebees.  However, carpenter bees are also present.  Butterflies such as gulf fritillaries, ocolas, fiery and long-tailed skippers, cabbage whites, and cloudless sulphurs are visiting the floral show.  In past years, I have also seen monarchs nectar at the tiny blooms.

       If you are looking for an attractive, native plant that is a great source of food for pollinators at this time of the year, Georgia mint might prove to be a great addition to your yard.