Summer in the garden is magical—the flowers are blooming, the tomatoes are ripening, and if you’re lucky, the air hums with the gentle buzz of bees and flutter of butterfly wings. But just like us, our hardworking pollinators get thirsty in the heat, and clean, safe water can be hard to come by.

Today, I’m sharing a simple and fun DIY project you can do to help keep our pollinators hydrated during these hot months. It’s budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and adds a whimsical touch to your garden or patio.

What You’ll Need:

• Silk flowers – buds only (you can find these at the dollar store or any craft store)
• Pool noodle – any color, cut into 1″ slices.
• Serrated knife – to cut the noodle safely and easily
• Hot glue gun – for attaching the flower buds

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Slice the Pool Noodle:
   Using a serrated knife, carefully cut your pool noodle into 1-inch thick discs. These will act as little floating platforms for your pollinators to land on.
2. Prep Your Flowers:
   Pull or snip the buds off your silk flower stems. Make sure they’re small enough to fit on the noodle without tipping it over.
3. Glue the Buds:
   Use your hot glue gun to secure one flower bud to the center of each pool noodle slice. Let the glue cool completely.
4. Set Up the Station:
   Float your completed “flower rafts” in shallow dishes or bowls filled with fresh water. Place them in your garden beds, flower pots, or any shady spot where bees, butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird might stop by. I put them in my backyard fountain.

Why It Works:

The silk flower gives pollinators a place to land, while the pool noodle keeps everything afloat. Since the flower is artificial, it won’t mold or decay, and it helps prevent your water source from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

This little project isn’t just cute—it’s practical. Pollinators often struggle to find safe, shallow water sources where they won’t risk drowning. By offering a gentle spot to rest and sip, you’re helping ensure they stay strong and healthy enough to continue pollinating your garden—and the world beyond.

So go ahead—make a few, scatter them in your yard, and sit back with a glass of lemonade as you watch your tiny garden guests come in for a drink. It’s a small act of kindness that makes a big impact.

Keeping our pollinators hydrated—one DIY at a time. 🐝🌼💧

Happy crafting,
Susan
Farmhouse Fashionista