Pollinators are necessary for many of our flowering plants. We can and should make the effort to attract our native pollinators by stopping all landscape-wide pesticides and by planting a wide variety of native plants arranged in ways that make it easier for pollinators to thrive. Some can only fly a short distance to find nectar, which is a viscous, sugar-rich liquid produced by plants to attract pollinating animals. Pollinators are mostly insects, but they could also be birds or other animals.
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| Pollinator distances. A graphic by Pollinator Pathways. |
What is a Pollinator Pathway?
Public and private pesticide-free corridors of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinating insects and birds. Even the smallest green spaces, like flower boxes and curb strips, can be part of a pathway. For many more resources and to be part of the solution, join https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/
We have posted many pollinator articles on this blog over the years. See below for links to of some of our favorites. Many were written by Beatriz Moisset, a pollinator expert who has left this realm, but we're sure she's still busy helping pollinators in some way.
A Healthy Garden is a Buggy Gardenby Beatriz Moisset
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Collage with several species of lady beetles © 2006 Beatriz Moisset |
It is Cold Outside. Where did all the Butterflies Go?
by Beatriz Moisset
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| Common buckeye (Junonia coenia) on seaside goldenrod in New Jersey. A traveler in its way south. © Beatriz Moisset |
Ladybugs, Lady Beetles or Ladybird Beetles. How Good are They?
by Beatriz Moisset
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| Spotted lady beetle larva (Coleomegilla maculata). © Beatriz Moisset. 2013 |
Pollinator Gardens do Double Duty
by Beatriz Moisset
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| Tachinid fly (Trichopoda pennipes). Its larvae feed on insects. © Beatriz Moisset |
Snow squarestem: A bee and butterfly magnet
By Ginny Stibolt
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| A great purple hairstreak butterfly (Atlides halesus) sipping nectar from a snow squarestem (Melanthera nivea). |
Post by Ginny Stibolt
www.GreenGardeningMatters.com
