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Man-made
bee houses
Good
replacement for holes in old logs
©Beatriz
Moisset
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Do you ask yourself: where do
pollinators go in winter? We see them through the warm seasons
visiting flowers and doing their invaluable job. But, then what
happens to them? Putting aside the few, such as hummingbirds and
monarch butterflies, which fly to better climates, all the others
find a secluded place to spend the cold months. Like hibernating
bears, many fatten themselves by stocking up on supplies and then go
to sleep. Others rest as eggs or in an immature state such as a larva
or pupa. Either way, they need a sheltered space safe from predators,
parasites and excessive cold.
I know that some gardeners, with the
best of intentions, destroy these vital shelters. It may be a good
idea to take a look at all the places used by pollinators during the
winter. This is one case in which a little untidiness may be a good
thing.
