Monday, April 11, 2016

Planting A Pollinator Garden!



Bees and butterflies, essential pollinators for many plants and important food crops, are in decline throughout the U.S., and there are easy ways every gardener can help: (1) plant NATIVE FLOWERS that provide nectar and pollen on which they feed, (2) make HOMES for pollinators by making nest sites such as brush piles, rock piles, and leaving snags for bees to nest in old wood. A bit of “benign neglect” can create nest sites for bees. For butterflies, plant caterpillar host plants, such as native milkweed for monarchs. Last, but extremely important, (3) NEVER USE PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES in the garden. Find lots of helpful information here:  http://www.xerces.org/bringbackthepollinators/