Many pollinator species have suffered serious declines in recent years. Unfortunately, most of our landscapes offer little in the way of appropriate habitat, forage, and housing. Even the most beautiful gardens are not always healthy ecosystems. Design choices, plant selections, and maintenance practices can make a huge difference in creating your own healthy ecosystem, filled …
Home Sweet Home-Providing the Perfect Habitat for Native Bees
Custom Condo Attracting bees with the right plants is important, but what about inviting them to make a home nearby with attractive ready-to-move-in housing? A custom condo became my project in the winter for solitary native bees of all kinds who come knocking on my door for a place to lay their eggs. Curb Appeal …
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Sex in the Garden
Pollination is all about plant sex. Yes, there is sex in the garden, be it plant sex, bee sex, bat sex, bird sex, and yes, sometimes human sex. Pollinators are being squeezed out of habitats and we can stem the tide by learning ways to attract them.
The Worst Garden Trends
There are some garden practices that should be outlawed, like zealous pruning, excessive mulching, and planting of Bradford Pear trees. There are others that are just silly, like dealing with garden snobs, or frustrating, the decline of honeybees. But the worst yet, is the rollout of new plant varieties that cost you a small fortune, and then promptly die.