Declining Pollinators Many pollinator species have suffered serious declines in recent years because of a variety factors-loss and fragmentation of habitat, pesticide use, and climate change. Unfortunately, most of our suburban and urban landscapes offer little in the way of appropriate habitat, forage, and housing. Even the most beautiful gardens are not always healthy ecosystems …
Continue reading "Three Native Plant Choices for Late Winter/Early Spring"
If you want to grow the ultimate flower buffet for butterflies and bees, try Joe Pye Weed. When there isn't much else blooming, Joe Pye will surprise you with fuzzy pink umbels of flowers that flying insects clearly relish. I planted only one plant of the great late summer bloomer, Eupatorium dubium, 'Little Joe', which …
Continue reading "Butterfly and Bee Magnet, Joe Pye Weed"
Last week was the official kick off of Pollinator Week, and the event has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles.
Pollinators are flying and searching for nectar and pollen to take back to their colony and the pickings are slim until the rest of the spring flowers open. Help them out with container plantings to supplement their foraging efforts
Pollinator Week, June 20-26, has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles.
 Drum roll please!........It is National Pollinator Week starting today and you need to start counting those bees. Go to my post Pollinator Week to see the drill, but it is real simple. Name the flower, and then do a quick count, say five minutes each flower of any pollinators that visit. Bees are of course the …
Continue reading "Bee Counted"
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.
