Each of us can enhance
our landscapes while supporting pollinators that are essential to life. We can
add habitat and adopt pollinator-friendly landscape practices for bees,
hummingbirds, and butterflies. These animals move pollen between flowers to
ensure the growth of seeds and fruits. Pollinators are necessary for the
reproduction of most of the world’s flowering plants, and about one third of
our food crops.
Pollinators are in
decline in many areas due to habitat loss, disease, excessive pesticide use,
and other factors. The loss of commercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder
(CCD) has received much attention recently, leading to research to understand
and mitigate threats to bees. The nonnative European honey bee is the most
common domesticated pollinator in the US.
Native bees are our most
important pollinators. Nearly 4000 species of bees are native to the US. Honey
bees, bumble bees, and some species of sweat bees live in large social groups.
Most native bees live as solitary individuals, and they are normally gentle and
unlikely to sting. Bees prefer flower colors of white, yellow, blue, and purple
(they can’t see red).
Hummingbirds are our
primary bird pollinator. Our most common hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, stays
in Washington State throughout the year. The Rufous Hummingbird is also common
here. Hummingbirds have long beaks and tongues to get nectar from tubular
flowers. Their beaks and feathers carry pollen to other plants.
Butterflies also
pollinate many plants. To best support butterfly populations, gardens should
include host plants for caterpillars, along with nectar plants for butterfly
food. Different butterfly species prefer particular plants. Butterflies are
guided by scents. They are nearsighted and generally look for bright-colored
composite flowers with a landing pad (such as Coneflower, Zinnia, and Aster).
Plan an area for butterflies in full sun, with protection from wind, large
stones for basking in the sun, and moist soil/mud for needed moisture and
minerals.
Support pollinators with
these landscaping practices:
- Provide a variety of plants with diverse flower shapes, colors, and bloom times. Include several plant species that flower each season, forming a sequence of blooms from spring through fall.
- Emphasize native plants in your garden design. Most pollinators greatly prefer native plants to exotic varieties.
- Plant flowers in drifts of at least four feet. Masses of single species will attract more pollinators, and allow more efficient pollination, than individual species scattered throughout the garden.
- Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Target specific pest concerns with the least harmful solution. Learn to live with some damage.
- Provide a water source with shallow or sloping sides.
Consider that
neighboring property may already provide some essential elements to support
pollinators. Focus your landscaping efforts on habitat needs missing in the
area. Complement existing plants with pollinator-friendly plants, such as those
listed.
We each can make a
positive impact by providing pollinator-friendly habitats. Let’s all take steps
to help pollinator populations thrive.
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