You may have heard that bees are disappearing, and bats are dying. These and other animal pollinators face many challenges in the modern world. Habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants have all contributed to the decline of many species of pollinators. Pollinators that can’t find the right quantity, or quality, of food (nectar and pollen from blooming plants within flight range) don’t survive.
Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. Scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects. Right now, there simply aren’t enough pollinator friendly plantings to support pollinators. Like the song says, “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot”. So, what are some of things we can do to support and protect these vital creatures essential to our ecosystem?
Plant Native Plants. Native plants are considered the best choice because of their abundance of nectar and pollen in addition to being low maintenance, generally pest free, drought tolerant, and ability to control erosion.
Plant a continuous food supply. Make sure you have at least 3 different species throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons to provide adequate food when pollinators emerge from and prepare for winter hibernation.
Include a diversity of plants. Different flower sizes, shapes and colors, as well as varying plant heights and growth habits, support a greater number and diversity of pollinators. Include a combination of native plant species, heirloom plants and herbs in your pollinator garden. Common herbs such as rosemary, oregano, basil, marjoram, and borage are excellent pollinator plants.
Go organic. A healthy garden with the appropriate plant species and an abundance of pollinators will support natural beneficial insects— eliminating the need for pesticides.
To learn more about what you can do to support and welcome pollinators to your yard, visit the Keep Texas Beautiful website and register for their free webinar,“Feed the Pollinators,” on January 23rd from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
