July greetings, what a great month to celebrate pollinators!
Why are pollinators so important to us? Worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverage, fibers, spices and medicines need to be pollinated by animals in order to produce the goods on which we depend.
Foods and beverages produced with the help of pollinators include blueberries, chocolate, coffee, melons, peaches, pumpkins, vanilla, and almonds. Plants that depend on a single type pollinator species, and likewise, pollinators that depend on a single type of plant for food are interdependent. If one disappears, so will the other.
With that being said, create a pollinator-friendly garden habitat by incorporating a continuous succession of plants flowering from spring through fall.
Plant native to your region using plants that provide nectar for adults plus food for insect larvae, such as milkweed for monarchs. Use old-fashion varieties of flowers whenever possible because breeding has caused some modern blooms to lose their fragrance and/or nectar/pollen needed to attract and feed pollinators.
Install houses for bats and bees. For example, use wood blocks with holes or small open patches of mud. As little as 12” is sufficient for some bees.
Avoid pesticides if possible. If you must use them, use the most selective and least toxic ones and apply them at night when most pollinators aren’t active.
Supply water for all wildlife. A dripping faucet, a birdbath with stone set in center, or a suspended milk carton with a pinhole in the bottom is sufficient for some insects.
Don’t forget to refill contains daily to avoid a mosquito breeding area.
These are simple ideas that we all can implement in our gardens to help pollinators do what they are created to do.Stay connected with nature. Take a walk, experience the landscape and look for pollinators’ midday in sunny, planted areas, enjoy.
Happy July Birthday to Joyce, Judy and Melody!
Cheers to July,
Melody Crossett Jones
Caro Garden Club President
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