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Pollinators are one of Mother Nature's greatest gardeners, yet many populations continue to decline at an alarming rate. While National Pollinator Week continues to raise awareness, conservation of our precious pollinators is a year-round project. One way you can be a hero for wildlife is by creating a pollinator-friendly habitat in your own yard or community, and invite hummingbirds, bees and butterflies to do what they do best.
For starters, you'll need a nectar source for your hummingbird guests. They get most of their nectar from tubular blossoms, the perfect shape to accommodate their long, slim beak and tongue. Hummers like bright plants that are open during daylight hours, when the birds are awake and hungry. Sage is an excellent option for these tiny pollinators, not to mention the added bonus of providing your herb pantry with some homegrown goodies.
It's no secret that honeybee and native bee populations are in trouble. Entertain bees in your outdoor space by planting a diversity of vibrant flowers. It's extremely important to select plants that do not contain neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides that may contribute to Colony Collapse Disorder. Nowadays, some stores label plants that have been treated with neonicotinoids, but many do not, so it's best to consult with your local nursery before purchasing.
Including suitable nesting habitat in your landscape can help bolster the struggling populations of native bees. Many are solitary (so you don't need to worry about a hive) and a good number of species are considered stingless, in case that is a concern. You can purchase ready-made nesting houses for mason and orchard bees online, or make your own.
For butterflies, a simple search on Google will help you discover which species are common in your area. Once you know which butterflies live in your region, it's important to learn about their habitat needs. Certain species require specific host plants to serve as larval food for caterpillars. Choose a variety of colorful, native plants with upward-facing blossoms as they provide a landing pad for butterflies to stop and sip on sweet nectar.
Adding a water source for all of your pollinator guests is another great idea. If you're going to use a bird bath to accomplish this, just be sure to add stones that peek above the surface so your tiny guests (bees) don't drown.
Do you have any tips for creating a pollinator-friendly garden? Leave them in the comments.
Jenn Beening is the social media planner for San Diego Zoo Global. Read her previous post, 10 Cats You Don't Want to Cuddle With.
For starters, you'll need a nectar source for your hummingbird guests. They get most of their nectar from tubular blossoms, the perfect shape to accommodate their long, slim beak and tongue. Hummers like bright plants that are open during daylight hours, when the birds are awake and hungry. Sage is an excellent option for these tiny pollinators, not to mention the added bonus of providing your herb pantry with some homegrown goodies.
It's no secret that honeybee and native bee populations are in trouble. Entertain bees in your outdoor space by planting a diversity of vibrant flowers. It's extremely important to select plants that do not contain neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides that may contribute to Colony Collapse Disorder. Nowadays, some stores label plants that have been treated with neonicotinoids, but many do not, so it's best to consult with your local nursery before purchasing.
Including suitable nesting habitat in your landscape can help bolster the struggling populations of native bees. Many are solitary (so you don't need to worry about a hive) and a good number of species are considered stingless, in case that is a concern. You can purchase ready-made nesting houses for mason and orchard bees online, or make your own.
For butterflies, a simple search on Google will help you discover which species are common in your area. Once you know which butterflies live in your region, it's important to learn about their habitat needs. Certain species require specific host plants to serve as larval food for caterpillars. Choose a variety of colorful, native plants with upward-facing blossoms as they provide a landing pad for butterflies to stop and sip on sweet nectar.
Adding a water source for all of your pollinator guests is another great idea. If you're going to use a bird bath to accomplish this, just be sure to add stones that peek above the surface so your tiny guests (bees) don't drown.
Do you have any tips for creating a pollinator-friendly garden? Leave them in the comments.
Jenn Beening is the social media planner for San Diego Zoo Global. Read her previous post, 10 Cats You Don't Want to Cuddle With.
