Creating an Oasis for Pollinators

Happy Pollinators Week! Pollinators—honey bees and native bees, butterflies, beetles, ants, bats and hummingbirds--provide an essential ecological service by moving pollen around so that plants can reproduce and incidentally provide seeds and fruit that feed people [KAM1] and many animals. Pollinators and insects in general are under threat due to industrial-scale agricultural practices, climate change, use of pesticides, and loss of habitat. Homeowners have an opportunity to restore native habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. If only half of the 40 million acres now devoted to lawn were converted into more natural landscaping, an area larger than the combined acreage of most major national parks could be transformed, creating what Doug Tallamy is calling Homegrown National Park. Adding even just a few flowering plants will make your yard more inviting to pollinators.

Here are some tips to making your yard appealing and safe for pollinators.

· Emphasize native trees, shrubs, and perennials in your landscape. Insects have co-evolved with native plants and pollinators both prefer them as a source for pollen and often require specific plants to reproduce. For example, the monarch butterfly reproduces on milkweed and several native bees require pollen from goldenrod to feed their young.

· Plant a diversity of plants that will bloom from early spring through fall and with varying shapes and color to support a variety of pollinators.

· Provide water – a few rocks in your birdbath will provide insects with a place to perch. You should change the water every few days to prevent the spread of disease and control mosquitoes.

· Leave your leaves in the garden beds over winter and wait until spring to cut back flower stems to protect overwintering insects and provide winter food for birds. Areas of bare soil and brush piles in hidden spots will offer nesting places for native bees.

· Limit the use of all pesticides, but particularly those used for controlling mosquitoes, which will kill any insects that comes into contact with the sprays. Less harmful and more effective ways to control mosquitoes include eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and using insect repellent or a fan when sitting outdoors.

· Limit outside lighting at night to protect nocturnal insects who may be confused by the light. Motion-detection sensors on outdoor lights can provide security and light when you need them.

To learn more about the threats to pollinators and how you can help, check out these two recent articles by Extension Master Gardeners of Arlington and Alexandria:

Pollinators Under Threat

and Creating an Oasis for Pollinators