My concern upon hearing about the reduction of the bee population lead me into an interesting discovery. It was then that I realized how important pollinators are especially bees and the role they play in the production of our food supply to both humans and animals. You may be asking how does this work ? Pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the male to the female plant and with this entrance or exchange fertilization take place. Allowing the plant to produce seeds and fruit from which we all are able to benefit from.
Bees are especially an important pollinators and beekeepers know how fast and effective they are. They can cover a large area of crop that that needs to be fertilized in a shorter period of time compared with other pollinators like wind, butterflies and other insects.
With the reduction of the bee population at risk we should be very concerned and take every precaution to make sure these pollinators continue to thrive in this ecosystem for sustainability and the continued production of food to sustain life. With these important issues in mind, every effort should be made to encourage pollinators to our garden by introducing plants that will attract them and also it will help in boosting your own backyard's production of the crops grown. I have selected some plants that are known to attract pollinator as good start.
Tropical Plants
- Hibiscus A large flowering plant with lots of vibrant colours of red, white, orange, yellow and variations in colours which has the ability to grow as a thick hedge, you will notice this being used frequently as a hedge in tropical climates. Birds especially hummingbirds are attractive to its sweet nectar and bees and other pollinators like butterflies enjoy the large flowers which allow them to land and explore the plant safely extracting the pollen harmlessly from it trumpet shaped flower. The hummingbird is especially attracted to this beautiful flowering plant.
- Bougainvillea Used as a decorative hedge or as a shrub. This plant is full of vibrant colours of red, fuchsia , white, orange and many other variations. The shrub is loaded with brightly coloured flowers and bracts that that make them such an attraction to pollinators.
- Bird of paradise A favourite among tropical garden due to its unique shaped flower, a drought-resistant plant and it has the ability to survive in harsh conditions with little rainfall. It lush green leaves creates volume for any garden, and it is a known attraction for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
- Cana Lily A very easy plant to grow with beautiful, lush flowers of yellow, white and red. The bright large flowers are produced from these plant which makes them attractive to pollinators. These plants love the hot climate and will flourish even in a subtropical climate. Expect your garden to have bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and other insects which also assist in pollination. They are considered an easy to grow plant and has the ability to survive in a moist soil.
Flowers that Attract Bees
- Echinacea (Coneflower) A popular plant grown for its beautiful flowers that are drought-tolerant and used as a medicinal property for Native Americans especially for colds and coughs. Many of our cold medications have this plant included even in cough drops. These bright floral mixtures are found in many varieties and make the perfect choice for your garden. They come in rich textures and colours and will offer beautiful colours for containers and borders. Butterflies and other insects like bees will be attractive to their stunning colours.
- Dahlia These are often known to produce large flowers and are sometimes used as borders and as show pieces at garden sites. I have grown these in my garden, and they were stunning with large flowers and because of their large surface and dynamic colours bees and butterflies were drawn to them. They are available in many varieties and colours of pink, purple, red, orange, white and a blend of colours together.
- Bee Balm A member of the mint family with a unique smell of fragrant flower. It is known to have so many health benefits and is a worthy addition to any garden. The plant has a sweet nectar which make it attractive to pollinators. The leaves can be used and crushed and has an aromatic scent. Found in colours of pink, red and purple with tubular shaped will make them a natural magnetism for bees and other pollinators. The fragrance flower is also a main attraction for pollinator and also to the gardener. They can also be grown in containers, raised garden beds and borders.
- Phlox These plants offer so much to the garden space. They are available in many colours and used in landscaping for borders. This is a fragrant flower which blooms in clusters the flowers are very attractive to pollinators. They will continue to bloom in the garden throughout the summer months and into fall which makes them the perfect addition for any space. Expect to find them in a variety of colours purple, pink and variations of blended colours.
Butterflies
Butterflies do make their contribution to assist with the pollination of plants but in comparison to bees their role does not impact the process as much as bees. At the same time, we need their valuable contribution to continue to assist in making our ecosystem sustainable.
One particular contributor is the monarch butterflies which has now been listed as endangered. Easily identified with their bright orange and black colour. They feed on nectar from the plant and without these important plants they will be forced to migrate to areas where they can find what they need to live and survive. It is important that we continue to grow the necessary plants to ensure that they will continue to return to the areas where they can find sustainable food. By encouraging these plants to grow in your own garden this will help to keep them returning from their migrating path.
- Sunflower These are very good to plant in the garden not only as an attraction for pollinators but serve as a dual function as they are known to remove contaminants from the soil. What is unique about this flower is as the sun goes down it also turns away and can be seen clearly at sunrise due to it's attraction to follow the sun's direction. They can grow tall and are able to attract the pollinators easily. The sunflower has many uses, the seeds are edible and can be harvested for the next season. It is also used to produce oil which is suitable for human consumption. The bright colour of this plant is able to attract the Monarch butterfly which feast on the nectar of the plant.
- Yarrow is a useful plant to incorporate in the garden. It is known for its medicinal properties and will attract many pollinators because of its variety and blend of colours that are available. You can find them in red, yellow, different shades of pink, white and more. The plant loves the sunshine and the hot weather but may not be the best choice for pets which if ingested by them will cause harm. if you have sensitive skin be aware that it can cause irritations with some people. The plant has the ability to spread quickly so some caution is need where they should be located in your space. It makes an excellent border, and you can expect many pollinators to be attracted to these flowers. Along with this plant others like Aster, and Chrysanthemum and Daisy all fall within the same family group.
- Hollyhock They are breathtaking plants are just what these pollinators need to make your garden stand out. The blooms of this flower are in bright colours of red, pink, white, yellow, burgundy and violet with large foliage. They are sure to attract butterflies and other pollinators. The are able to grow tall and would be suitable at the back of the garden so they will not cover the other plants that are lower in height. The flowers are so beautiful and are used in many floral arrangements.
Hummingbirds
- Black Adder Anise Hyssop A beautiful fragrant plant with flowers that are tubular shaped makes them the ideal attraction especially for hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is a drought-tolerant plant which will grow up to four feet in height. It will produce a lot of seeds it is recommended to plant in a selected area where it can be allowed to thrive. It can be used as a border giving contrast and will bloom continuously. It is a good plant to introduce to the garden for its medicinal value. The leaves are used for teas and will certainly add its fragrance to any cup.
- Honeysuckle This is a nectar producing plant that will surely attract pollinators and provides a good source of food. It is a good choice to add to your garden and you will enjoy these fragrant flowers blooming in red, yellow, orange and pink. They can become invasive as birds continue to spread their seeds.
- Cardinal Flower are known to be visually appealing with deep red hues and will make your garden become very enticing to pollinators. They grow in an upright position with tubular flowers producing nectar enough to keep the birds visiting before their migration begins. These flowers will continue to bloom into fall and produce an enticing fragrance. They are self-seeding and if you have a concern they can be collected or left to add more plants to the garden for the next season.
Creating a Friendly Habitat
Just as humans sometime need encouragement to develop so do insects. If your garden has the right habitat then they are motivated to return to the same area where pollinators know they will be well fed, and all their needs will be met. By planting diverse plants that bloom for long periods or by planting ones that bloom at different times. This method helps to ensure that the flowering of these plants will be there in the garden continuously and can provide the food they require.
The addition of water features like fountains and birdbaths are helpful and will allow them to drink when needed. The water will be readily available for them and encourage pollinators to stay rather than leaving to look for another place to drink.
Adding plants that bloom bright colours like red, blue, purple, yellow will encourage pollinators to find your garden. Certain pollinators like bees and hummingbirds are attracted to colours like red and blue and this will encourage them to remain. Plants that produce a lot of nectar will add adequate food supply and will help to enhance their grown.
Fruit trees provide one of the best sources of nectar for bees and other pollinators. When these trees are planted within a good proximity to the garden, they help to encourage the pollinators to visit. Trees like pear and cherry are amazing and provide a lot of food source for them.
Creating a place for shelter during rainy periods is also helpful. With the addition of bird houses, bee hotels and any type of housing that will be encouraging so that many will want to stay in the garden space. This allows the garden to be habitat friendly for all including butterflies in order to help them to remain in the space.
Pesticides are a constant threat to pollinators. If we can find alternative methods to remove pests from our plants by using natural products This leads to a more sustainable environment. Using companion gardening or a vertical system this can control the amount of pesticides that is being used. Natural products do not harm plants they help with the environment promoting a more eco- friendly and healthier way for sustainability of our soil. The result is a much healthier air for us all to breath in.
Companion gardening allows the plant to do the work, each plant working together as companions to repel any pest that that may want to overtake them. The vertical method places the plant away from the ground. This method makes it more difficult for pest to reach them and in the long run this becomes easier for pollinators to locate these plants. Overall producing a larger yield of crops and a much healthier produce.
It is important that we understand the importance pollinators play in our food production. We need to be aware of the consequences involved if they should leave. Plants could not be pollinated and there is a limitation on relying on the wind or even by hand pollination. We would be unable to provide enough food to sustain our own population and their need for the consumption of food.
Taking steps to reduce the amount of pesticides is a start and focusing on alternative methods using natural products in our research is essential. In my own research I discovered that not all pollinators like the same plants, so it becomes a necessity to diversify the plants we grow in our garden to encourage others to become attracted to our space.
By observation of how these insects respond to the plants we grow. We become more educated and learn more about their behaviour in their natural habitat. Encouraging them to becomes nesters as we learn by observation. I am hopeful and encouraged that we will begin to take notice of our own environment and take the necessary steps to plant and grow crops to allow pollinators to become a part of our own back yard and in this way we will be helping to continue an ecosystem that will remain with us for a very long time.