Without pollinators, the human race and earth’s terrestrial ecosystems could not survive. That may be a heavy note to start on, but it is crucial to know the importance of pollinator species, such as bees, butterflies, and some birds. Everything from agriculture to lovely wildflower meadows depend upon them.
More than one-third of the world’s crop production is only possible through pollination. The vegetables, fruits, and nuts we enjoy need bees and other pollinators to carry pollen (the yellow dust you see on bees hairy legs) from the male system (anthers) of the flower to the female system (stigma). This process results in the fertilization of the plant, which is what allows it to produce fruit.
Pollinators are not only important for our food sources, however. They also help maintain the entire ecosystem. “Approximately 80-95% of the plant species found in natural habitats require animal-mediated pollination”. The food, habitat, and shelter provided by these plants are what keep terrestrial ecosystems thriving.
Pollinators and Agriculture
Pollinators depend on plants just as much as the plants depend on them. Bees, for example, receive vital nutrients from the nectar and pollen they collect. With widespread development and changes in agriculture since World War II, however, we have seen a drastic decline in pollinator species.
Food deserts created by large-scale monoculture crops, the application of pesticides, and habitat loss are three main contributors to this decline.
With the growth of big agriculture, many farmers stopped planting cover crops - plants such as alfalfa or clover, which improve soil quality, increase biodiversity, and provide essential food sources for pollinators.
With the elimination of this important cycle, agriculture moved to the large-scale planting of a monoculture crop (one single plant species rather than a variety). This switch caused a domino effect of misfortunes for our pollinators.
Surmounting Risks
Monocultures can spread out over several acres and often consist of grains or other plants that do not provide a food source for bees and other pollinating species. This loss of habitat requires pollinators to travel farther to find food, eventually resulting in the species moving or dying out.
The application of harmful pesticides significantly increases the risks to bees and other pollinators as well. At best, pesticides cause disorientation making it difficult for the bee to make the journey back to the nest. At worst, the poison is too powerful and kills the consumer.
Outside of agriculture, habitat loss due to urbanization has troubling effects. As meadows and forests are developed into mown lawns, and paved parking lots, plant diversity is in decline, thus affecting the species who depend on those plants.
The application of harmful pesticides significantly increases the risks to bees and other pollinators as well. At best, pesticides cause disorientation making it difficult for the bee to make the journey back to the nest. At worst, the poison is too powerful and kills the consumer.
Outside of agriculture, habitat loss due to urbanization has troubling effects. As meadows and forests are developed into mown lawns, and paved parking lots, plant diversity is in decline, thus affecting the species who depend on those plants.
All Hope is Not Lost
Despite a rather gloomy beginning, there is hope for saving these paramount pollinators. Of course, changing the way we do large-scale farming plays a big role.
Planting flowering hedgerows to break up acres of monocultures and reducing or eliminating pesticides are important steps in recreating a pollinator-friendly world that can coexist with big agriculture.
Planting flowering hedgerows to break up acres of monocultures and reducing or eliminating pesticides are important steps in recreating a pollinator-friendly world that can coexist with big agriculture.
But change at the industrial level is not the only path to making a difference. You and I can contribute a lot as well. It just requires a trip to your local nursery or greenhouse.
Plant Flowers
The surest way to help pollinators survive is to combat habitat loss by planting pesticide-free flowers. If you know for a fact you do not possess a green thumb, don’t worry. You do not have to create elaborate landscaping (although that can be an enjoyable at-home hobby) or start a small-scale farm to have a successful, pollinator-friendly flower garden.
You just need to plant a few flowers.
To get started, you can do a little research on flowers that attract different types of pollinators and what plants will work best in your particular environment. I recommend going with mostly native flowers, as they are already adapted to the climate and soil type in your area, and your local pollinators will be familiar with them.
You just need to plant a few flowers.
To get started, you can do a little research on flowers that attract different types of pollinators and what plants will work best in your particular environment. I recommend going with mostly native flowers, as they are already adapted to the climate and soil type in your area, and your local pollinators will be familiar with them.
If doing your research seems daunting, you can go straight to a local greenhouse or nursery and talk with the employees about what type of garden you are looking to create. Based on your location, they will be able to point you towards the plants that will thrive in your yard and give you plenty of helpful tips on how to care for each individual.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of “plant care” - there are a wide variety of flowers that are very low maintenance.
Creating Your Garden
Once you have chosen your flowers, it is time to decide where to put them. An important consideration before planting is the amount of sunlight your plants require. You will need to know what portions of your yard receive full sun, part shade, full shade, etc. Then you may plant accordingly.
As I mentioned earlier, you do not need anything elaborate to attract pollinators. A small planter filled with a few different flower varieties will work just as well as a large flower bed teeming with many types of plants. If you only have space for a few planters on your porch, that is perfectly fine. One of the nice aspects of individual planters is that you can move them around as needed.
If you have space for a larger garden in your yard and your soil is rich enough, you can plant your flowers directly in the ground, with some added potting soil for a boost. For those of you, like myself, who live in an area where the soil is dry, rocky, and lacking nutrients, you will probably need to build raised beds.
As I mentioned earlier, you do not need anything elaborate to attract pollinators. A small planter filled with a few different flower varieties will work just as well as a large flower bed teeming with many types of plants. If you only have space for a few planters on your porch, that is perfectly fine. One of the nice aspects of individual planters is that you can move them around as needed.
If you have space for a larger garden in your yard and your soil is rich enough, you can plant your flowers directly in the ground, with some added potting soil for a boost. For those of you, like myself, who live in an area where the soil is dry, rocky, and lacking nutrients, you will probably need to build raised beds.
Raised Flower Beds
Building a raised bed is an easy task. You can build wooden beds (It does not need a bottom if it is sitting on the ground - this could hinder drainage), rock beds, or I have even seen beds made out of fabric, although I cannot vouch for their durability.
Any of these structures can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make them. For my garden, I simply collected a few of the many rocks around my home and built a circle about three rocks high, making sure to fill any large gaps with smaller rocks so my potting soil would not spill out.
Any of these structures can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make them. For my garden, I simply collected a few of the many rocks around my home and built a circle about three rocks high, making sure to fill any large gaps with smaller rocks so my potting soil would not spill out.
If you do not have excess materials around your home, you may also purchase raised beds from your local garden center or order online.
Final Touches
There are a few final touches you may want to add to your garden to ensure pollinators will feel safe and at home.
Bees, birds, and butterflies all need a water source. If you do not have a pond or creek by your home, a birdbath could be a nice addition to your garden. Not only will it provide a source of water, but it can also be entertaining to watch birds splash and play.
A hummingbird feeder is another great addition. They come in a variety of styles, so you should not have trouble finding one that you can delight in just as much as your hummingbird neighbors.
Bees, birds, and butterflies all need a water source. If you do not have a pond or creek by your home, a birdbath could be a nice addition to your garden. Not only will it provide a source of water, but it can also be entertaining to watch birds splash and play.
A hummingbird feeder is another great addition. They come in a variety of styles, so you should not have trouble finding one that you can delight in just as much as your hummingbird neighbors.
Lastly, you can provide a place of shelter. Be it a birdhouse, bat house, or beehive; there are a plethora of ready-made homes you can add to your garden to ensure pollinators will keep returning to the sources you have provided them.
Relax and Enjoy
A garden should be a place where you can relax and enjoy being outdoors in your own back (or front) yard. Create a space that is as much for you as it is your local wildlife. I assure you, more than just the pollinators will benefit.