Pollinator Bee Garden
New York, NY — Piggybacking off the White House’s May release of the Pollinator Research Action Plan, environmental horticulturist Kim Eierman is launching a campaign to make American homeowners and gardeners aware of strategies they can implement in their own gardens and yards in support of pollinators. Eierman will speak about pollinators at workshops, classes and events across the country in the coming year, to spread her message.
This environmental horticulturist is leading an educational campaign. She wants to teach Americans simple home gardening practices. Moreover, these steps can help reverse the decline in bee, butterfly, and pollinator populations. For example, you can see some of her helpful tips online.
“The European honey bee and our 4,000 native bee species in the U.S. have suffered dramatic losses,” said Eierman. Furthermore, she explained that bees pollinate much of our food crops. Without them, many fruits, nuts, and vegetables would disappear. She noted, “Most of our landscapes offer little nectar or pollen sources. Additionally, our frequent use of pesticides, even common lawn care products, devastates bees and other pollinators.”
“The White House has taken the lead with its recent Pollinator Research Action Plan,” Eierman added. However, individual actions matter just as much. During World War II, Americans created over one million Victory Gardens. Therefore, she urges people to do it again. This time, she calls for Pollinator Victory Gardens to defend pollinators and our food supply. After all, every garden counts!
Kim Eierman’s Basic Tips for Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Home Garden
1) Plant for a succession of bloom from spring through fall.
Different pollinator species emerge at different times of year, and have different lifespans. Create an ongoing “pollinator buffet” throughout the growing season.
2) Skip the double-flowered plants – they have little, and sometimes no, nectar or pollen.
What is beautiful to the human eye may be a source of starvation for a bee or other pollinator. Find the beauty in what a plant does, not just how it looks.
3) Don’t forget to include trees and shrubs in your landscape – pollinators need them.
Many “woody” plants are important for pollinators. For they are not just those with showy blooms. Some early blooming native trees and shrubs can be a source of nectar or pollen to early emerging bees. Some trees even provide habitat to pollinators.
Many “woody” plants are important for pollinators. Moreover, they are not just those with showy blooms. Some early-blooming native trees and shrubs offer vital nectar or pollen to early-emerging bees. Additionally, some trees provide essential habitat for pollinators. Therefore, adding these plants to gardens supports bees and butterflies throughout their life cycles. By choosing native trees and shrubs, we create stronger, healthier ecosystems. Learn more about how woody species support pollinators here: Selecting Trees and Shrubs as Resources for Pollinators (UGA Extension).
Conclusion
Together, we can transform our communities. Moreover, pollinator bee friendly gardens provide food and shelter for essential species. We reduce harmful chemicals. Additionally, we restore balance to local ecosystems. These steps build a healthier future for everyone. Therefore, let’s inspire friends and neighbors to join us. Every flower, every garden, every choice makes a difference. Ultimately, protecting pollinators means protecting ourselves.
