There is a lot of talk about gardening for pollinators and Pollinator Week. But:
Who are pollinators? What is pollination?
Pollinators are animals that feed on the nectar and pollen of plants – bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, beetles, flies, and some species of bats and birds. Pollinating insects are the creatures that do the bulk of the pollination services essential to all of life on earth. Of these, bees are the most important. In Maine alone, there are 270+ species of native bees. Attracted to the color and fragrance of flowers, they alight on the flowers to feed on nectar and/or pollen. In the process, they unintentionally transfer pollen grains from the anthers (male flower part) to the stigma (female flower part). The pollen attaches to their bodies while they are sipping nectar and moving from flower to flower of the same species. Through this process, fertilization of the flower occurs, creating seeds and fruits – the next generation of plants. Most plants cannot reproduce without the services of foraging insects. It is estimated that one out of every three bites of food we eat is a result of pollinators.
Today, pollinators around the world are under threat for a variety of reasons – loss of habitat, invasive plant infestations, disease, pesticides, and changing climate.
These fragile creatures could use some help, come find out how you can help them during the week of June 20-26, Pollinator Week 2022. Visit our shed we call The Pollinator Hub, packed with information and plants to buy for your own pollinator garden. If you build it, they will come!
Pictured is Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamot.
