Kim Labno
Most gardeners know that plants need fertile soil, sunshine, water, and air to thrive. A growing number of gardeners also appreciate that most plants need pollinators. These insects and animals work tirelessly transferring pollen between plants to produce the seeds of the next generation. Many people think of pollinating critters as the ‘birds and the bees’ but butterflies, bats and ants are also examples of these hard working creatures.
Pollinators evolved over the course of millions of years
with most plants to exhibit the symbiotic relationship we see today. However, the
balance in this system has been significantly disrupted from dwindling habitat,
disease pressure, and increased pesticide use. Gardeners can help pollinators
overcome these challenges by cultivating pollinator gardens, which focus on
plants that serve as food and shelter for insects and other animals that do the
work of pollination. Many resources are available to guide plant selection and
design. A few basic rules are:
1.
Choose native plants whenever possible because these
selections generally provide a food source to the greatest number of
pollinators and are known to provide food for insect’s larval stages.
2.
Cultivate plants with that will provide a bloom
succession to supply food throughout the year for a spectrum of pollinators.
3.
Arrange plants in clusters, not single or spotty
flowers, to provide a visual cue that helps pollinators find their food.
Penn State College of Agricultural Science Outreach Office
offers a pollinator garden certification that verifies a gardener’s commitment
to conserving pollinator habitat. The application requires information including
plant selections that serve as sources of food and shelter, providing a source
of water and reducing or eliminating pesticide. A $10 application fee is a donation
that helps support Penn State Master Gardeners continuing education of the
public about the importance of providing habitat for pollinators
Gardeners can find inspiration for creating and sustaining
their own pollinator garden by visiting the Penn State Extension Master
Gardeners of Philadelphia amazing pollinator garden on the grounds of the
Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park.
Helpful links and resources.
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