- Author: Paula Pashby
Now that spring is here and summer is around the corner, I see and hear more about gardening to attract pollinators and why these pollinators are so important. However, I did not realize the ecological significance and how vital they are for the production of the food we eat.
According to University of CA Ag & Nat Resources, 70-75% of the world's flowering plants AND over 1/3 of the world's crop species depend on pollination for reproduction!
Most flowering plants have developed a variety of methods for the pollen transfer, such as wind, water, and self-pollination. However, 75% of flowering plants worldwide rely on animals and insects for pollination – our pollinators!
Who are these pollinators? There are many different types of pollinators, such as birds, butterflies, bees, ladybugs, flies, and so many more.
Unfortunately, many of these vital pollinators are on the decline. This decline is attributed to many factors - Pesticides, loss of food sources and habitats, and much more…
Fortunately, even if our space is limited, we can take part in protecting and conserving pollinators in many ways, including introducing pollinator-friendly plants to our own yards or community gardens!
A great way to get started is with a small flowering herb garden:
- Convenient when space is limited
- Allows gardeners with limited mobility to continue their love of gardening
- There are many fun and unique garden designs
- Great for a new gardener
- The flowers are attractive
- Useful for cooking
- Can be grown from seeds or starter plants
Some wonderful herbs to get started with are Bee Balm, Chives, Fennel, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage & Thyme.
P.S. You can still use the herbs for cooking, just allow some of them to flower to attract the pollinators!