Help your clients help out pollinators |
News |
Written by ALCC |
Tuesday, June 09, 2015 01:11 PM |
Pollinator Week is June 15-21, 2015, and the landscape industry is part of this public initiative. Landscape companies can help consumers make the best decisions for their yards in order to support pollinator health. From building “drinking stations” for bees to using native plants in the yard, there are many things that homeowners can do to make their landscape a welcoming and healthy habitat for bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Sharing this information helps pollinators, makes consumers feel better about their landscape, and gives business owners a marketing opportunity. We've assembled some facts and resources that companies can share with their customers. The three most important things that pollinators need are
Pollinator Partnership offers free guides tailored to your region that detail native pollinators, the plants they prefer, and where they like to rest. Diversity should be emphasized. A variety of plants will attract and serve a variety of beetles, bees, butterflies, and more. The plants should be varied in color, height, and season of bloom. Planting in varied heights provides a canopy for some pollinators. Dead branches and grasses can provide shelter for some bees—it’s a great excuse to not thoroughly cleaning up. Other insects need clear access to soil for nesting in the ground—further proof that diversity is key. Use available resources to find which variety is bet for your region. Pollinators in the garden
Herbs can serve as excellent pollinator plants, too. Some excellent herbs that attract pollinators are also delicious with dinner:
It can be helpful, when suggesting these edible pollinator habitats, to provide customers with recipes or recommendations on using these plants in the kitchen. A quick online search will produce recipes for turnips, hyssop, or coriander. Other resources you can share with consumers: Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW: |