attracting wildlife

butterflies and other pollinators

pollinators are organisms which aid in the transfer of pollen to allow for the fertilization of plants essential to fruit and seed production. While some plants, such as grasses, have very light pollen which can be transferred by wind, about 80% of flowering plants are dependant on pollinators to help them transfer their pollen.

A pollinator goes to a flower seeking nectar and in the process pollen from the male part of the flower sticks to the pollinator's legs or other parts of its body. When it flies on to another flower of the same type, the pollen is deposited on the female part of the plant. This allows the plant to reproduce by creating seeds and fruit.

When people think of pollination, many focus on bees. Bees are the principal pollinators, but there are other important pollinators as well. These include other insects such as flies, moths, butterflies, wasps, and even some beetles. They also include hummingbirds and bats.

the importance of pollinators | threats to pollinators | creating a pollinators' paradise | a diversity of pollinators

the importance of pollinators
Many of the foods we eat could not be produced without pollinators. Apples, blueberries, grapes, watermelon, carrots, squash, cocoa, cotton, cherries, and peaches are just a few examples of the crops which are dependent on pollinators for their production. Many wildflowers also rely on pollinators. Without their services we would not be able to grow the majority of our food crops or enjoy the flowers around us.

threats to pollinators
Many of the pollinators we depend on are under threat. Some crops are showing decreases in production due to a shortage of pollinators. Farmers are having to import and raise pollinators to ensure good production of their crops.

The main threat facing pollinators is loss of their habitat. Expanding urbanization is eating up the habitat of many of these creatures. As native vegetation is replaced by exotic garden plants, large expanses of lawn, and roadways, pollinators lose the resources that are necessary for their survival. The loss of milkweed from many areas, for example, threatens the monarch butterfly which will only lay its eggs on this plant.

Pesticides are also taking their toll. Insecticides aimed at pest species also kill off the pollinators necessary to the crop's production. Herbicides deplete the landscape of "weeds" essential to the pollinator's survival. This is especially true for butterflies which are dependant on many "weed" species for the survival of their larvae or caterpillars. The Monarch butterfly, for example, is unable to survive without the presence of milkweed.

We can help ease this pressure and create a pollinators' paradise with some thoughtful gardening and a little planning.

creating a pollinators' paradise
To welcome pollinators to your garden consider the following tips:

• Plant a diversity of blooms to meet the needs of a diversity of pollinators.
• Pick a sunny, preferably sheltered spot.
• If you don't have a large yard try putting out a few container plants to attract passing pollinators.
• Choose native flowers that are abundant in nectar and pollen. (Exotic flowers are typically bred for showiness and may not yield nectar and pollen).
• Plant for a spectrum of blooming times to provide food for pollinators from spring through to fall.
• Shrubs and trees, such as dogwood, blueberry, cherry, plum, willow, and poplar will provide pollen or nectar, or both, early in the season when food is scarce.
• Satisfy the thirst of pollinators in the hot dry summer by providing water in a shallow dish, bowl, or birdbath, with half-submerged stones as perches.
• A muddy spot, which can be created using the trickle effect, will provide essential nutrients to butterflies and nesting materials to many bees.
• To meet shelter requirements, allow a corner of your yard to go "wild" with grasses, weeds, native wildflowers, and brush.
• Leave an area of bare, sandy soil for bees which nest underground.
• Make nesting structures for smaller bees out of bundles of drinking straws or woody stems hung in a tree. For larger bees make a bee bungalow.
• Pesticides are a pollinator's worst enemy. If absolutely necessary, apply only organic pesticides sparingly and selectively, after sundown when most pollinators are inactive.
• There's lots you can do to attract hummingbirds. Learn more here.

a diversity of pollinators
To attract a variety of pollinators, consider their different preferences: