March 17th, 2014

You may have heard of Colony Collapse Disorder, which is threatening the honey-bee populations used to pollinate many of our food crops.  While this is a serious problem, many native pollinators are also suffering the effects of pesticide use and loss of habitat.  Take a minute to learn about all of our pollinators and why it's important to maintain our gardens with them in mind.  Here are some simple steps you can take to make your garden pollinator friendly, along with some resources to feed your curious mind.

The Syrphid fly, or hoverfly is a non-stinging pollinator whose larvae may feed on aphids, thrips, and other garden pests. Attract them with plantings of wide-open yellow and white flowers.

1.  If you have unwanted stinging insects in your garden, remove them without poison
2.  Stop using pesticides.  Check out Beyond Pesticides to learn about toxicity to birds, fish, bees, soil organisms, and your family.
3.  Plant attractive ground covers that can host  insects, including bees and beetles at various life stages.  They need places to hide, places for water to collect, and places to lay eggs that will remain safe until the eggs hatch. 
4.  Plant a variety of plants that produce flowers across a range of seasons.  Different shapes and colors attract different pollinators, so diversity is key. 
5.  Include native plants in your garden.  Since native pollinators and plants have lived together for a long time, their life cycles are closely linked. 

Resources for further information

The Xerces Society - Pollinator Conservation information including regional plant lists and identification asssistance.  Their book Attracting Native Pollinators is also a great guide, and is available at the library.

The Great Sunflower Project - Participate in science by observing pollinators in your own garden.

Beepeeking - Learn about one Seattle resident's delightful foray into the world of pollinators & biodiversity.

Puget Sound Beekeepers Association - Learn more about keeping honey bees