Celebrating Pollinator Week!
Pollinator Week is June 18-24, 2018
We’ve all probably heard about the plight that pollinators are facing these days. Habitat loss, lack of food sources, and insecticides are some threats to not only honey bees, but also our own native bees and other pollinators such as flies, butterflies, and other insects!
Here at NATS Nursery, we recognize the importance of pollinators and their relationships with plants. Without pollinators, many plants would not be able to produce seeds and grow the next generation, and this includes food plants too!
NATS has proactively taken steps to help out our pollinator friends.
Firstly, we grow native (indigenous) Pacific Northwest plants for landscape & restoration planting, and Sedum varieties for LiveRoof Green Roof systems and sedum landscape turf. These plants provide lots of pollen and nectar to pollinators.
Secondly, we have voluntarily stopped using neonicotinoid pesticides on our crops. The science studies on neonicotinoid pesticides have found that ‘neonics’ cause death in wild and honey bee populations. We use an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach, including biological (predatory insects) and chemicals to control pests in our nursery.
What are some things you can do to help pollinators?
- Plant for Pollinators
- Native plants are great! Plants with open-petaled flowers that are easy for insects to find the nectar/pollen.
- Plant in clumps – a target for pollinators.
- Plant for continuous bloom from early spring into autumn.
- Plant in every area you can! Gardens, roadsides, window boxes, green roofs, patios!
- Allow spent flowers, leaves, dead branches, and bare ground to stay in the garden to allow nesting sites for native solitary and ground-nesting bees. Consider installing wood-nesting boxes for wood-nesting native bees.
- Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides
- Inform and inspire others to help pollinators
- Support local bees and beekeepers – buy local and/or organic honey
Find more information at Pollinator.org