SUPPORTING OUR LESSER KNOWN POLLINATORS
It’s National Pollinator Week again! You may wonder why we need a week-long campaign for pollinators or even think you’re quite familiar with the declining trend of native bee populations. Yet, more work can be done on this issue. Since 2007, Pollinator Week has grown into an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles.
Wait, did we say bats?
Yes, bats can be pollinators too, along with moths, beetles, and even flies. A critical reason for continuing the pollinator conversation is that while the importance of bees and butterflies to our global agricultural system has grown into a national topic of concern, we rarely consider other pollinators like moths and bats.
For each region, the Pollinator Partnership has developed a guide to support a diverse population of pollinators. A fabulous resource for landscape architects and homeowners alike, this guide includes resources and specific planting suggestions for each species. Central Maryland is divided by its varied geography, so check your zip code to be sure which guide to view:
Outer Coastal (Annapolis and Columbia)
Southeastern Mixed Forest (Bethesda and Northern Virginia) , or
Eastern Broadleaf Forest Oceanic Province (Sykesville).
While you determine which region you’re in, keep an eye on your landscape at home and at the office park. What wildlife is attracted by your plantings? You’ll notice more pollinator-friendly perennials incorporated into public spaces.
We’ll continue National Pollinator Week with highlights of our own planting list for pollinators: our favorite trees, shrubs, and perennials including those used by a wider range of pollinators.
We’ll also be posting some of Colleen’s own Live from the Hive scenes on our Instagram account this week. Follow us if you aren’t already. You’ll find lots of horticultural knowledge and gorgeous #What’sBloomingWednesday floral images, because nature and beauty are always relevant.
