Now is the time to pollinate. After a very strange weather pattern during the month of March, with unseasonable cold the first half of the month, our plants were totally confused. They started to flower with the warmth at the end of February and then went into a temporary state of shock when we hit the 40’s in the evenings most nights in the first two weeks of March. The plants are just now finally starting to figure out that spring is really here! The flowers are blooming, and this is the time of season when our pollinators are hard at work. As we continue to develop rapidly in the Lake Nona area, we are displacing our pollinators. Bees in particular are responsible for pollinating approximately one third of our food supply, and it is vitally important to do our part to counteract their displacement. Whether you have a flower garden or a vegetable garden, creating an environment that supports pollinators will provide a much-needed food supply to these important creatures, and it is a lot easier than you might think.
There are some simple steps to create an environment that is attractive for bees. We think of bees living in a hive, but many local species actually prefer to burrow and nest in debris and dead wood. Leaving hollow tree stems and bark can provide an inviting home for local bees. Look for native plants that flower throughout the year like impatients, marigolds, nasturtiums and sunflowers. Herbs like basil, mint and thyme also attract pollinators. Adding a water source like a bird bath or fountain is also inviting to the pollinators.
If butterflies are more your speed, there are simple steps to create a butterfly garden. There is a high concentration of butterfly diversity in Florida, so there are many options for plants such as milkweed to host the butterflies in your garden. A garden plan is important in providing an environment where the butterflies not only go to feed on and spread pollen but also to carry on the lifecycle and stay to lay eggs and hatch new butterflies in the area. To create this host environment, it is important to understand that each butterfly has host plants they are attracted to. The different-colored flowers also attract different types of butterflies, so include a nice variety in the garden.
When butterflies lay their eggs, the larvae also need particular plants available to feed on. If the right, mature, flowering plants and host plants for larvae are provided, then the butterfly can complete its life cycle all within the butterfly garden.
If we take care of our butterflies and other pollinators, they will take care of us. By pollinating our flowers and vegetables, these beneficial bugs provide us with the freshest, nutrient-rich foods right from our own gardens. These gardens will also attract other wildlife into the area and provide an opportunity to add more native plants to our Florida landscape. The garden also can be a home to beneficial insects that supply food to birds, lizards and other animals that help to control garden pests. When herbs are planted to attract pollinators, they can be used for medicinal purposes in cooking and teas to benefit the health of your family.
Please refer to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw057 from the University of Florida database to understand which plants attract certain bees and butterflies, as well as how to keep them happy so they can effectively pollinate our vegetables. Let’s all do our part to provide a home for these beautiful and beneficial insects and at the same time beautify our yards.