I've noticed a big decline in the amount of bees I see in my yard over the last few years. Has any else experienced this as well? They're mainly attracted to my Linden and crabapple trees when they're in bloom (which isn't for long). I only use organic fertilizers and don't use pesticides in my garden and lawn. To attempt to counteract the overuse of agrichemicals, particularly neonicotinoid pesticides, I'm planning to plant more plants and bushes to attract bees and other pollinators. Is any else in zones 5-6 that has done this? If so what have you planted that works well?
Thanks!
Link to article...
My idea is to investigate with neighbors and find out who may be getting lawn service that may use harmful chemicals to reduce bugs in lawn grass.
You can be a neighborhood embassidor for the native pollinators and butterflies by exchanging plants, holding garden tours and generally educating others about what you are doing.
And as always, keep up the good work!
You can plant some Milkweed, Anaphalis, Antennaria, Hollyhocks, Globe Thistle, Fennel, Dill and Parsley to support various butterflies in the larval stage. Depending on your region, you can plant for more species of Swallowtail. Where are you located?
Butterflies sell. So do bees, but they do very well with their Lepidopteran "wing man".
Consider raising honeybees.
It's a nice - though not very cost-effective - hobby;
and then you'll know you're doing something for them.
There's hives now that allow you to tap in to the honey without taking the hive apart..
Its the same in the UK, I think that the small help that we gardeners can give them, is no compensation for the damage the pesticides are doing. Most pollinating insects fly long distances, and there only needs to be one treated field in their flight path and they are gone, dead long before they get near your garden.
Sadly I've noticed the same thing down here in Southwest Texas. Not near the bees I used to see in my yard, and I've planted a pollinator garden for them. In the spring when my Wisteria was in bloom I had quite a few, but now I rarely see any.
Posted by FrostyJimToo cold to plant outside for another month here in Wasilla Alaska.
Posted by FrostyJimToo cold to plant outside for another month here in Wasilla Alaska.
Posted by JolantaUnusual fungi.
Posted by FernappleI am trying to grow some extra salad crops this year in the new greenhouse.
Posted by JolantaBugg life.
Posted by glennlab My first flowers of this spring. Lotus and blue bells
Posted by glennlab My first flowers of this spring. Lotus and blue bells
Posted by FrostyJimSeedlings ..
Posted by FernappleIts Hellebore season now.
Posted by FernappleIts Hellebore season now.
Posted by FernappleIts Hellebore season now.
Posted by FrostyJim...don't be silly!
Posted by KateOahuI saw some pretty flowers on a walk today. I’d never seen a white Hibiscus before. And I do not know what the pink flowers are.
Posted by KateOahuI saw some pretty flowers on a walk today. I’d never seen a white Hibiscus before. And I do not know what the pink flowers are.
Posted by KateOahuI saw some pretty flowers on a walk today. I’d never seen a white Hibiscus before. And I do not know what the pink flowers are.
Posted by FrostyJimI usually drink coffee while planting seeds?