Celebrating National Pollinators Week: Simple Tips to Support Our Pollinators

Happy National Pollinators Week! ???? As we recognize the crucial role pollinators play in our environment and food system, here are some practical tips to help you create a pollinator-friendly space:

- Choose Native Wildflowers: Native plants are well-suited to local conditions and attract a variety of pollinators. Look for native wildflowers at your local nursery or in seed packets.

- Flower Colors Matter: Bees are particularly drawn to blue, purple, and yellow flowers. They can even see ultraviolet colors, which we can't!

- Simple Flower Profiles: Pollinators find it easier to access nectar and pollen in simple flowers, those with a single ring of petals around a central disc, compared to double-petaled or frilly flowers.

- Sweet-Smelling Flowers: Flowers with sweet scents can attract bees and other pollinators.

In my garden, I've planted borage (edible and helps your tomatoes), coneflower (echinacea), marigolds & calendula (also great for tomatoes), lavender, catmint (the kitties love it), bee balm (tea, anyone?), crimson clover, and various herbs. Last summer, my garden buzzed with diversity of flyey things that I’d never seen.

Please avoid using pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides, as they can harm pollinators. Instead, try planting companion or trap plants to manage pests or use organic treatments like neem oil, milk, or dish soap sprays. Need some help here, DM me.

I love when small changes can have outsized impact. We’re still waiting for an end to the spring rain here in the PNW. Short on sunshine, we’re enjoying the diversity of life in our gardens while building a more sustainable food system for all! I hope you’ll join us. ????

#PollinatorsWeek #SustainableGardening #NativePlants #BeeFriendly #ClimateChange