The Buzz on Pollinators

In recent years, there has been significant decline in pollinator populations. Why does this matter? Plants which produce seeds need to be pollinated for a number of reasons: to maintain genetic diversity, reproduce, and to develop fruit. Almost all food crops rely on pollination. Without pollinators, the earth’s ecosystem isn’t sustainable. And I don’t know about you, but paying for hand-pollinated produce doesn’t rank high on my list of things to do. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts can help by creating pollinator-friendly spaces.

The decline of pollinator populations is mainly due to the loss of habitats. As a result, there’s a lot of buzz (see what I did there?) surrounding supporting pollinators by growing plants that promote the health of new colonies. Pollinators depend on pollen and flower nectar as food sources, and plants are fertilised when pollinators transfer pollen between flowers. Consider how butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, ants, beetles, moths and even bats play a critical role.

What are Pollinator Friendly Plants?

Like anything, we all have favourite meals and pollinators are no different. Some plants are just more attractive to certain bugs, birds and the like. Many pollinators look for plants that boast rich supplies of pollen and nectar. A pollinator-friendly plant is any plant that supplies nourishment for these little natural helpers.

All plants have characteristics to entice pollinators such as fragrance, shape and the flower colour. 

For instance, Hummingbirds, with their long, narrow Beals love tube shaped flowers in vivd colours like purple, red and yellow.  Bees enjoy flowers that are easily accessible in hues of orange, blue, purple and yellow. Butterflies, by contrast, prefer pink, red and white flowers with lengthy stems where they can perch to sip on nectar.

Best Pollinator Friendly Plants

Here are some of the best pollinator plants to include in your yard