Pollinators

Butterflies, bees and other insects are nature's helpers in pollinating all sorts of plants. Bees are especially important for orchards and many food crops. It is vital we protect them all from poisonous insecticides. Here are some helpers in my gardens last year.

Wonderful, cheerful collage!

Thank you Baja;
There is concern over the past few years for the decline of Monarch Butterflies and Honey Bees. I have noticed fewer honey bees in the gardens and on fruit tree blossoms. I don't have the answers, but feel we can at least acknowledge the problem of decline. There are many websites focused on the subject. Here is just one: http://sos-bees.org/situation/

These are some of the photos the banner was taken from. I am happy to report many Monarchs visited here during 2019. I will continue to grow lots of bee-enticing plants and clovers for honey bees. And Monarchs thrive here on all perennial and annual flowering plants. I have also noticed honey bees love sunflowers.

Another super banner from Leon.
I agree with your observations concerning winged insects in our gardens.
In my garden more Monarchs this year than last, but less honey bees (a lot less), slight decline in Bumble Bees.

Just simply a wonderful banner!! It speaks for itself. 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 Love it.

Great banner Leon!

Beautiful banner, Leon. I agree it is important to provide a safe and nuturing environment for pollinators in our gardens. Thankfully, I have not noticed a decline in honeybees here. We did have more Monarchs last year, as well.

Fantastic banner Leon!

Thank you for sharing the full size pics, and for the link. I noticed more bees and butterflies in my garden last year than previous years. (I'm convinced the zinnias contributed to that!) I tend to forget how valuable clover is. Thankfully we have more clover than grass.

One of the most beautiful banner on NGA! Great photography! Can you share what you do to your garden to attract these beautiful insects?

kousa said:Great photography! Can you share what you do to your garden to attract these beautiful insects?

Thanks Karen. I guess there isn't really one particular thing that attracts them. It's more like a combination of things such as planting and growing what they like. My biggest summer hits with all of them are marigolds, zinnias and sunflowers. Butterflies love zinnias, and honey bees love sunflowers. That is my observation from watching them. We also plant for hummingbirds and keep plenty of perennials in the gardens which makes them all happy.

It is very labor intensive from April to November, but well worth our efforts. I guess it's what is known as a "labor of love". (Weeds are likely the biggest enemy. They can ruin any garden.)

Notice the bumble bee on this sunflower & the pollen on the legs.

Thanks Leon! Wow, that little guy sure makes his visit to your garden worth it! And he was still collecting pollen! I am like him at a plant sale.

Stunning banner!!!!!

Thanks everyone for your great comments, thumbs and acorns. I had been outside today and thought of spring as I looked at the bleak landscape of snow and cloudy skies. I realize this will not last forever. And I know beneath the snow there are sleeping bulbs of lilies, jonquils and hyacinths. Red-buds and dogwoods are asleep awaiting the re-emergence of leaves and buds. Then our pollinators will return. I have this song stuck in my head when I walk in the snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Somewhere, my love there will be songs to sing
Although the snow covers the hope of spring
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are dreams all that your heart can hold

Leon ~ How sweet!