Pollinators

Pollinators need food plants and shelter all year round - even when the crop plants that need pollination are not yet flowering. Areas covered by weeds and willows are vital for both natural pollinators and honey bees. Uncultivated areas and borders with wild flowers, willows and alders are the nature’s own pantry for pollinators. It is advisable let wild plants flower before cutting them down. Wild raspberry in summer and Chamaenerion angustifolium in autumn are important food plants and favoring them is worthwhile. Farmers should always ensure the safe use of pesticides.

In the garden let wild plants flower where possible and favor decorative plants that produce nectar and polen. Mints, cranesbills, goldenrods, stonecrops, coneflowers and asters are examples of good food plants for pollinators. A true friend of pollinators lets the dandelion flower in the early summer and clovers and other flowers decorate the lawn.

Echinacea is a beautiful plant in gardens but it also offers food for pollinators.