Pollinators

May 16, 2018: Creating A Pollinator Friendly Landscape

Presented by Richard Dalidowitz

The program focused on ecologically beneficial ways to garden and maintain land.

Dalidowitz explained that there has been a shift in gardening and landscaping from “merely pretty and appealing to the eye” toward using plants and practices that enhance the local ecosystem. Three key factors were discussed that have contributed to pollinator struggles - habitat loss, disease and the inappropriate and widespread use of pesticides.

Pollinators are attracted to specific plants because of certain features including the color of the flower, the scent/odor, the physical shape of the flower and whether there is nectar and/or pollen. Interestingly, Dalidowitz explained that pollinators are primarily seeking food from the plant flowers in the form of nectar, high in sugar and amino acids, or pollen, which provides protein. As the pollinators gather their food, they inadvertently transfer pollen so that fruits and seeds are eventually produced and the plant can reproduce.

Click on the links below for a regional guide for selecting plants and additional information: