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Our Bees and other pollinators (Butterflies, hummingbirds, etc.) are essential for assisting in the growth and maintenance of healthy gardens and natural landscapes. As spring is approaching now is a great time to be a part of an effort to develop a pollinator corridor throughout Bethel to help establish a strong and vibrant population of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Since pollinator populations need nectar sources all season long creating garden spaces that can be year-round habitats by providing blooms from Spring through Fall are imperative. Additionally, using native plants will help create mini stable ecosystems within your garden space that can flourish in Pacific Northwest weather patterns. Luckily such “plant corridors” can be created in garden spaces including curb strips in the front of your home, window boxes and patio boxes. Gardens can grow at ground level, however if space is at a premium where you live (i.e. apartment, condo, etc.) creating a vertical garden in pots can achieve the same goals and are often easy to put in place and maintain. Even hanging containers for plants can be used to create a green space that pollinators would be happy to use.
Below are some thoughts to keep in mind if you wish to take part in helping establish a corridor:
1) Use a diversity of Flower shapes and plant families to attract a wide variety of pollinators.
2) Include native plants! We will also include a suggested Native plant list on the ABC website for reference purposes.
3) Cut down on pesticides.
4) Create nesting opportunities.
5) Ensure continuous flowering - you can extend bloom time by deadheading flowers.
6) Earth Month celebrations are coming up in April - this is a great way to participate as a solo project, with friends, family or even community groups.
We welcome all who are interested in joining the effort to conserve and expand these ecosystems. ABC has a Beautification Committee that meets on the second Thursday each month at 6pm online. Please check on our website for the link to the meeting.
We will soon have a post on our ABC website with a suggested native plants list for creating a pollinator corridor.
Why are Natives important? Native plants support local birds and pollinators with blooms, berries, leaves, seeds and branches that have evolved to provide food sources and safe habitat.
Plant multiple canopy layers of native trees, shrubs, and ground cover in your yard to welcome hummingbirds, songbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees, as well as “the good pest-eating” insects.
When buying seeds or starts, look to see that they SAY Neonicotinoid Free. This chemical will kill all your lovely bees! Always look for plants that SAY they attract pollinators!
ALL your culinary herbs are great in the pollinator garden with their tiny yet desirable flowers and safe lodging underneath for all your insect friends to hang out with when not doing the work to keep the nasty pests down.
If planning on eating any fruit or vegetable grown in your garden, it is best to use organically grown plants.