Pollinators are the unsung heroes of eco-friendly gardening. Bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of over 75% of flowering plants. Without them, our gardens would be far less colourful, productive, and biodiverse and our tables would lack all of our fruit.
When pollinators visit flowers to collect nectar or pollen, they inadvertently transfer pollen between blossoms. This simple act ensures the production of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, making pollinators vital to food security and healthy ecosystems. In an eco-friendly garden, encouraging these natural allies reduces the need for pesticides, which harm beneficial insects and degrade soil and water quality.
‘Bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of over 75% of flowering plants.’
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden involves growing a variety of native plants that bloom throughout the seasons. Native species are especially important, as local pollinators have evolved alongside them. Providing clean water sources, avoiding chemical sprays, and leaving some natural habitats, such as dead wood or bare soil, also supports their life cycles.
By supporting pollinators, gardeners help sustain entire ecosystems. A garden alive with buzzing and fluttering is more than just a pretty space; it’s a powerful step toward a greener, more resilient planet. Whether large or small, every garden can be a haven for pollinators. By eschewing pesticides (something we at Harkness Roses are passionate about), it is not only pollinators that will flourish but the rich variety of predators, creating a natural balance and making your garden a force for positive environmental change.
