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Introducing pollinator-supporting flower gardens to the SAP would increase ecosystem biodiversity by attracting native butterflies, bees, bugs, and birds. These gardens will increase the presence of pollinators at the SAP as well as increase the efficiency and health of the SAP's agricultural system by supporting the existing pollinator populations. Native plants are typically very hardy and easy to grow, making pollinator gardens low maintenance. The flowering plants will offer nectar to butterflies, while their leaves are great food sources for larvae and caterpillars as well as other pollinators. These pollinator gardens can also be used as a tool for community engagement and partnerships. The SAP can create community events to harvest the flowers grown on the farm, they can then use the proceeds from the events to help fund other programs on the farm. Pollinator gardens can also be great learning tools that neighboring schools can use as an educational site.
Example Flower Pollinator Garden
Example Flower Pollinator Garden
Plant and Flower Species in the Pollinator Gardens
Plant and Flower Species in the Pollinator Gardens
Meadowsweet
- Clustered creamy-white flowers
- Supports butterfly populations
Cone Flower
- Flowers collected in single rounded heads
- Support pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Variety of colors that attracts bees to these plants and provide them with nectar
Silky Dogwood
- Yellowish white flowers produced in cymes
- Fruit liked by small birds
Hyssop
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Support native bees by providing nectar
Elderberry
- Small white flowers followed by small blue-black berries
- Supports bee and butterfly populations
- Provide food for wildlife
Lilac
- Flowers in dense clusters
- Bright color and nectar attract and support bees
Butterfly Weed
- Clustered orange or yellow flowers
- Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects because of their color and nectar
- Larval food plant for monarch butterflies
Butterfly Bush
- Attract butterflies and hummingbirds
- Variety of colors attract pollinators
Community Outreach and Involvement Programs
Community Outreach and Involvement Programs
Garden Market & Harvest Program
Planting flowers at the SAP provides the opportunity for harvest events where community members and students can harvest the flowers to use for their own purposes. Some of the species proposed in the pollinator gardens have alternative herbal uses and benefits.
Elementary Butterfly Program
In coordination with local elementary schools, the SAP and pollinator gardens can be used as educational tools. In this partnership program, elementary schools can raise caterpillars that will be released onto the SAP property, providing benefits to the schools in terms of educational activities and hands on learning experiences, and to the SAP in the form of pollinator support and a way to increase biodiversity.
References:Attracting butterflies - garden for wildlife. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Wildlife/Attracting-Butterflies
Heidi Wollaeger, M. (2021, March 10). Bee-friendly plants and pest management strategies. Retrieved March 25, 2021, from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/bee_friendly_plants_and_pest_management_strategies_part_1
Perennial flowers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.westmichiganglsi.org/perennial-flowers.html
Heidi Wollaeger, M. (2021, March 10). Bee-friendly plants and pest management strategies. Retrieved March 25, 2021, from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/bee_friendly_plants_and_pest_management_strategies_part_1
Perennial flowers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.westmichiganglsi.org/perennial-flowers.html
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