POLLINATION is the transfer of pollen, the fine powdery substance in flowers, from one flower to another of the same species by wind and pollinators.
POLLINATORS are animals and insects including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, and some bats.
Pollinators move pollen between flowers, enabling plants to reproduce from seeds and fruits.
Almost 90% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators for fertilization, and about 200,000 species of animals act as pollinators.
Foods and beverages produced with the help of pollinators include: apples, blueberries, chocolate, coffee, melons, peaches, potatoes, pumpkins, vanilla, and almonds. (Imagine a world without some of these things!)
Plant your own pollinator garden! A diverse mix of blooming plants will attract a greater diversity and abundance of pollinators. Incorporate at least three flowering plants per season, including spring, summer, late summer/early fall, and winter. Yes, some pollinators are active on warmer days in winter!
Plant flowers like marigolds among vegetables to attract insects.
Reduce the amount of chemical use in and around flowering plants to protect pollinators.
Flowering Red Currant
Ribes Sanguineum
Catmint
Nepeta
Aster Monch
Bee Balm
Monarda
Sweat Bee
Hoverfly
Bumblebee
Western Yellow Swallowtail