Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Every third bite you eat comes to you courtesy of pollinators. Pollinators are insects --- bees, wasps, honeybees, beetles, flies, butterflies and moths (and occasionally bats and hummingbirds) that transfer pollen from male flower structures to the female parts of flowers. Without their work, we wouldn’t have pumpkins, melons, squash, apples, pears, and many other foods, spices, and fibers that support life on earth. Habitat loss, diseases, parasites, overly tidy landscapes, and sadly certain pesticide applications have caused grave loses in our pollinator population. We can make a difference by choosing plants that support these animals. The Xerces society, and the Pollinator Partnership, pollinator.org have resources to help you get started. Fall is a great time to add new plants to your landscape – make them bee friendly!
Supporting Pollinators
