Inviting Pollinators Into Our Gardens

We all know that pollinators play an important role in turning flowers into food. The pollen that they move from flowers on one plant to those on another increases the likelihood of the plant producing seeds, so any food that comes from a flower benefits from pollination. Whether you have a home garden or take pleasure in the beauty of a butterfly or an adorable bumble bee, many of us would like to invite pollinators into our yards. How can we roll out the welcome mat?

ADD PLANTS NATIVE TO THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY TO YOUR YARD.

Why are native species important? Won’t any flowers do? Most butterflies only lay their eggs on certain species of plants, which are then consumed by caterpillars. Likewise, some native bees only visit specific plants. This means that our local pollinators are adapted to our native plants and, thus, may not be able to use plants that come from other parts of the world. You do not need to tear up your yard and replant it all with natives. Simply start by adding some native species to your current landscape.

Here in the RGV, we have a wonderful selection of beautiful plants. However, since we live in an ecosystem not found in other places in the U.S. (or even in other parts of Texas), recommended plants for pollinator gardens generally does not include plants native to the RGV.

SHARE THE BOUNTY

Having pollinators make your garden their home means that they are going to need to use some of the resources there for themselves. Most caterpillars will chew up leaves of their host plant to fuel their growth before turning into lovely butterflies flitting about. Leafcutting bees gather and use sections of leaves or flower petals to line their nests. Rather than thinking of holes in leaves as imperfections needed to be prevented, we should view them as a sign that our garden is thriving and supporting a whole community. Rarely does the chomping of caterpillars actually kill plants; usually new leaves spring forth to replace those that are eaten. If a plant is particularly hard hit, try removing some of the caterpillars or spraying the leaves with water from a hose to remove unwanted insects, such as aphids.

LEAVE A MESS

Perhaps you received a copy of Marie Kondo’s book over the holidays or your New Year’s resolution is to get organized? Well, one place to ignore the compulsion to tidy is the garden.

Piles of leaves, deadwood and small stacks of rocks or bricks can all provide shelter for native bees and other pollinators. Many types of bees make nests in the hollow center of dead stems or in holes in wood and usually seal the end with mud or leaves. Instead of trimming dead stems all the way to the ground, leave some length for pollinator nests. Keep an eye out for the plugged holes, and protect them until the hole is opened, indicating the offspring have made their way into the world.

The eggs, caterpillars and chrysalises of butterflies and moths find shelter from cold weather, oftentimes in a leaf pile. Instead of sending leaves to the landfill, use leaves the way you would use mulch around plants in beds or make some small mounds in an out of the way place in the garden. Knowing you are providing shelter for pollinators in your yard should definitely spark joy!

DITCH THE PESTICIDES.

The word pesticide makes you think about killing “pests.” However, pesticides are indiscriminate killers that also annihilate pollinators and beneficial insects — such as lacewings, ladybugs, dragonflies, spiders and praying mantises — that eat aphids, ants and mosquitos. Also, the multitude of small insects that live in our yards are meals for many of the birds we enjoy watching in our yards.

No one wants a yard full of fire ants and mosquitos, so what can we do to get rid of real pests while keeping the many beneficial insects? A targeted approach can help manage specific pests. For example, directly treat ant hills with boric acid or diatomaceous earth. To control mosquitos, make sure there is no standing water in your yard. Check flower pots and their dishes, empty and refill pet bowls and bird baths every day or so and add a fountain or mosquito fish to your pond. Use a fan when sitting outside to keep mosquitos away.

Spring is here. Even a few small changes can fill our gardens with busy bees, the flash of jewel-colored humming birds and butterflies, adding their colors to the blossoms.

• LET’S PLAY! Can you identify all 10 pollinators and plants in the drawing below? Each pollinator and play is native to the RGV. Tag us with your completed coloring page at #ediblergvletsplay.

Download a coloring page suitable for printing here: