The Power of Pollinators

(Continued from page 1) right up to eye level, making them easier to observe.

Without pollinators, ecosystems are less resilient due to biodiversity losses, increases in invasive species, and reductions in crops and natural vegetation.

In order to protect pollinators like the monarch butterfly, in 2007 the United States Senate designated a National Pollinator Week to help remind us how important it is to take action to protect and enable pollinators and their work.

This year’s National Pollinator Week is June 19th-25th.

In New Jersey, one week each year shall be designated as “Pollinator Week” which shall fall on the dates designated in the annual proclamation of “National Pollinator Week” by the United States Department of Agriculture, or such other appropriate federal agency, except that if the United States Department of Agriculture, or such other appropriate federal agency, fails to make such a proclamation by May 31st in any given year, then, in that year, the week beginning on the third Monday in June shall be designated as Pollinator Week.

You can help by creating a pollinator-friendly garden that will support many different native bees, honeybees, butterflies, hummingbirds and others. Start by planting a mix of flowering plants that provide blooms from early spring to late fall. Look to add native plants to your landscape. Grass lawns are deserts for pollinators; consider reducing your lawn footprint by converting part of it to a wildflower or native plant garden. Keep in mind that color is nature’s communication system.

Creating a habitat of multiple plant species will attract a greater diversity of monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The smallest space can be a pollinator garden; with the right plants, even containers on a patio can attract them.

Monarch butterflies help our ecosystem’s health and help aid in plant reproduction. Any pesticide, organic or synthetic, can harm all pollinators. Please design and maintain your property to make pollinators welcomed guests.

The butterfly has long been recognized as a symbol for transformation. And life is about continuous learning.

Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is executive editor and publisher of Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong interest in gardening and passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, gardening and landscaping, led to the founding of the Gardener News, which germinated in April 2003 and continues to bloom today. He is also dedicated to providing inspiration, and education to the agricultural, gardening, landscaping and nursery communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.