TRAIDCRAFT’S GUIDE TO
Attracting Pollinators TO YOUR GARDEN OR OUTDOOR SPACE
Pollination is essential for the survival of many things, including around one third of crop production. Climate change is contributing to the rapid decline of pollinators, such as bees, wasps and beetles, which is having a devastating effect on the planet. Here are some of our top tips for attracting pollinators to your garden! Check out your summer catalogue for more detailed information, as well as a guide to building your own bee hotel.
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LESS WEEDING Many plants which we consider pesky weeds, are actually a pollinator’s dream. Dandelions and lawn clover, for example, provide vital pollen for many species of bee.
PLANT CHOICE Foxgloves, lavender and sunflowers, will attract no end of pollinators, all season long. Plants like fennel and dill are also good to have in your garden, as butterfly larvae feed on them.
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CREATE A BEE HOTEL Bee hotels attract solitary species of bee to your garden, as they’re a safe place where they can breed and lay their eggs. See our summer catalogue (page 84) for for a simple guide on how to make your own bee hotel from recycled materials.
AVOID USING HARMFUL PESTICIDES Rather than using traditional, chemical-filled pesticides or insecticides, which are detrimental to wildlife and soil, you could consider a more natural solution. Having plants which attract ‘good bugs’ to your garden – i.e., the creatures whose diet includes the pests and larvae that are feeding on your plants, is the perfect way to combat the problem and take care of the planet at the same time. See your summer catalogue for an example of this!
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