The Buzzzzz
Ten acres around the pond just became a Penn State certified pollinator garden. Pollinators need our help. Both native bees and domestic bee populations are declining, affected by habitat loss, disease and contact with pesticides. The criteria to become a pollinator garden are as follows.
1) Provide Food for Pollinators
- Provide pollen and nectar sources from early spring to late fall
- Provide a variety of flower shapes and sizes
- Incorporate pollinator friendly native plants into your garden
2) Provide water sources for pollinators:
- Butterfly Puddling Area
- Birdbath or shallow water source
- Pond
- Stream
- Water Garden
- Spring
3) Provide Shelter
- Dead wood
- Rock Pile or Wall
- Spaces of bare ground
- Man-made bee houses
- Leave garden cleanup till late spring
4) Safeguard Pollinator habitat
- Remove and/or avoid use of invasive plants
- Protect existing natural woodland or meadow
- Reduce or eliminate pesticide use (Haverford does not spray in the vicinity of the pond)
Any size garden can be certified to become a pollinator garden. Visit: ento.psu.edu/pollinators/public-outreach/cert
Many thanks to Penn State for providing the information for this blog and overall creating a great program.