The Coexistence Between Pollinators And Native Plants
When you first think of a pollinator, you’re probably thinking of little bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other bugs buzzing around your garden. Pollinators are crucial to our ecosystem and have an incredible impact on humans and wildlife. Without pollinators, our world and humankind itself would not exist. Let’s investigate how native plants and regenerative landscaping helps pollinator populations survive and thrive.
Native plants and their importance in supporting pollinator species
Not only are native plants easier to locate for pollinators, but they also produce more usable nectar and pollen compared to non-native plants. The use of native plants in landscaping is considered one of the best ways to support pollinators and beneficial insects for multiple reasons.
The first reason is, native plants survive and thrive more easily in the environment where they have evolved; a co-evolution over millennia with the pollinators and beneficial insects found in the same environment. A critical component of regenerative landscaping is utilizing native plants and harnessing the benefits for their specific ecosystem, in which they provide critical elements of habitat; food, shelter, and places to raise young. On top of the minimal care they require, plants adapted to this region are naturally deep rooted which helps control erosion in the landscape and improves soil health. Being deep rooted, means they also require less water; becoming an even more reliable food source for pollinators and beneficial insects when water availability fluctuates in times of drought. These characteristics of native plants support pollinators, and coupled with sustainable management techniques (avoiding the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other harsh chemicals) help create a safe space for them to access food sources and perpetuate the continued growth of those plants.
The second reason is, relatively speaking native plants are easier to keep alive. With local climates and changing seasons, non-native plants can have a hard time adapting to different environments (seasonal temperatures, accessible precipitation, sun exposure, etc). Native plants have already learned to adapt well to local conditions, making pollinators’ jobs easier for finding critical elements of habitat. It’s important to note that shifting climates and environmental conditions will also lead to, and has already contributed to, shifting geographical lines for native plants and pollinators beyond historical boundaries. The relationship between the location where a native plant has developed, and rapidly changing environmental factors, is actively unfolding and will be something to pay attention to from here on out.
Pollinator’s impact on native plants and local environment
Pollinators are essential for the stability of ecosystems and are the reasons why humans, plants and animals exist today. Pollinators aid with the reproduction of flowering plants, which helps support the growth of ALL food sources including fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Pollinators also help the spread of native plants in their local environments. Pollinators are critical for regeneration in the landscape to take place, and would not be possible without their presence in life.
In recent years, pollinator species have been on the decline due to pesticide exposure and overall habitat loss. It is time to focus on their stability and find ways we can contribute to their survival. Being environmentally-aware and utilizing organic landscaping practices is a start, and you can begin that journey through Habitat Guild.
Fun fact: Did you know that mosquitos are pollinators? Look it up!
