Today we’re celebrating National Plant a Flower Day. March 12 is the day that is dedicated to the planting of flowers and looking forward to the spring season. And if that’s not reason enough to get your gardening going let’s think about the bee.
Plant for the bee
These small and hard-working insects actually make it possible for many of your favorite foods to reach your table. From apples to almonds to the pumpkin in our pumpkin pies, we have bees to thank. In the United States alone, more than 25 percent of the managed honey bee population has disappeared since 1990. Bees are called pollinators. Pollinators transfer pollen and seeds from one flower to another, fertilizing the plant so it can grow and produce food. Cross-pollination helps at least 30 percent of the world’s crops and 90 percent of our wild plants to thrive. Without bees to spread seeds, many plants—including food crops—would die off.*
Flowers in your landscape will encourage their presence. Plant in clusters and in color. This is key to making your garden attractive to bees. The colors yellow, blue, purple, and white are incredibly eye-catching to bees. They feed on one variety at time so planting three to four bunches of one type of blossom makes foraging more efficient.**
Now that daylight savings time is in effect and the grounds are starting to thaw, take the time to plan your garden or better yet start planting one. Not only will you enjoy its beauty but you’ll be contributing more to the environment than you probably realize.
* Reference: National Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org
** Reference: www.ecolandscaping.org