[vc_row][vc_column 0=””][vc_single_image image=”13788″ img_size=”1500 x 1200″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]Spring is here, and that means it’s time for New Brunswick’s pollinators to begin buzzing about! If you are looking for an extra special gift for mom this Mother’s Day, consider planting her a pollinator garden. Not only will you be giving mom a gift that will last all summer long, you will also be helping pollinators such as the bees, birds and butterflies that call our province home! [/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Why do we need to protect pollinators?” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1494521711841{margin-top: -20px !important;margin-bottom: -20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”13830″ img_size=”medium” style=”vc_box_border_circle_2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text 0=””]Pollinators are vital in maintaining healthy ecosystems around the world. More than 75 per cent of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators for reproductive success and almost ¾ of the foods we eat require pollinators to reproduce. That puts a lot of pressure on our little friends!
Increasing use of pesticides on lawns and gardens is taking a toll on a number of pollinators, bees in particular. Some pesticides found in common lawn and gardening products, as well as on store-bought plants, are known to kill bees, while others have more subtle effects that reduce a bee’s ability to thrive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”What can I do to help?” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text 0=””]You can do your part by planting a pollinator garden full of flowers that these animals and insects love and need. Here are our top six tips to create the best pollinator garden on the block:
- Plant a diversity of native species that are familiar with the local climate, soils and pollinators. Avoid garden varieties because they are often bred to attract humans, not animals. (Check out our fact sheets on native species to get ideas for your garden!)
- Design your garden to bloom constantly from early spring until fall. This will supply nectar and pollen for all types of pollinators from the flowers they enjoy most!
- Flowers with bright colors are attractive to pollinators. Shrubs and trees such as dogwood, blueberry and cherry are also important in providing pollen and nectar in early spring when food is scarce.
- Plant your garden in an area that has a mix of sunshine and shade throughout the day. Leave sticks, snags and uncovered soil, so pollinators can find a place to nest.
- Provide a shallow dish or birdbath with partially submerged stones or a shallow, sloping side so pollinators can easily approach the water.
- Avoid the use of pesticides in your garden – they can be harmful to pollinators and other animals that may find their way into your garden!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_cta h2=”BuyLocalNB ” h2_font_container=”font_size:36|color:%23154416|line_height:0″ h4=”A project of the Conservation Council” h4_font_container=”font_size:12|color:%23164719″ txt_align=”center” shape=”round” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Visit BuyLocalNB” btn_shape=”round” btn_color=”warning” btn_align=”center” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1494510728922{background-color: rgba(190,214,175,0.43) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;*background-color: rgb(190,214,175) !important;}” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fbuylocalnb.ca%2F||target:%20_blank|”]Looking to get your hands on locally-grown flowers, shrubs, or other plants? We have the one-stop shop for you!
Our BuyLocalNB directory will help you find local native species to give mom’s pollinator garden a beautiful and distinct made-in-New Brunswick style![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_text_separator title=”What kind of Critters will my garden attract?” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text 0=””]There are eight major groups of pollinators in New Brunswick, including butterflies, honeybees, bumblebees, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, moths and ants. Each of these insects and animals prefer specific types of flowers depending on their shape, smell, the time of year they bloom, etc. Here are some interesting facts about our New Brunswick pollinators!
- Did you know butterflies have taste receptors in their feet? These receptors help butterflies find their favourite plants!
- Honeybees can live in hives of up to 60,000 bees! These bees use a waggle dance to communicate with other honeybees, passing along information about where to find flowers.
- Hummingbirds can fly backwards, sideways, forward, straight up and sometimes even upside down! Their average flight speed is between 40 and 50 km/h, which is as fast as a car driving in the city!
- Moths are active at night and thus prefer white or pale-coloured flowers that open after dark and have a strong scent. The Luna moth, considered among the most beautiful moths, can be found here in New Brunswick. It has light-green wings and two long trailing “tails” extending back from the hind wings.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”8983″ img_size=”1500 x 1200″ alignment=”right” style=”vc_box_shadow_border_circle_2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_text_separator title=”Send your mom a Pollinator Postcard and make a donation in her honour!” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1494511625720{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”13786″ img_size=”1500 x 1200″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_border” onclick=”link_image” css=”.vc_custom_1494511578556{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text 0=””]It’s the perfect season to sit on your front porch and watch the pollinators play. Sometimes our friendly butterflies, honey bees and hummingbirds can be a little shy, though.
That’s why the Conservation Council is giving away our free collection of colourful pollinator information cards with tips and ideas for creating your own pollinator garden. Download our full collection of Pollinator Postcards here!
While you’re at it, show your love for mom and the planet this year by making a donation in her honour. You will help support the Conservation Council’s work to help pollinators, our BuyLocalNB directory, the Learning Outside project for children and educators, and more!
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