Page 21 - Free State Spring 2023_WEB

and solidago (goldenrod), to name a few. The other
extreme would be the heuchera cellophane bee (Colletes
aestivalis) which favors heuchera americana only.

The great thing about all these specialist insects – whether
butterfly, moth, or bee – if you plant it, they usually come!
Now I won’t lie to you – identifying some of the bees can
be a bit challenging. They move quickly, frequently are
very small, and to the average gardener, look like a “bee.”

So how does one decide which insects to attract and
what plants to use in their garden? This can be a real Above: Megachile Inimica
challenge as the average yard is only ¼ acre (https://www. Photo courtesy of the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab
homeadvisor.com/r/average-yard-size-by-state/). After
entertainment and/or recreation space is considered, the cited how planting closely in drifts (5 or more of the same
actual square footage for the “garden” can be rather small. plant) makes host plants more accessible to pollinators.
But when done properly, this technique can also reduce
First tip – Don’t try to answer all the world’s problems yearly mulching and provide better habitat throughout
in one backyard! Anything you do will be beneficial – the winter for these pollinators (many of whom live or
whether you plant one rudbeckia or a perennial border overwinter in underground nests, dried stems, or even leaf
with 30 different native perennial species. Many gardeners litter).
who are new to the idea of planting “native” worry when
they are unable to convert every inch of their property into Hopefully, this will get you thinking a bit differently as you
a habitat. If every homeowner could convert 100 square make suggestions or plan your own gardens. Also, check
feet of their property into a native garden, the impact out the online references below if you want to geek out a
would be tremendous! bit. Let’s make 2023 the year we garden for the buzz! A
Doug Tallamy suggests that 70% of a landscape should Resources
be native species. He also recommends planting • Lepidoptera Host Plants (Butterflies/Moths)
“keystone species,” which are plants that support many https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/Plants
specialist butterflies and moths. The highest-ranking • Specialist Bee Host Plants
plants on Doug’s list would be in the genus Quercus https://jarrodfowler.com/specialist_bees.html
(oak), which supports over 800 different butterflies and • Speakers – if you get the chance to hear any of the
moths. Planting an oak tree on that ¼ acre property could following folks, DO IT. Whether in person or via webinar,
prove challenging, but do not fear – perennials to the they have some great information.
rescue! Solidago sp., Helianthus sp., and Rudbeckia sp.
support substantial numbers of butterflies/moths, PLUS a - Sam Droege, Wildlife Biologist, USGS Eastern
wide variety of native bees! As do Aster sp., Vernonia sp. Ecological Science Center
(Ironweed), and Eupatorium sp. (Joe Pye Weed). - Heather Holm, www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/

Next tip – allow your herbaceous plants to touch! Plants - Doug Tallamy, Homegrown National Park, and
are social and don’t like to live on their own little mulch University of Delaware
island with 3 feet of “personal space” on all sides. Just as
important as WHAT plants you select is HOW you plant (or
plant density). Greater plant density has many benefits, Wendy Brister
including covering the ground plane to discourage weed Marketing Director
growth, greater erosion control (more plants = more plant Cavano’s Perennials, Inc.
roots holding that soil in place), and greater plant density Kingsville MD
not only makes it easier for pollinators to find your garden 410-592-8077
but allows them to pollinate it more effectively. wendy@cavanos.com

The last piece of this is important – several studies have

Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2023 21