Helping the Hive
Why Pollinators Matter — and How Your Garden Can Help
How astounded would you be to learn that insects weighing less than a gram help support the growth of over five billion tons of food each year? Bees, along with other pollinators such as birds and butterflies, help nurture nearly 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants. The trouble is that their home is in danger. Habitat loss and pesticide use are a growing cause of concern for the wellbeing of bees and other pollinators. By cultivating a garden with them in mind, you can create a space that is easy to care for, visually distinctive, and beneficial for the world future generations will inherit.
Your soil is begging for native plants. Over many years, these species adapted to Pennsylvania’s land and climate, becoming bees’ favorite food. Native plants tend to be more hardy than non-native ornamentals, which means your garden just became a whole lot easier to manage. Forget the endless pruning, the bags of fertilizer, and the strict watering schedules. Native plants prefer a lighter touch. This translates to easier care and upkeep for you, and a happy environment for pollinators.
Planting a native garden can take any form you imagine. It can be a sweeping backyard border or a whimsical flower pot bursting with color. Whatever tickles your fancy, there is a native plant for that. Elegant shrubs such as Virginia sweetspire and summersweet offer structure and fragrance throughout the growing season, while a red maple provides classic beauty. For gardeners who enjoy bright bursts of color, there are many perennial blooms to pick from. Pollinator favorites include purple coneflower in bunches, butterfly weed with its cheerful orange blooms, black-eyed Susan in sunny yellow, wild bergamot in soft lavender, and goldenrod with its late-season glow. Together, these plants create a landscape that you can admire all summer long while welcoming the pollinators that depend on them.
You are doing more than simply plopping plants in the ground. In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” By intentionally cultivating your garden, you are nurturing the future. The impact is not only ecological. Planting for pollinators is a way to pour into the next generation by encouraging curiosity, respect for animals, and a sense of stewardship for the natural world. As they watch bees buzz between blooms, children learn that even small acts of care have real impact. Your garden becomes part of a larger effort by helping the small creatures that sustain our landscapes while cultivating a deeper appreciation for the earth itself.
If you’re curious to learn more, Rooted in Kennett and R-P Nurseries invite you to the Pollinator Palooza event on April 25 from 12:00-2:00 PM. Guests can observe bees up close with a local beekeeper from Aristos Harvest, speak with a native plant specialist, and children can create seed bombs using native seeds to start their own gardens at home.
