by Aaron Egan, Genesis Nursery

Milkweed is most associated with monarch butterflies and is growing in popular use, however they are not the only plant you want to attract a diversity of pollinators. Diversity of ecosystem plays an integral part in a healthy environment. Pollinators are vastly important to the health our environment and the economies of agriculture. They are the underappreciated little workers making our fields grow and gardens bloom. These insects also create a food source for other species.

Native plants are great for attracting native pollinators. Many common ornamental flowers produce no pollen or nectar and are of little use to native pollinators. Or worse, they have been treated with persistent pesticides that harm pollinators. Native flowers produce abundant nectar or pollen or both, and some can produce nectar from special glands on the stem before flowering starts.

Seeds of native plants are programmed to germinate when the chances for successful growth are best, usually in the spring. Most species seeds drop to the ground in summer or fall and go through a winter in the soil. The seeds require this cold moist period to germinate. They are not like typical vegetables and garden flowers. Germination will be best if you plant your pollinator garden in late fall to mimic nature.

You may also plant your garden this spring. There will be some germination the first year, with a second flush the second year. Prepare the soil as you would for a vegetable garden or a new lawn seeding. Roll the soil, spread the seed, and lightly rake the seed in no deeper than 1/8-1/4 inch deep. Most native flowers are long-lived perennials, and they do not show much top growth the 1^st year, but they are putting down deep roots. Weeds may be a problem, so mow the area to knock back the first flush of weeds. The perennials should start to make a show the 2^nd & 3^rd year.

Our pollinator garden is a diverse mix of native species, with a few short-lived quick color species. Pollinators need pollen & nectar from spring through fall. The more diversity the longer the bloom season and the more types of pollinators that are attracted. Pollinators also need appropriate plants where they lay their eggs and the caterpillars develop, called larval hosts. Our mix contains both larval hosts and pollen & nectar sources.

While your native pollinator garden is developing you can add other features to your yard to help pollinators. A good, diverse landscape can also help attract pollinators. Suggestions are fruit trees, including peaches, apples, & pears (not ornamental varieties); ornamental flowers including cosmos, hollyhocks, lantanas, snapdragons, marigolds, petunias, & ornamental tobacco; vegetables including hot peppers, tomatoes, cabbage & other cole crops, plus carrots, celery, dill, parsley, cilantro, & parsnips. Resist the urge to spray or dust the garden, or at least leave a few plants for the caterpillars. Those critters eating your tomatoes will pupate in the soil and become Sphinx or hummingbird moths next year.

Pollinators need salt and water, so include a salt lick, a water feature or some wet sand. Butterflies flock to mud puddles and puddles in gravel & limestone drives. And if you’re not faint of heart, butterflies feed on dog scat, rotting fruit, & carrion.

Genesis Nursery Inc. located in Tampico, IL is strictly a wholesale supplier and are not open to the public nor do we offer our product for retail sale. However, in the spirit of celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity we here at Genesis Nursery are offering an opportunity for homeowners and small landowners to purchase retail sized packages of native seeds. Each kit  ($15) will contain enough native seed to plant up to 500 square feet of garden to help in developing the native biodiversity of the upper Midwest. A limited quantity of packets will be available on a first come first serve basis. cost of the seed is set at $15; this includes shipping to you via USPS. All proceeds of these sales will be donated to The Xerces Society (http://www.xerces.org) a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. For more information on their noble work please visit their website.  Please do not call our office but instead e-mail aaron@genesisnurseryinc.com. In your e-mail please include your mailing address, a daytime phone, and the number of packages you would like. Aaron will contact you once received. Payment or arrangement for payment can be made with him at that time. Detailed species listing can be requested in this manner as well.

We would like to thank our local communities for their interest in our company and their desire to make a difference in the ecology and conservation of our area. Though small areas will not restore the vast prairies once located where we live and work they do make a difference in the diversity and health of the ecosystem we live in.