I have a big garden filled with native plants that bloom all year round, including tall prairie perennials and various ground covers. Normally, it's bustling with bees and butterflies, but lately, it's been completely quiet. I'm really worried because my vegetable and fruit plants need pollinators, and I've barely seen any butterflies or even a single monarch, despite having milkweed for two years. The city does spray for mosquitoes near a creek close by, but is that really enough to wipe them out completely? I really miss my buzzing friends!
3 Answers
If you want to attract more bumblebees and butterflies, try adding rose of sharon bushes! They bloom all summer long and are a big hit with bumblebees. They've worked wonders in my yard.
It might depend on where you are and how spring went for you. In the UK, the last spring was really wet, which hurt pollinator numbers, but this year they've bounced back a bit. A small pond can attract bees since they need water too—might be worth considering for your garden!
It's tough to see that decline. Unfortunately, many pollinator species, like monarchs and bumblebees, are facing major threats due to habitat loss and pesticide use. It could be a combination of local conditions and broader environmental issues. I have noticed the same decline in my area over the years too.