The Power of Pollinators

It’s officially that time of year — butterflies, bees, and other friendly guests are frequenting our gardens. This week is National Pollinator Week, and what better way to celebrate than bringing some pollinator magnets from our nursery to your garden? A pollinator’s primary role is to move pollen between plants to facilitate the plant’s reproduction cycle. This is essential for agricultural production, as 3/4 of flowering plants and 35% of edible crops worldwide rely on pollinators. Moreover, they offer countless ecological benefits, including increased biodiversity and improved soil health. Not to mention, their presence brings life and whimsy to any outdoor space.

Butterfly Bush ‘Prince Charming’

Many people are familiar with butterflies, bees, and birds and their role as pollinators. However, some critters are less obvious pollinators, such as bats, moths, ants, and beetles. While bees, butterflies, and birds often steal the spotlight, lesser-known species play equally vital roles in ecosystems. Bats pollinate night-blooming flowers, such as agave and certain fruits like bananas and mangoes. Ants, though small and often overlooked, can pollinate ground-level plants, especially in arid environments. Beetles, among the earliest pollinators in evolutionary history, help fertilize flowers like magnolias by crawling through petals and transferring pollen. Together, these unsung heroes support biodiversity and food webs, proving that pollination is a team effort that relies on more than just the familiar favorites.

Salvia farinacea

Build Your Pollinator Paradise!

If you’re looking to generate a pollinator buzz in your garden, Tallahassee Nurseries currently carries a variety of stunning pollinator attractors that are perfectly suited to withstand a hot Florida summer. Or, when selecting large plants for your landscape, consider a pollinator-friendly tree or shrub.