World Green Roof Day’s Post

In celebration of #WorldBeeDay, you can help these important pollinators by adding beneficial plants to your garden. Pennsylvania has many natives that support bees: PERENNIALS Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a popular choice for pollinator gardens in Zone 6 because of their long blooming season and hardiness. Other smart options include milkweed, also known as Asclepias, which is the only host plant for the monarch butterfly, and bee balm, also known as Monarda, which has tubular flowers in pink, red, or purple. MID-SEASON FLOWERS Flowers that bloom in mid-season that attract bees include anise hyssop, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, catmint, cleome, penstemon, globe thistle, milkweed, monarda (bee balm), coreopsis, daisies, phlox, gaillardia, and yarrow. OTHER NATIVES Other native plants that support bees include goldenrod, which is one of the most important late-season pollinator plants, and lavender. #pennslyvania #worldbeeday #bees #gardendesign #landscapedesign

Another fascinating and lesser-known bee species important for pollination is the Leafcutter Bee (genus Megachile). 🐝🍃✨💛 Leafcutter Bees are solitary bees that are known for their unique behavior of cutting circular pieces of leaves to build their nests. These bees are excellent pollinators, often more efficient than honeybees because they practice what's known as "buzz pollination." This method involves vibrating their bodies as they gather pollen, which helps release pollen more effectively from certain types of flowers. Leafcutter bees are particularly vital for the pollination of wildflowers and are also important in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. Their nesting habits cause no harm to plants, as they only use small sections of leaves and prefer plants that are not typically valued highly for aesthetics, such as roses. #LeafcutterBee #Megachile #SolitaryBees #Pollination #BuzzPollination #nativebees credit: David Attenborough

Another fascinating and lesser-known bee species important for pollination is the Leafcutter Bee (genus Megachile). 🐝🍃✨💛 Leafcutter Bees are solitary bees that are known for their unique behavior of cutting circular pieces of leaves to build their nests. These bees are excellent pollinators, often more efficient than honeybees because they practice what's known as "buzz pollination." This method involves vibrating their bodies as they gather pollen, which helps release pollen more effectively from certain types of flowers. Leafcutter bees are particularly vital for the pollination of wildflowers and are also important in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. Their nesting habits cause no harm to plants, as they only use small sections of leaves and prefer plants that are not typically valued highly for aesthetics, such as roses. #LeafcutterBee #Megachile #SolitaryBees #Pollination #BuzzPollination #NativeBees

When we think of pollinators, bees and butterflies often come to mind, but moths play a crucial part too. In fact, moths are essential pollinators, especially during the evening and night hours when other pollinators are less active. Moths, with their delicate wings and enchanting patterns, are attracted to fragrant flowers that open at dusk and emit sweet scents under the moonlight. They visit a wide range of blooms, from wildflowers to garden favorites, spreading pollen as they move from one flower to another. 🌸 What makes moths unique is their ability to reach deep into long-tubed flowers, which other pollinators may find challenging to access. As they sip nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen, contributing to the fertilization and reproduction of flowering plants. 🌼 Next time you spot a moth fluttering by your garden or see a mesmerizing species at night, take a moment to celebrate their beauty and contribution to our ecosystem.🌿 📸: Rich Kostecke #NationalMothWeek #HereForever

It's #ForbFriday! This week, we are highlighting Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris). This sunny spring flower has a penchant for wet feet and rich soils, and often grows in shady riparian areas and stream edges. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae or Buttercup family which is obvious when in bloom with cup-like glossy yellow flowers. Flowers produce nectar and pollen which are attractive to butterflies, sawflies, bees, and especially hoverflies. They are also adapted to rain-pollination and are infertile when self-pollinated. Marsh Marigold blooms from April to June throughout it's range in the Northeast and Midwest, just extending South to NC and TN. The leaves are succulent and kidney shaped. A smaller species, Floating Marsh Marigold (Caltha natans), is found from Alaska southeast to northern Minnesota, and Caltha leptosepala is native to the Western U.S. This native species is a great plant for a bog or rain garden and is an important plant for pollinators early in the year when little else is blooming. Find one this year for your garden! 🌱 What is a forb? A #forb is an herbaceous (non-woody) flowering plant, excluding grasses which also flower, but are termed "graminoids." Like and follow our page, and Brinton Run Preserve for future Forb Friday highlights! #nativeplantsoftheunitedstates #nativeplants #nativeplantsofnorthamerica #easternnativeplants #southeastnativeplants #plants #nativeplantsruntheworld #landconservation #conservation #privateland #privatelandconservation #forbfriday #forb #plantconservation #nalt #northamericanlandtrust #flowers #wildflowers

Monarq Design is celebrating #PollinatorWeek! Pollinators are crucial to supporting our ecosystem. Pollinators such as bees, birds, butterflies and bats among many others are responsible for almost 30% of the food we eat. There are many ways to get involved and take action, including: 🦋 Planting a pollinator garden, our partner Adela Smalley keeps a small backyard pollinator garden and will gladly show you how to get started 🐝 Using native plants that include both nectar and host plants 🦇 Supporting organizations that work to protect pollinators such as Pollinator Partnership, Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, Monarch Watch, visiting your local botanical garden or stepping out into your backyard! Take a few minutes this week to learn more about pollinators, check events from the above organizations happening all week! #MonarqMonday #PollinatorWeek #PlantForPollinators #Butterflies #Hummingbirds #Bees #NativePlants #GetOutside #MonarqDesign #JourneyNorth #GrowNative #BackyardPollinators

Another fascinating and lesser-known bee species important for pollination is the Leafcutter Bee (genus Megachile). 🐝🍃✨💛 Leafcutter Bees are solitary bees that are known for their unique behavior of cutting circular pieces of leaves to build their nests. These bees are excellent pollinators, often more efficient than honeybees because they practice what's known as "buzz pollination." This method involves vibrating their bodies as they gather pollen, which helps release pollen more effectively from certain types of flowers. Leafcutter bees are particularly vital for the pollination of wildflowers and are also important in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. Their nesting habits cause no harm to plants, as they only use small sections of leaves and prefer plants that are not typically valued highly for aesthetics, such as roses.

Houseflies are not effective pollinators for most plants, including Calotropis procera. While they may visit flowers in search of nectar or other resources, they tend to be accidental or incidental pollinators. They are not as specialized or efficient as other pollinators like bees, butterflies, or certain beetles. Plants that rely on specific pollinators often have evolved specific adaptations to attract, interact with, and ensure successful pollination by those particular pollinator species. In the case of Calotropis procera, it's more likely that other insects like bees, wasps, or butterflies play a more significant role in pollination. Seeing houseflies on the Calotropis procera plant, they might be attracted to other aspects of the plant rather than actively pollinating it. #housefly #pollination

Did you know that you can attract pollinators to your garden by planting a variety of flowers? 🌸🐝 Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators play a crucial role in plant reproduction, and they can significantly increase the production of fruits and vegetables in your garden. By creating a pollinator-friendly environment, you not only support the ecosystem but also enjoy the benefits of a thriving garden. Planting flowers with different shapes, colors, and bloom times can attract a diverse range of pollinators. Consider including native species in your garden, as they often have a special relationship with local pollinators. Providing a water source and avoiding the use of pesticides are also important steps to create an inviting habitat. Let Leafe Life help you create a pollinator paradise in your garden. Contact us today at 0415740328 or visit our website at leafelife.com.au to explore our expert services and start attracting these vital creatures to your outdoor haven. 🌼🦋 #Pollinators #GardenTips #LeafeLife #GardenEnthusiast #CreateYourParadise

Beekeeping is an important practice for pollination and honey production, but it can also have negative impacts on the environment if not done sustainably. Eco-friendly beekeeping involves practices that prioritize the health and well-being of the bees and their habitat. By practicing eco-friendly beekeeping, beekeepers can help support healthy bee populations and contribute to a more sustainable ecosystem. #Greenplanet #beekeeping #un #nature #environment #bees