Over recent years, gardeners have been consciously growing more native plants and reducing pesticides to help support pollinators. On March 3rd, Ruth Bowell of The Milkweed Patch addressed the Tipp City Garden Club on gardening for pollinators.
Pollinators are more than butterflies and insects. Ruth defined them as bees, butterflies, moths, caterpillars, birds, flies, wasps, beetles, and bats. What they have in common is that they are all in decline. She outlined actions to help the pollinators by preserving existing native areas and creating new ones, eliminating pesticides, and removing invasive plants.
Ruth noted Ohio’s keystone trees and plants that provide energy sources, places to raise the young, and the habitats needed for our pollinators. Her website, www.themilkweedpatch.com, offers plants, consultation, and public speaking services.
A business meeting followed the presentation, and Coldwater box lunches were enjoyed by members and guests.
Next month, the Garden Club will carpool to Amherst Greenhouse in Harrod on April 21st.