Pollen may be enemy number one to some who are prone to allergies, but it plays a crucial role in our ecosystem. Pollination is vital to plant reproduction. When insects, wind, and animals such as bats transfer pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma, seed fertilization occurs. According to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary COO Christen Mason, nearly 90 percent of all wild plants are dependent on insects for pollination. That’s why the nonprofit organization recently planted a “pollinator garden” at its Jupiter Farms sanctuary, filled with 53 native species including Partridge pea, Fiddlewood, and Blackbead to attract pollinating creatures.
Since the opening in October, honeybees, butterflies, leaf cutter bees, tiny sweat bees, and more have been buzzing about, doing their part to keep nature thriving. Mason says the space was designed to be a peaceful spot where “people can come and sit and enjoy being surrounded by plants and nature.” She also hopes the garden will help educate visitors about habitat protection and conservation and inspire at-home gardeners to consider the bigger picture in their personal landscaping. “We can all help pollinator species by using native plants in our yards that benefit our native insects,” she says. “This has a ripple effect because it also creates habitat for birds to use for shelter, foraging, and nesting.”
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