What's All the Buzz About?

In order to reverse the decline of pollinating insects such as honeybees, native bees, and monarch butterflies, the National Pollinator Garden Network is challenging the nation to reach the goal of 1 million pollinator gardens by the end of 2016. This effort focuses on creating vital habitat for pollinators. This undertaking is critical because:

• As bees go about their business moving from flower to flower, collecting pollen and nectar as food, they are pollinating our food as well.
• Over 80 percent of all plant species require pollination to grow. 
• With produce, adequate pollination produces higher yields that last longer and with better tasting vegetables and fruit. It also helps seeds develop. 
• As bee populations decline, a pollination vacuum occurs which results in lower food production and quality and higher food prices.  

A healthy bee population needs long-lasting nesting sites, in addition to, plants that produce nectar and pollen during bee nesting season. By supporting and providing for a pollinator's needs for habitat, we support our own needs for food while supporting diversity in the natural world. Landscaping with plants that provide food and shelter for pollinators can make a difference for these pivotal insect populations and the people who rely on them.  

Our focus at Stanley's Greenhouse this year is to assist our customers by offering a wide variety of pollinator-friendly trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals in order to reach the goal of 1 million pollinator gardens by the end of 2016.  

Our knowledgeable staff are available at your convenience to provide education and assistance in helping you build your pollinator garden. Together we can become better stewards of our environment and reverse the decline of our pollinators.

-- Monte Stanley, 2/1/2016