Talk to customers about the birds and the bees

Bees, wasps, butterflies and hummingbirds play a critical role in gardening and agriculture by pollinating everything from cucumbers and tomatoes to apples and almonds. Some estimate that pollinators aid in the production of up to one-third of the food we eat. Without them, our diets and variety of produce would be severely limited.

Unfortunately, some pollinators (particularly bees) are under pressure from parasites, diseases or lack of habitat and space to forage. Gardeners can help improve pollinator health and increase their numbers, and independent garden centers can assist in this effort by displaying pollinator-attracting plants and educating customers on ways to help keep pollinators healthy. In the process, they can reaffirm their position on sustainability and increase sales.
 

Creating gardens that help pollinators

When you mention pollinators, most people think of bees. Pollination, as you know, is a complex process that encompasses more than just bees and food. It is crucial to the survival of many native insects, animals and plants.

Here are some tips for attracting pollinators that you can use to create plant displays, informative posters or handouts, and merchandise-related materials to help educate customers and sell more plants.

Promote native plants. Ideally adapted, these are the perfect food source for many local pollinators.*

*Although most foraging bees will not sting unless disturbed, it is important to remember that pollinator-attracting plants may not be appropriate for homeowners with known allergies to bee stings or a fear of bees.

For a regional list of plants that attract pollinators, go to pollinator.org.

Plant diverse flower colors, fragrance and shapes. Bees are especially attracted to flowers in shades of blue, purple, white and yellow. Butterflies love red and purple blooms.

Plan for a long season of bloom. Combine plants that will bloom from early spring to fall (even in winter in mild climates). A long season of colorful flowers provides consistent food for pollinators.

Plant in full sun. Many pollinators prefer to visit flowers growing in sunny locations.

Plant generously. Large groupings of flowers are more attractive than single plants. In general, planting at least 3 square feet is recommended.

Consider hybrid flowers carefully. Some hybrids are bred to have less fragrance, pollen or nectar.

Provide food and water sources. Use feeders to attract hummingbirds or salt licks to attract butterflies. Provide an accessible water source, such as a small bowl with tapered sides.

Provide habitat for nesting and egg-laying. Grassy or weeded areas, shrubbery, wooden logs, bat houses and bee blocks can provide nesting areas and/or cover for pollinators.

Don’t forget herbs, vegetables and fruit. Pollinators love the flowers of many herbs, including rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, parsley and coriander. The same is true for vegetables like carrots, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Instead of removing or cutting back plants once they have bloomed or bolted, let pollinators enjoy them first. Even fruit trees that do not need pollinators to produce fruit, such as many citrus and flowering pears, are good food sources for bees.

Use pesticides responsibly. Follow label instructions carefully and avoid spraying when pollinators are active. The EPA recently mandated new, more specific instructions for products that contain imidacloprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam that are labeled for foliar application.

Gardeners planting to attract butterflies should expect some damage from caterpillars, which are butterfly or moth larvae. It is impossible to have one without the other.
 

Promotional opportunities

From trees to groundcovers, and wildflowers to succulents, pollinator-attracting plants cover the entire spectrum of the plant world. Encourage pollinator plantings, big or small, from landscape projects to simple containers of appropriate flowers.

Do not forget about related accessories! Most garden centers carry hummingbird feeders, but consider branching out to bee blocks, bat houses and even beekeeping equipment and hives.

Finally, make your customers feel involved in pollinator health — the theme of a community working toward a cause together can be a powerful motivator, especially for independent garden centers. Encourage them to visit websites like FeedABee.com, where they can get a free packet of pollinator-attracting wildflower seeds, or have them planted on their behalf. Once they feel connected to this cause, they will respond more strongly to your pollinator-friendly marketing efforts.

Lance is the Bayer Advanced garden expert and author of “Roses for Dummies.”