Saving Our Pollinators...A Wake-up Call...

A little over a year ago, our daughter Eileen, lost her battle with ovarian cancer, a terrible disease, that claimed her life in a few short but agonizing months. She was brilliant, funny, and in love with the natural world. It is in her memory that "The Pollinator Gardens at Kastle McKenney" were created. That being said, we continue to speak to the devastation caused by the use of chemical agents into our ecosystem and share non chemical, gardening solutions. The plight of all of our pollinators; insects, birds or mammals rest in our actions.  Pollinator friendly practices in just one garden and/or habitat, are the first steps to rebuilding a healthy environment for ourselves and future generations. We believe in the power of one...at a time...that soon grows to be many.

Our small piece of land is a Wildlife Federation Habitat, Bird Friendly Zone and 2018 will mark our first attempt at native beekeeping. In addition to maintaining our own gardens and property, we will encourage other community members to turn away from the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and eliminate the purchase and/or use of any plants or gardening supplies that contain or have been treated with neonicotinoids. In addition, our goal will be to plant natives whenever possible and raise awareness that some hybrid and GMO nursery and garden center offerings although very beautiful and appealing to the eye, produce no nectar or pollen, rendering them useless to the survival of our pollinators. 

And, for today in case you are wondering...the following information was taken from a post by Crown Bees, The Press Democrat writer stated that:

"Neonicotinoids are a group of insecticides that have been, and are being used by gardeners, farmers and professional landscapers. They are supposed to protect plants from sap-sucking and leaf-chewing insects. Neonicotinoids are systemic, which means they are absorbed by the plant, and are spread throughout all parts of the plant, including the nectar and pollen.

Unfortunately, bees, butterflies, and other flower-visiting insects are harmed by them and have been identified as a factor in overall pollinator declines. These systemic insecticides cause entire plants, including pollen and fruit, to become toxic to pollinators. They also are slow to break down in the environment. A large and growing body of independent science links neonicotinoids to catastrophic bee declines.

What is extremely alarming is that these products are readily available at garden centers and nurseries and sold to the home gardener". 

Based on my own past experiences as a gardener, purchases were often made solely on the beauty of a flower, shrub, plant or tree. I trusted the seller to provide healthy additions to my gardens or patio. Through knowledge and a keener awareness of dangers that may be present, we must always ask questions and read labels. It is our responsibility as good stewards to know what we are bringing home and how it will impact all those who inhabit our space.

This is my soapbox, one on which I am very comfortable, thank you for reading my thoughts, I hope that you will be inspired to "be one" who makes a difference and that you might return here again...perhaps to find a worthwhile gardening tip. Be kind to each other and remember...within your reach, you are responsible.