Jan 20, 2016

Growers Encouraged to Add Pollinator-Beneficial Plants to Spring Line-Up

As Spring 2016 approaches, growers are being encouraged to include pollinator-friendly plants on their grower availability listings.

In 2015, the White House presented an initiative promoting planting pollinator-friendly species, contributing to consumer and retailer demand.

Last June, a group of national gardening and habitat organizations led by American Public Gardens Association, National Gardening Association, National Wildlife Federation and Pollinator Partnership joined with industry organizations AmericanHort, American Seed Trade Association, Home Garden Seed Association and the National Garden Bureau to form the National Pollinator Garden Network.

This collaboration, along with more than 25 other organizations and eight federal agencies, established the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC). The MPGC encourages Americans to grow seeds and plants for the benefit of pollinators and to register those plantings to reach the goal of one million pollinator gardens by December 2016.

Growers have multiple resources and ways to provide plants and seeds that can be used as forage or habitat for pollinator species. Determine demand and appropriate species for a given location by:

— Contacting local and regional botanic gardens, zoos and wildlife centers for a listing of their recommended pollinator plants. Remember, annuals, perennials and woody trees, shrubs and vines are all important;
— Reaching out to garden retailer customers to assess which species they suggest to customers and also which species customers are requesting;
— Connecting with breeders and brokers for information on native and pollinator plant programs; and
— Consulting the resources available through the Million Pollinator Garden Network Partners.

To learn more, visit www.millionpollinatorgardenchallenge.org.