Why attract pollinators?

In their determined search for nourishment, pollinating species, including bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, hungrily dip into nectar-laden flowers, unwittingly brush up against recieving stigma, and in so doing tranfer pollen grains from one plant to another. This simple act of fertilization allows flowering plants to produce seed, often in the form of a fruit or vegetable. Through this process, pollinators are responsible for much of the food we eat. Vegetables and fruit that have been visited by pollinators grow larger and more flavorful. In fact, without pollinators, the bountiful gardens we all love would become an unreachable goal. As pollinator populations decline, it is important to include food sources for these essential creatures in our yards to help supply them with ample habitat and do all we can to ensure their survival. Plant several of your chosen plants to better draw pollinators from farther distances and remember to plant for a variety of bloom shapes, colors, and seasons to provide a steady source of food for pollinators. Your garden will love you for it!