Winning the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening

As I step outside on a sunny spring morning, the familiar hum of buzzing insects greets me. It’s music to my ears – a symphony of busy bees, fluttering butterflies, and darting hummingbirds. These pollinators are the unsung heroes of our gardens, responsible for the abundance of fruits and flowers we enjoy.

But a dark cloud looms over this idyllic scene. Worldwide, pollinator populations are in steep decline, threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. It’s a crisis that hits close to home, both for the health of our ecosystems and the future of our food supply.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that’s been staring us in the face all along – the humble backyard garden. By creating a Pollinator Victory Garden, we can do our part to turn the tide and give these essential creatures the support they need to thrive.

Answering the Call to Action

Rewind to World War II, and you’ll find a similar story of wartime crisis. As resources grew scarce, Americans were called upon to do their patriotic duty and plant “victory gardens” – small-scale vegetable plots that supplemented the national food supply.

Today, we face a different kind of battle, but the stakes are no less high. Today’s Gardens, a leading garden design and landscaping company, is sounding the call for a new kind of victory garden – one that champions the cause of our imperiled pollinators.

“Just as victory gardens played a crucial role in feeding the nation during a time of war, Pollinator Victory Gardens can be the secret weapon in the fight to save our pollinators,” explains Kim Eierman, founder of EcoBeneficial and author of the acclaimed book, “The Pollinator Victory Garden.”

Discovering the Power of Native Plants

At the heart of Eierman’s message is a simple but profound truth: the key to building a thriving pollinator habitat lies in the plants we choose to cultivate. And when it comes to supporting bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators, native species reign supreme.

“Native plants have evolved alongside our local pollinators over thousands of years,” Eierman explains. “They’ve developed deep, symbiotic relationships, with each dependent on the other for survival. By incorporating native plants into our gardens, we’re not just providing food and shelter – we’re restoring the natural balance that’s been disrupted.”

But what exactly qualifies as a “native” plant? As it turns out, the definition is a bit more nuanced than you might think.

“I always defer to the federal executive order, which defines native species as plants and animals that occur naturally, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem within the United States,” Eierman says. “The key is to focus on regional natives – the plants that are native to your specific county or area.”

This hyper-local approach is crucial, as not all native plants are created equal. A prairie plant from the Midwest, for example, may not thrive in the Northeast. By selecting species that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, you’ll give your Pollinator Victory Garden the best chance of success.

Cultivating a Diverse, Layered Landscape

Once you’ve identified the native plants that will work best in your garden, the next step is to think beyond simply adding them in a haphazard way. Eierman emphasizes the importance of cultivating a diverse, layered landscape that mimics the natural ecosystems found in the wild.

“It’s not enough to just plant a few native flowers here and there,” she says. “Pollinators need a buffet of resources, with a variety of bloom times and a range of plant heights and structures to support their full life cycle.”

Eierman recommends starting by tackling those pesky monocultures – expanses of neatly mowed lawn that offer little to no value for pollinators. “The lawn is like a green desert, an ecological wasteland. By replacing it with diverse, layered plantings, you’re creating a true oasis for our winged friends.”

Rather than going for a complete lawn overhaul, Eierman suggests starting small, with “pollinator islands” – strategically placed pockets of native plants that can gradually be expanded and connected over time. This approach helps avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures that you’ll see results right away.

“The key is to think in terms of layers – tall trees and shrubs, midlevel perennials, and low-growing groundcovers,” Eierman explains. “Each layer provides a different resource, whether it’s shelter, nesting sites, or a succession of nectar-rich blooms.”

Honoring the Seasons and Embracing Messiness

As I listen to Eierman’s advice, I can’t help but reflect on my own gardening habits. Like many, I’ve been conditioned to strive for a manicured, pristine look – ruthlessly cutting back perennials in the fall, raking up every last leaf, and keeping the lawn trimmed to perfection.

But Eierman gently challenges this traditional approach, urging gardeners to embrace a more eco-friendly, polinator-centric mindset.

“The old way of thinking about cleanup – the Nellie Neat in me, as I like to call it – is no longer serving us,” she says. “We need to remember that our gardens are living, breathing ecosystems, not just aesthetic displays. By leaving perennials standing, allowing leaf litter to decompose, and taking a more measured approach to spring cleanup, we’re providing vital resources and shelter for overwintering pollinators and other beneficial critters.”

Eierman emphasizes the importance of tuning in to the rhythms of the seasons and the needs of our local wildlife. “Instead of a frenzied spring assault with blowers and weed-whackers, I recommend a gentle, gradual cleanup, waiting until the soil is consistently warm and the insects have had a chance to emerge.”

It’s a shift in perspective that may take some getting used to, but the payoff is well worth it. “When we learn to embrace a little ‘messiness’ in our gardens, we’re actually creating a richer, more vibrant habitat for all sorts of fascinating creatures,” Eierman says with a smile.

Connecting the Dots, One Garden at a Time

As our conversation draws to a close, Eierman touches on a crucial aspect of the Pollinator Victory Garden movement: the power of connectivity. While each of our individual gardens can make a difference, the real magic happens when we start linking these oases of biodiversity together.

“Pollinators don’t recognize property lines or political boundaries,” Eierman explains. “They need a continuous network of resources to survive and thrive. That’s why initiatives like Bee City USA and the Pollinator Pathway are so important – they’re helping to create these vital corridors, where gardens and landscapes work together to support our essential pollinators.”

By getting involved with local organizations, participating in native plant sales, and even sharing resources and plants with neighbors, each of us can play a role in building this Homegrown National Park for pollinators. It’s a grassroots movement, but one with the potential to make a real, tangible difference.

“When we all do our part, no matter how small, the collective impact can be truly transformative,” Eierman says, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. “So let’s get out there and start planting those Pollinator Victory Gardens – for the sake of our pollinators, our ecosystems, and our own food security. The future is in our hands, one garden at a time.”

As I walk back through my own garden, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. The buzzing and fluttering around me no longer just brings me joy – it’s a call to action, a challenge to do my part in this vital fight. With Eierman’s words ringing in my ears, I’m ready to embrace the messiness, celebrate the diversity, and plant a Pollinator Victory Garden that will make a difference, one bloom at a time.