Spring is in full swing, and the Earthwise Garden is blooming with a rainbow of bold colours, but the vibrant, showy flowers are more than just pleasing to the eye. They serve as an important enticement to bees, birds, and other beneficial creatures.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen knows just how important these vibrant gardens are to our pollinating friends, which is why they recently dedicated their time to planting a brand new pollinator garden at Earthwise.
Ecological urban gardens, such as Earthwise, are becoming increasingly important resources to local wildlife, providing important habitat and rich nectar for bees and other pollinators. As these critters move around, pollen grains that have attached to their bodies are transported between plants, allowing most flowering plants to reproduce and set fruit. In fact, pollinators are responsible for one of every three bites of food that we eat.
Sadly, pollinator populations are in decline for many reasons, including loss of habitat and pesticide use. Gardens, like the new Rotary Pollinator Garden, will make a big difference to our local pollinator populations. The Rotary Pollinator Garden was designed to provide attractive blooms and a steady source of pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. Since no harmful pesticides were used, this garden will offer a healthy and safe habitat corridor for bees as they travel throughout our urbanized areas in search of food.
Rotary members, who have been helping with projects at Earthwise since 2007, are looking forward to watching their new garden flourish.
“It's a perfect project,” says Rotarian Graeme Peck. “It's good for Earthwise, it's good for Rotary, it's good for the community, and it's good for the environment- the world.”
To learn more about how you can make a positive contribution to urban ecosystems in your own garden, or to get involved as a volunteer at the Earthwise Garden, email: [email protected].
