Governor Cuomo Declares June 20-26 as Pollinator Week.
Broccolo Declares Pollinator Days All Season Long
What can be done to help our pollinators thrive? Increasing native habitat is the answer. Self-sustaining native plants are preferred by native wildlife and provide a bridge to nearby remaining wild areas. While feeding and protecting pollinators, natives also require little or no fertilizer and have developed defenses against local pests and disease. Natives with staggered flowering schedules also help to feed the pollinators throughout the growing season. Building landscapes throughout the world with diverse native plants keeps the pollinators healthy which supports our world’s crops.
We all enjoy fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains. All of these foods rely on pollinators to reach our table. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds and beneficial insects are endangered due to agricultural practices and lack of natural habitat.
Pollinators move pollen from one plant to another, allowing for the transfer of genetic material. This action is crucial to the reproductive system of plants, which are then able to produce fruit and the next generation of plants. Without pollinators, plant reproduction is halted or significantly slowed.
Broccolo Tree and Lawn Care is a leader in the Rochester area in educating the public on the benefits of native plants in landscaping. Through the use of natives in their landscape design for commercial and residential projects, Broccolo creates an awareness of the importance of protecting pollinators. Owner Laurie Broccolo is well known for her knowledge and gives passionate presentations on the value of natives and their relationship to pollinators. Laurie has shared her insights with Cornell University, Finger Lakes Community College, The Honeoye Lake Water Shed Group and many other local gardening groups.
“If you want to protect your environment, grow native plants,” said Laurie Broccolo, owner of Broccolo Tree and Lawn Care. “The native wildflower garden and the many native varieties for sale at the Broccolo Garden Center attract many types of pollinators to our center. After the wildflowers became established and the pollinators did their work, we noticed our apples, pears and berries bursting with fruit! By providing diverse native plantings, we feed the pollinators who will in turn feed us.”
For more information about native plants or scheduling a free native presentation for groups, contact Broccolo Tree and Lawn Care at 585-424-4476 or www.BroccoloTreeandLawn.com.
