Bees' Preference for Marigolds: Investigating the Draw Between Insects and Blooms
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Glen, a gardening expert with over 15 years of experience, shares his insights on creating a bee-friendly garden. One of his top choices for attracting pollinators is the marigold, a vibrant and fragrant flower known for its pest-repelling properties.
Two varieties of marigolds stand out for their pollinator benefits: the Sparky Mix and the Lemon Gem.
The Sparky Mix, a French marigold mix, boasts multi-colored blooms in shades of gold, orange, red, and bi-colored. These bright, nectar-rich flowers are especially effective at attracting pollinators like bees while also repelling harmful pests. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant can grow up to 20 inches tall, making it an ideal companion for a variety of garden settings.
The Lemon Gem Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) is another excellent choice, valued for its small, fragrant 1-inch, five-petaled flowers that attract pollinators. These low-growing, brushy plants are ideal for borders or containers and bloom continuously, providing a reliable nectar source.
Key reasons these marigolds are great for pollinator gardens include their bright, nectar-rich flowers, continuous blooming during warm seasons, non-GMO, heirloom seeds that preserve natural qualities favored by insects, and pest-repelling properties.
By planting these marigold varieties in sunny spots and allowing them to bloom freely, gardeners can enhance bee activity and support overall pollinator health.
In addition to marigolds, Glen focuses on plant diversity, offering a range of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. Providing shelter is another key element; Glen incorporates natural shelters like wood piles and bare soil in his garden design.
Glen emphasises the importance of avoiding pesticides, as they can harm the pollinators he wants to attract. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of a healthy garden ecosystem and is critical for bee populations.
Recently, Glen has published articles on Garden Fungicides, Candy Cane Peppers, and Watermelon harvesting, showcasing his wide-ranging knowledge and passion for gardening.
For those looking to attract pollinators to their garden, marigolds are a great choice. By strategically placing them near vegetable gardens, like tomatoes and carrots, they can improve pollination rates and deter common garden pests. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies also helps to keep pest populations down without chemical interventions.
In conclusion, Glen's bee-friendly garden is a testament to the power of natural methods in creating a thriving ecosystem. By following his advice and planting marigolds, gardeners can contribute to the health and vitality of pollinator populations.
- To attract more pollinators like bees to his home-and-garden, Glen strategically places marigolds near vegetable gardens, such as tomatoes and carrots, implementing a lifestyle deeply rooted in gardening.
- By incorporating marigolds, a vibrant and fragrant flower known for its pest-repelling properties, into their lifestyle, gardeners can foster a bee-friendly lifestyle and support the overall health of pollinator populations.
