Pollinator gardens do best with a variety of plants

New research shows pollinators respond better in a habitat that contains trees and shrubs for shelter and a multitude of foraging and reproductive resources.

The hummingbird moth is a pollinator that wanders between plants drinking nectar.
Photo by Matt McClellan

From Newswise:

Pollinator gardens are most beneficial to pollinators when they contain a greater variety of plants, according to new research from the University of Georgia (UGA).

Researchers in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology conducted a review and meta-analysis of advice for creating pollinator gardens, sifting through a multitude of studies to formulate a more focused approach to establishing healthy habitats for pollinators and determine where more information is needed.

“We wanted to identify gardening practices that pose benefits and drawbacks for pollinators utilizing backyard gardens,” said doctoral candidate Ania Majewska, who conducted the analysis with Georgia Athletic Association Professor of Ecology Sonia Altizer. “Gardening to conserve pollinators is of growing interest to the general public and to researchers. We wanted to get a sense of what has been studied and where the biggest gaps in knowledge exist.”

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