February 25th

By Mutt Mulligan

Why are bees important to our planet?

TurfMutt has often reminded us about the importance of planting pollinator plants in our yards for bees. But why are these buzzing insects so important?

Here are TurfMutt’s top 3 reasons to love bees.

• Bees are incredibly hard-working. In fact, they are responsible for pollinating about 400 different types of agricultural plants and about one-sixth of the flowering plants around the world. Those tiny creatures have a very big job!
• It’s estimated that honeybees and other pollinators help produce about one-third of everything we eat in the U.S. If bees were no longer doing their pollination job, we wouldn’t have many of the foods we love, including blueberries, cherries, apples and cucumbers.
• Bees keep our backyards and neighborhoods beautiful by helping our flowering plants bloom, which provides pretty homes for other insects,  birds and wildlife.

So, as you’re mapping out your planting plans for this spring, don’t forget that nature starts in your backyard! Plan to add some plants and shrubs to your living landscape that support these important insects. For ideas on exactly which plants to pick for your micro-climate, consult your local nursery.

For more information about the importance of living landscapes for pollinators, people and pets, go to LivingLandscapesMatter.com.