#NativePlanting

[harmonyhealinghub]

Cultivating Ecosystem Harmony: The Best Flowers to Plant for Insects and the Environment Shaina Tranquilino April 6, 2024

In a world where biodiversity is increasingly threatened, every little action to support our ecosystems counts. One powerful way to make a positive impact is by planting flowers that not only beautify our surroundings but also serve as vital resources for insects and other creatures. As we delve into the realm of gardening, let's explore some of the best flowers to plant to foster a thriving ecosystem.

Understanding the Importance of Planting for Insects

Insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They pollinate plants, decompose organic matter, and serve as a vital food source for various animals. However, habitat loss and pesticide use have led to a decline in insect populations worldwide. By choosing the right flowers for our gardens, we can provide essential resources for these beneficial insects, helping to sustain their populations and support overall biodiversity.

Top Flowers for Supporting Insects and the Environment

Lavender: Loved for its fragrant blooms and drought tolerance, lavender is a favourite among gardeners and insects alike. Bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens. Additionally, its aromatic foliage repels pests like mosquitoes and moths.

Sunflowers: With their towering stems and vibrant blooms, sunflowers are not only a sight to behold but also a magnet for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even birds flock to these cheerful flowers to collect nectar and seeds. Opt for native varieties to provide the most benefit to local wildlife.

Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm): As the name suggests, bee balm is a bee favourite, attracting a variety of pollinators with its colourful blooms. This native perennial not only adds beauty to the garden but also provides a valuable food source for bees and butterflies throughout the summer months.

Goldenrod: Often unfairly blamed for causing allergies (it's actually ragweed that's the culprit), goldenrod is a powerhouse of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers light up the late summer and early fall landscape while supporting diverse insect populations.

Echinacea (Coneflowers): Coneflowers, with their distinctive spiky centers and daisy-like petals, are not only visually striking but also highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make them a low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Milkweed: No list of insect-friendly flowers would be complete without milkweed. As the sole host plant for monarch butterfly larvae, milkweed is essential for supporting declining monarch populations. Planting milkweed provides a critical habitat for monarchs to lay their eggs and nourishes caterpillars as they undergo metamorphosis.

Yarrow: Yarrow's flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers are a favourite among pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. This drought-tolerant perennial is easy to grow and adds a delicate beauty to gardens while supporting local insect populations.

Tips for Creating an Insect-Friendly Garden

Choose Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to the local environment and provide the best resources for native insects. Research native species in your area and incorporate them into your garden.

Plant a Variety of Flowers: Different insects have different preferences, so aim for a diverse selection of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This ensures a steady supply of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm beneficial insects along with pests. Instead of relying on chemicals, practice natural pest control methods and encourage a healthy balance of predators and prey in your garden.

Provide Shelter and Water: In addition to flowers, consider including other elements in your garden, such as shrubs, trees, and water features, to provide shelter, nesting sites, and sources of hydration for insects.

By planting flowers that support insects and the environment, we can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and create havens of beauty and life in our own backyards. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, every patch of green can make a difference in nurturing our precious ecosystems. Let's cultivate harmony with nature, one flower at a time.

#EcoFriendlyGardening #BiodiversityConservation #PollinatorGarden #InsectFriendlyFlowers #NativePlanting #GardenForWildlife #SaveTheBees #ButterflyHabitat #SustainableGardening #PlantForThePlanet #WildlifeHabitat #NaturalPestControl #GrowNative #GreenThumb #FlowerPower #GardenForNature #SupportLocalWildlife #HarmonyWithNature #BackyardHabitat #FlowersForInsects #GardeningTips #EcosystemSupport #InsectSanctuary #Flowers #ConservationGardening #BeesLoveFlowers #Flower #Plants #Garden

[conspectusargosy]

Phacelia grandiflora is from one of my favorite plant genera and is one of my favorites even from this genus. Despite how commonly it occurs through its range, P. grandiflora is limited to near-coastal regions and the south side of the Transverse Ranges through the lower third of California and a touch into Baja California. No two plants produce the same flower patterns – some deeply blue-purple, some pale, some with a dark center and pale tips. Growing up to about three feet tall, they thrive in disturbed areas and can on occasion dominate a space, though they usually coexist with other Phacelias such as P. brachyloba and P. cicutaria. The large flowers have a strange pungent odor (sweet, with a strong bias of burning rubber) and feature a prominent nectar cup. They are a favorite of native bees, particularly larger bumble bees which will make sure to pay thorough visits to each flower. The plants can produce numerous small seeds which will grow the following spring with very little water required to produce prolific and showy blooms.

#phacelia #grandiflora #boraginaceae #calflora #nativeplants #CAnative #pollinatorecology #glowingplants #uvivf #fluorescent #neon

[urbansoulfarmer]

Harvesting Amaranth seeds with a plastic bag.

#recycle #harvest seeds #amaranth #nativeplants

[cedar-glade]

Some Clintonia,

Clintonia umbellulata ,

Species limited to Appalachian mountains and Ilp/allegheny complex

I’ve only seen this species in acidic mesic woodland. I feel like this this species has open forest growth requirements for light as well but i’ve found the species hiding out under ferns many times at Red River Gorge. Auxier ridge has many examples of small clustered populations. These leaves are relatively fleshy and remind me of an intermediate texture between midland shooting star and showy orchis. Some people say that it reminds them of the basil rosette associated with wild columbo.

#kentucky #plants #native plants #nativeplants #plant #ecology #botany #wildflowers #plantblr #ky #clintonia #clintonia umbellulata #forging #forgeing #forge #hike #hiking #nature #natureblog #botany blogs #nature on tumblr #photography #photographers on tumblr #kawaii

[davidwfloydart]

Our native barrel cactus are in full bloom 🌺 #desertlife #bloomingcactus #nativeplants #tucsonarizona #cactuslover #naturesbeauty (at Catalina Foothills, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChhxaT1rVSdXR6hyEEpL81RqZ1lcvH6zheOoo00/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#desertlife #bloomingcactus #nativeplants #tucsonarizona #cactuslover #naturesbeauty

[samuelhumphreys]

Learning to discriminate less in regards to where plants come from. I often get called a plant racist. Indigenous, native, local, exotic—these terms complicate nature. There’s beauty and aesthetic purpose in most plants, even if their wild ancestors came from 3 or 3,000km away. 🌳 West Australian Red Flowering Gum - Corymbia ficifolia. 🌳 Mountain Ash - Eucalyptus Regnans. 🌳 🌳 🌳 #seeds #nativeplants #indigenousplants #exotic #local #eucalyptus #eucalyptusregnans #corymbiaficifolia (at Cape Schanck) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj8-eqTBzu0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#seeds #nativeplants #indigenousplants #exotic #local #eucalyptus #eucalyptusregnans #corymbiaficifolia

[love-elizabeth]

“Come, we will rest on this old mossy bridge / You see the glimmer of stream beneath” 〰️Samuel Taylor Coleridge 🌿 🏞 🦎 #explorida #roamflorida #florida #flstofmind #floridaliving #florida_greatshots #fun_in_florida #LoveFL #nature #naturelovers #getoutdoorsfl #bridge #nativeplants #moss #unlocktampabay #FLstateparks #hillsborough #hillsboroughriver #river #myhillsborough #hillsboroughriverstatepark #thonotasassa #tampa @fl.stateparks @visitflorida @visittampabay @hillsboroughfl @timberlinetampa (at Hillsborough River State Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgCZDbHOakt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#explorida #roamflorida #florida #flstofmind #floridaliving #florida_greatshots #fun_in_florida #lovefl #nature #naturelovers #getoutdoorsfl #bridge #nativeplants #moss #unlocktampabay #flstateparks #hillsborough #hillsboroughriver #river #myhillsborough #hillsboroughriverstatepark #thonotasassa #tampa

[wolfsilveroak]

Woohoo, my native Elderberry seedlings and Crab Apple saplings are here! And they look great, good root structure, already budding out and ready to go in the ground. Hopefully weather holds this weekend so we can get them in the ground. #nofilter #nativeplants #elderberry #crabapple #virginianativeplants #fiveoaks #bedford county #virginiaforestry #dantesspirit (at Dante's Spirit) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNytgJrHHg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#nofilter #nativeplants #elderberry #crabapple #virginianativeplants #fiveoaks #bedford #virginiaforestry #dantesspirit

[reforestaustralia]

Banksia serrata, also known as Saw-tooth banksia, is an iconic plant. This evergreen tree can grow up to 15 metres tall and can be found along the eastern coast of Australia, from southern Queensland to Victoria. 🌳 Propagation of Banksia serrata is best achieved through seed germination, as cuttings have a low success rate. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun and can tolerate salt spray and moderate frost. 🌳 In terms of conservation status, Banksia serrata is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat destruction due to urbanization and agriculture, as well as the impact of fire and disease, poses a threat to the survival of the species. 🌳 Banksia serrata is an important species in its native range, providing habitat and food for a range of fauna, including birds, insects, and mammals. The plant's unique cylindrical flower heads also provide a source of nectar for honeyeaters and other bird species. 🌳 Caring for Banksia serrata is relatively easy, as it is drought tolerant and low maintenance. However, the plant may benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushy growth and prevent straggly growth. 🌳 In conclusion, Banksia serrata is a beautiful and practical Australian plant with ecological and cultural significance. Its conservation status and place in ecology make it a fascinating and valuable species to study and appreciate. 🌳 Seeds and plants available at 🌳www.reforest.org.au🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 #BanksiaSerrata #SawToothBanksia #NativePlants #Banksia #Ecology #Plants #AustralianPlants (at Cape Schanck) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBU8wuBncD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#banksiaserrata #sawtoothbanksia #nativeplants #banksia #ecology #plants #australianplants

[flowersinurbia]

Look and listen! #spiderwebs #nativeplants #frogs #frogsongs #morning #sunrise #naturephotography #naturelover #nature https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch-0g2KJ2aJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#spiderwebs #nativeplants #frogs #frogsongs #morning #sunrise #naturephotography #naturelover #nature

[buartworks]

Camas and oak, old friends. Gouache and micron pen, 2021 . . . . . . #camas#camasflower#oak#oakleaves#camasandoak#mutualism#pnwnatives#nativeplants#pnw#pnwart#pdxart#pdxartist#gouache#micronpenart#gouachepainting#botanicalart#botanicalillustration#buartworks#edibleplants (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnfHw0Zvdnk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#camas #camasflower #oak #oakleaves #camasandoak #mutualism #pnwnatives #nativeplants #pnw #pnwart #pdxart #pdxartist #gouache #micronpenart #gouachepainting #botanicalart #botanicalillustration #buartworks #edibleplants

[igatherthedead]

Welcome to the PNW where the Foxgloves grow as tall as the Fir trees. . . The #foxglove has grown over 6 feet tall in the woods. . . This humid, cloudy summer has been perfect for flowers & #decomposition . . . . . . . . . #poisonousplants #digitalis #nativeplants #pnwgothic #weirdshitinthewoods #wildflowers #wildflower #pnwsummer #deadly https://www.instagram.com/p/CgPSWAcrLxU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#foxglove #decomposition #poisonousplants #digitalis #nativeplants #pnwgothic #weirdshitinthewoods #wildflowers #wildflower #pnwsummer #deadly

[conspectusargosy]

Salvia mellifera, black sage, is a perennial shrub in the mint/sage family native from central California down through the top of Baja California. It is part of the cast of plants present in coastal sage and chaparral habitat, thriving only in a specific range of rainfall in a mediterranean climate. The flowers host a variety of pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees and its seeds, like other Salvia species, are abundant and provide food for animals and birds. The fragrant leaves contain chemicals used by the Chumash to treat pain and a unique spicy honey is derived from the plant in the modern day.

#uvivf #nativeflowers #nativeplants #botanical #glowing #neon #fluorescent #fluorescence #autofluorescence

[urbansoulfarmer]

I’d like to thank everyone who participated in donating to the native seed fund and helped make seed balls for the desert restoration project at the RA Ranch.

#mojave desert #restoration #conservation #seedballs #nativeplants

[fearlessgardening]

My Saturday morning of planting. #moreplants #lesslawn #nativeplants #carex #natives #wildflowers #yardproject https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg7TDr5O8vh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#moreplants #lesslawn #nativeplants #carex #natives #wildflowers #yardproject

[organicgardendreams]

The Pink Evening Primrose also called Pink Ladies, Oenothera speciosa, is blooming gloriously in La Jolla right now. It is native to North America and I have seen it in Texas too, but here, where I found it growing in the front yards, its blooms were much bigger than in Austin. All flowers seem to be huge and their colors are very intense in Southern California’s coastal areas. This part of the United States simply offers ideal growing conditions to many plants! Wishing you a wonderful Friday! Hang in there, the weekend is near! 🇺🇦💙💛🕊🌻💔 #organicgardendreams #pinkeveningprimrose #pinkeveningprimroses #oenotheraspeciosa #pinkflowers #pinkflower #nativeplants #flowerphotography #flowerphoto #flowersofinstagram #pinkbloom #pinkblooms #gardening #zone10 #lajolla #southerncalifornia #gardening #fortheloveofflowers #flowerlover #flowersofinstagram #cheerfulpinkflowers (at La Jolla) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdOKHJWLiQ7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#organicgardendreams #pinkeveningprimrose #pinkeveningprimroses #oenotheraspeciosa #pinkflowers #pinkflower #nativeplants #flowerphotography #flowerphoto #flowersofinstagram #pinkbloom #pinkblooms #gardening #zone10 #lajolla #southerncalifornia #fortheloveofflowers #flowerlover #cheerfulpinkflowers