To help pollinators, I will: GROW flowers, PROVIDE habitat, REDUCE pesticide use, and TEACH others about the importance of pollinators!

Often our landscaping choices result in lots of plants that have little or no value to pollinators in the form of nectar or pollen. Incorporating more native Hawaiian plants is a great way to maintain Hawaii's ecological heritage while providing options for bees. Insectary plants are another great way to increase pollinators and other beneficial insects in your garden, especially if you have a vegetable garden. May edible plants we would prevent from flowering are actually great at attracting beneficial insects!

Honey bees aren't the only visitors to flowers in our home gardens - there are a number of introduced solitary bees that play an important role in pollination as well. Unlike honey bees, which live in beehives, these solitary bees nest in holes and hollow twigs. To encourage their presence in your yard, consider adding some bee hotels!

A series of educational videos have been developed for the Master Gardeners of Hawaii on various aspects of pollination biology, pollinator biology, and some of the threats facing pollinators in our state. Understanding the biology of an organism and it's habitat is the first step in troubleshooting obstacles to their continued presence and service in your garden.