#putpollinators first – the beetle

The worms have spent some time looking at different pollinating insects, this week we are sharing them and the plants they like. Pollinating beetles like #euphorbias #acacia # waterlillies #magnolias

In fact, the beetle has been pollinating plants for nealry 100 million years … well before bees

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#putpollinatorsfirst poster showing the plants that beetles like to pollinate They like open flowers, where they can land I guess … plants like, Euphorbias, Acacias, Water lilies and Magnolias … Magnolia is an ancient genus. Appearing before bees evolved, the flowers are theorized to have evolved to encourage pollination by beetles.[1] To avoid damage from pollinating beetles, the carpels of Magnolia flowers are extremely tough.[2] Fossilized specimens of plants identifiably belonging to the Magnoliaceae (mag-no-li-aysee) date to 95 million years ago

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The wrigglers are amateur gardeners, for advice from the experts on plants pollinating insects thrive on, try The RHS – they know what they’re talking about!

Find Plants for Pollinators

Wild bees and other pollinators are in decline. One way gardeners can help is by planting garden flowers that provide forage for a wide variety of pollinating insects

Using scientific evidence, our extensive experience and the records of gardeners and beekeepers, we’ve selected a range of year-round flowering Plants for Pollinators to tackle the decline in pollinator numbers.

The Wrigglers have joined the #putpollinators first Campaign

Wild flower meadows flower for longer due to the diverse range of plants in them. That’s more flowers for you, and more food for the bees and insects. Plant one and join the Gardener’s World Put Pollinators First campaign – raising awareness of the decline of our pollinators @GWmagazine

Click to see our ‘Put Pollinators First’ page

Gardener’s world launched its #putpollinatorsfirst campaign, as part of their 30th Anniversary celebrations of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. See what you can do to play your part:

Join in the Gardener’s World team and pledge here

With a panel of pollinator experts, committed to helping bees and other pollinating insects to thrive, Dr Trevor Dines says, ” Since the 1930’s, over 97 percent of our wildflower meadows have been destroyed. That’s 7.5 million acres, gone. Now you can understand why our pollinators are in such trouble.”

There are 3 ideas:

Sow some pollinator meadow seeds

Create habitats for butterflies, moths and caterpillars

Make a cornfield nectar bar

By making a meadow, even on a small scale, we can provide a banquet for pollinators that’ll help them to thrive.

Here are some seed suppliers and links:

Dobies

Thomson and Morgan – how to sow wildflower seeds

RHS – How to grow a mini wild flower meadow