Pop-up pollinator plot with native plants

Pollinators are attracted to diverse wildflowers in the edges around fields and orchards. Loss of these fallow strips is correlated with a decline in pollinator diversity in Europe.

We are pleased to announce restoration of biodiversity in one small corner of the orchard by the backdoor of the library. Nikki Hanson from the Grassroots Ecology Nursery demonstrated restoration planting techniques, while volunteers helped plant 54 seedlings grown at the nursery. The species were chosen by our orchard interns, to provide flowers in spring, summer and fall, as well as interesting foliage in between.

Today I watered the plants, since we have been 2 weeks without rain. The buckwheat was looking a little stressed, but the others were even putting out new leaves. Here is a list of the species, photos of which are in our iNaturalist project.
Achillea millefolium Yarrow (5)

Carex tumulicola Foothill Sedge (9)
Ceanothus papillosus Ceanothus Prostrate Form (2)
Epilobium canum California Fuschia (5)

Eriogonum nudum Naked stem Buckwheat (9)
Grindelia hirsutula Hairy Gumplant (3)
Monardella villosa Coyote Mint (7)
Penstemon heterophyllus Foothill Penstemon (5 )
Phacelia californica Phacelia (7)
Salvia brandegeei Island Salvia (2 )
Solidago velutina ssp californica Goldenrod (3)

We are hoping backyard gardeners will be inspired to add pollinator plots to increase waystations across our urban landscape.

Check out page 3 of the Town Crier for photos of the event:
https://www.losaltosonline.com/images/a_digital_edition/2020/LATC_01_29_20.pdf

Posted on February 11, 2020 11:34 PM by jmpackard