gardens – envirobites

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Urban Gardens Provide Stable Nectar Supply for Pollinators

August 7, 2022January 30, 2023 Julia Bebout 0 Comments community ecology, gardens, plant ecology, pollinators

Insect pollinators are in trouble, and many plants on farms or in the wild need them to be able to grow fruits and reproduce. With so much at stake for plants around the world, and the humans who depend on them, how can we stop the decline of insect pollinator populations? Urban gardens may have a role to play in supporting pollinators, especially if we plant flowers that provide a stable supply of nectar, their most important food.

Animal behavior Cities

Is your garden bee-friendly? – City gardens promote bee parasites

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022 Brandi Pessman 0 Comments bees, cities, gardens, Parasites

Parasites are threatening pollinator populations worldwide, raising concerns for the future of our food security. How we manage our gardens in cities could impact parasite transmission among pollinators, especially bees. Researchers found that bee parasites decrease when we plant plenty of flowers to promote diverse pollinators. We also reduce parasites when we refrain from mulching our gardens, as mulch covers nests for ground-nesting bees. As spring approaches, will your garden be friendlier to bees or their parasites?

Environmental Science

Gardeners for Biodiversity: How Surveys can Help Quantify Diversity in Urban Areas

July 24, 2019July 24, 2019 Riley Lovejoy 0 Comments biodiversity, Conservation, gardens, urban

Backyard gardens can boast surprising levels of biodiversity. Quantifying the diversity of many small gardens spread out across an urban area, however, can be difficult for scientists. In this study, researchers proposed a survey in which garden-owners were asked to give basic information about their gardens. From the responses, a statistical model was designed to determine the actual number of species present.

Case Studies Cities Environmental Science

Community and home gardens are hotspots for pollinators in cities

March 5, 2019September 12, 2022 Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis 0 Comments gardens, land use, pollinators, urban areas, urban management

Pollinators, such as bees, are important parts of the environment since they are required for plant success and fruit production by humans and animals alike. However, populations of pollinators have been declining worldwide due to a number of issues, including widespread pesticide use and loss of habitats. A recent study conducted by researchers in the UK and their colleagues examined pollinator use of urban areas, comparing community gardens, home gardens, cemeteries, and other spaces. The researchers show that the abundance and diversity of many pollinator groups was highest in community and home gardens, and suggest that urban planners should increase these spaces to boost pollinator populations.