Glimpse of the Garden: Week 12, Pollinators and Wild Strawberries


Did you know that it is National Pollinator Week?  Without pollinators we wouldn't have as much to eat. Thousands of the plants that we grow for food, medicine, spices, fibers, etc. require pollination. Pollinators move pollen from one plant to another, which begins the process of fertilization to make seeds and fruit. Thanks pollinators!

Pollinators can be insects, birds, bats, or other animals. We attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to our yard with our flowers, pear and cherry trees and the vegetable garden. If you are interested in learning more about planting to attract pollinators, you might want to visit my post from earlier this spring: "Grow a Themed Flower Garden with your Children" You can also learn how to get involved in Pollinator Week activities here.

What else is happening in the garden this week? Wild strawberries galore! Although strawberries can self-pollinate, they grow better if insects help with the pollination. One of our flower beds that has not gotten the attention it deserves is filled with the best wild strawberries. They grow more plump here than anywhere else in the yard.

YUM! Wild Strawberries ©SBF 2015

Yes, they are small and a little tedious to pick, however they are tasty on cereal and the plants really require no maintenance. They also make lovely ground cover in a flower bed. We're enjoying picking these while they are at their best. 

Sweet little morsels. ©SBF 2015

Makes a pretty ground cover plant! ©SBF 2015

What do you have blooming and growing? Please share! Check us out on Facebook, Pinterest, or Google+

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