Herbs, native plants attract pollinators to urban gardens

By Ethel M. Villalobos

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 04, 2013

~~<p>Home gardens, whether a collection of potted plants on a lanai or a backyard with fruit trees, reflect an owner's personality and interests. Urban gardens, with their splashes of color and scent, are also a source of nutrition for insect pollinators.</p>
<p>Recently though, gardeners on Oahu and Hawaii island have been noticing a large decline in pollinators. The surprisingly low number of honeybees in some areas is due primarily to a one-two punch caused by the arrival of new honeybee pests and an increase in viral diseases affecting the bee colonies. In addition, pesticide use can make urban gardens a potentially deadly feeding station for these insects.</p>
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Home gardens, whether a collection of potted plants on a lanai or a backyard with fruit trees, reflect an owner's personality and interests. Urban gardens, with their splashes of color and scent, are also a source of nutrition for insect pollinators.

Recently though, gardeners on Oahu and Hawaii island have been noticing a large decline in pollinators. The surprisingly low number of honeybees in some areas is due primarily to a one-two punch caused by the arrival of new honeybee pests and an increase in viral diseases affecting the bee colonies. In addition, pesticide use can make urban gardens a potentially deadly feeding station for these insects. Login for more...