Third Herb Garden Flowering Event at City Museum's Greenhouse
Residents Encouraged to Plant Insect-Friendly Flower Boxes
On May 15th, an initiative was launched encouraging residents to plant their flower boxes using plants that benefit both themselves and local insect populations, particularly pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The aim of this campaign, held in Pforzheim, is to create a network of insect-friendly gardens that not only delight the eye but also cater to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. To accomplish this, participants were invited to choose plants with open flowers and long blooming periods, such as marigolds and various herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary. These plants provide a continuous food source for bees and hummingbirds throughout the year.
Additional opportunities were provided for residents to create nesting aids for insects and supports for climbing plants. Dr. Sylvia Lorenz, climate change adaptation manager from the environmental protection office of the company, offered her expertise in a video that showcased various insect-friendly plants and the planting action in the Pforzheim herb garden.
Insect-Friendly Plants for Flower Boxes
The choice of plants has a significant impact on the success of an insect-friendly flower box. Some excellent options are lavender, sage, nasturtium, rosemary, catmint, and honeysuckle. These plants are not only visually appealing but also provide ample nectar or pollen for pollinators.
- Lavender offers striking purple-blue flowers, silvery-green foliage, and a pleasant fragrance, while being extremely attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Sage features gray-green leaves and lavender flower spikes, making it highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Nasturtium boasts bright, edible flowers and repels certain pests like aphids and whiteflies.
- Rosemary is loved by bees and offers a pleasant fragrance and culinary value.
- Catmint draws in bees and other pollinators while also being attractive to cats.
- Honeysuckle is favored by long-tongued bumblebees and hummingbirds and comes in various colors.
Where possible, native plants are recommended, as they are often better adapted to local pollinators and conditions. For maximum attraction to pollinators, plants of the same species should be grouped together, and double-flowered varieties should be avoided.
The full guide to planting an insect-friendly flower box can be found in the Enrichment Data provided.
Environmental science plays a crucial role in the creation of insect-friendly gardens, demonstrating how human lifestyles can positively impact home-and-garden ecosystems. Some environmental-science-recommended plants that residents may consider for their flower boxes include lavender, sage, nasturtium, rosemary, catmint, and honeysuckle. These plant selections not only offer attractive appearances and pleasant fragrances but also provide ample nutrients for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
