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| A current resident pollinator on our Purple Coneflowers |
A few weeks ago, I entered our front and side yard gardens in the 2016 Monarch Awards, a program designed to promote, "the validity of gardens that are created to be beautiful, functional and beneficial but fall under a non-traditional aesthetic."
Organizers of the Monarch Awards stated that, "Out of concern for declining insect populations, especially Monarch butterflies and bees [a decision was made] to recognize people who garden sustainably, and create habitat in their yards for pollinator species and wildlife in general."
Just as pesticide use, parasites and pathogens, and loss of habitat due to climate change and urbanization are causing a serious decline in local pollinator populations; programs like the Monarch Awards are springing up in an effort to encourage provision of healthy food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and hummingbirds.
With this in mind, for the last four years my husband, Doug, and I have been transforming our typical urban landscapes from weedy lawn to more sustainable trees, shrubs and perennials. Learning as we go along, we’ve consulted expert and amateur gardeners, books, and internet resources in an effort to infuse our gardens with the most environmentally friendly flora and habitat enhancers.
Fully aware that our gardens - ongoing works-in-progress - were not yet award worthy; nonetheless, I loved the idea of participating in the inaugural year of a sustainability program that celebrates and encourages the planting and maintaining of pollinator habitat.
Looking forward to next year’s Monarch Awards will be valuable inspiration to keep us focused on moving forward: Receipt of our "We’re Feeding Pollinators" sign, the gift to all homeowners who entered the 2016 Monarch Awards program, is a lovely acknowledgement of our hard work and dedication.
Note:
Congratulations to Kirkendall resident Glenn Barrett, winner of the 2016 Monarch Awards! - Well Done!
