I suspect that most people when we talk about pollinators, simply think about bees, whether bumblebees, honey or solitary bees. They may not be aware that there are many other pollinators of flowers which they did not consider as pollinators. This book explains what a pollinator is and what plants to plant for them and what they need. So who are these other pollinators? It focuses on the groups of pollinators you might find in your garden and offers ways to support them and attract them to your plot. Butterflies, day and night flying moths, hoverflies, beetles, other flies and wait for this, hornets and wasps are also pollinators! It explains what pollen actually is and how nectar is basically used as ‘bait’ for pollinators. Quite pleasantly and a nice little touch I thought was that it highlights a few quirky characters unravelling some of their extraordinary stories with the hope that you might fall in love with one or two more.
Many people like to attract butterflies and why not. However, butterfly larvae, i.e. caterpillars, need plants to eat before they can become butterflies. This book has host plant information for those who want to help butterfly numbers increase. This can open up a whole area of interest knowing which caterpillars will become a specific butterfly. It is beautifully written in simple language and lavishly presented with some excellent photographs.
It would make an ideal present for anyone with a garden and an interest in the little creatures that make such a habitat vibrant with colour and interest. So put your brew down and go and have a look at these interesting and helpful little creatures.
The author, Jean Vernon, is an award-winning writer and author of the best-selling book “The Secret Lives of Garden Bees”. Both books are available as author-signed copies from her website www.TheGreenJeanie.com
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