Earth Day is April 22, with this year’s theme, Invest in our Planet. Since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, it has generated public support for the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Check out …
March 12, National Plant a Flower Day, is right around the corner. How about planting some flowers to attract pollinators? First – meet the pollinators, and get acquainted with who they are, and they’re desired habitat, and learn more about pollination and pollinators. Then, before taking off for the nursery, check out these tips on …
Want to solve garden problems while creating landscapes that are in sync with the natural environment? Join us for our new season of webinars that will focus on attracting and protecting pollinators in your garden, successfully managing rats, and replacing that thirsty lawn – all without chemicals! Co-sponsored by YardSmartMarin and Marin Master Gardeners, talks …
Kick the Chemicals! Care for your Garden and Beyond Season 2! Read More »
Birds, bees, and butterflies as important pollinators. Did you know there are lots of other pollinators, like ants, beetles, moths, and even the wind? While often considered the ugly cousin of the butterfly, moths are not only beneficial pollinators, they’re often equally gorgeous! There are more species of moths in the U.S. than all the …
Neonicotinoids (commonly referred to as neonics) are the most widely used insecticides in the world, commonly used on farms, in our gardens, schools, and city landscapes. They are systemic insecticides – they are absorbed into plants and can be present in pollen and nectar, making them toxic to bees and many other beneficial insects. These …
Given their muted colors, their unjust reputation as just pests, and their night flying nature, most people fail to take notice of moths. Yet they outnumber butterflies, their nearest relative, by more than 10 to 1. And there are upward of 11,000 moth species in the United States alone — that’s more than all the …
Predators are one of the primary groups used in the biological control of insects and mite pests. These include some of the larger insects and spiders along with amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Consume many prey during their development. Are generally larger than their prey. All life stages may be predators; some are only predators …
It’s an opportunity to learn more about the importance of pollinators and – brace yourself – imagine a world without bees. And check out Pollinators Under Pressure. Want to amaze your friends? Mention these pollination fast facts. Better yet, make it a point to try these 7 things you can do for pollinators with friends and family. …
You’re shopping in the nursery for some fertilizer, and you spy an “all in one” product that claims to take care of feeding and protecting your flowers and shrubs for 6 weeks. These multi-purpose products, often marketed as “All in One” or “3 in 1” contain a mixture of fertilizer, insecticide, and fungicide. While it …
All-in-One Garden Products May do More Harm than Good Read More »
May 20 is World Bee Day. The United Nations designated this day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival …
