Preface -- Introduction -- Parts of a flower -- What is pollination? -- Types of pollination -- Why pollinators and flowers need each other -- How flowers communicate with pollinators -- Rewards and pseudo-rewards -- Looking at lawns -- The decline of pollinators -- Pollinator predation -- Redressing the balance -- -- Choosing Plants for Pollinators -- - Spring -- - Summer -- - Autumn -- - Winter -- -- Watching pollinators -- Daytime forays -- Native versus alien flowers -- Pollen load colours -- Nocturnal sorties -- Photo tips -- Into the future -- -- Glossary -- Further reading and resources -- Acknowledgements -- Index
Summary:
"Insect pollinators not only bring joy to our gardens, they also provide an essential service for our planet. Without bees, flies, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and beetles, some of our favourite foods, flowers and plants would cease to exist. Whether you have a large garden, an urban balcony or just a window box, planting to encourage pollinators is a fantastic and surprisingly easy first step in creating a wildlife-friendly space. Planting for Pollinators features a wide range of plants, with guidance on the best ways to nurture lawns and verges, pollinator predation and tips on watching and photographing wildlife. Beautifully illustrated throughout with images from award-winning wildlife photographer Heather Angel, this essential guide will show you how plants communicate with insects, and why it's so important to protect our pollinators. Organised by season and featuring more than 100 plant species - including bulbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers - this practical guide will help you to discover the short- and long-term benefits of having a variety of pollinators visit your garden." -- Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.