There are many more reasons for planting a flower bed or garden than just for food or to enjoy the flowers. Blooming flower beds beautify the neighborhood. Neighbors are inspired to plant flowers and gardens in their yards, too. Gardens provide food for insects and a wide variety of birds plus lots of other animals that enjoy fruits and vegetables. Gardens feed migrating birds and butterflies as they traverse the globe. Plants are an important part of the ecosystem, as are all other animals that live within or around the garden. We are all dependent on plants of one kind or another for survival. And together we thrive.
Plants flower to attract insects for pollination purposes. Without pollination, fruits, vegetables and seeds do not develop which means the plant cannot reproduce. Each flower contains everything it needs to be pollinated. Pollination occurs when male parts of the flower are transferred to female parts. Plants have devised a number of treats to entice insects to their flowers for pollination to occur. One is color, and another is fragrance. It is fascinating to realize that plants and insects evolved together in a delicate balance – each providing for the needs of another for survival. It’s not only bees and butterflies that pollinate flowers. Ants also pollinate as they march in their straight lines from flower to flower. Wood bees, wasps and the wind likewise pollinate flowers. At night plants are also pollinated by bats and moths.
The major function of pollination is reproduction. By producing seeds, numerous plants can be grown just from one plant, assuring the continued existence of that plant species. Without pollination, many plants would die without reproducing and become extinct. One of the ways that plants ensure their existence is to make their seeds particularly attractive to entice humans and animals so they get help in distributing their seeds. Fragrant and delicious sheathing, varying in color, taste and texture surrounds the seed, cushioning it as it travels. Fruits developed an appealing taste, fragrance and texture to get assistance with the plant’s reproduction. The more appealing the fruit – the more that it is deliberately planted throughout the world. Humans have participated in the spread of plants throughout the earth.
Humans also have a hand in how successfully plants reproduce. We can help attract pollinators into the garden by providing access to clean water and food for bees, butterflies and birds so they can thrive in the garden. Enriching soil with compost provides nutrients for the plants. Healthy plants and insects ensure that we will also benefit. The symbiotic relationship of insects and flowers is easily interrupted. Pesticides and herbicides disrupt both and are not necessary for a productive garden.
Expanding our worlds through deliberate plantings – crafting habitats where insects and plants can happily co-exist – benefits both pollinators and gardeners. Fresh fruits and vegetables nurture more than our bodies. Stopping to smell the roses takes on a new meaning as beautiful, blooming flowers encourage us to slow down and enjoy life.