We are now well aware of the importance of pollinating insects, especially bees. Their incessant work is fundamental to ecosystems because it helps the reproduction process of wild plants and crops. It thus triggers a vicious cycle that affects the nutrition of nearly all living beings on the planet: herbivorous animals, carnivores, us.
Ecosystems where pollinating insects live and flourish are found where biodiversity is preserved, both in terms of fauna and flora.
A few figures: bees are responsible for about 70% of the pollination of all plant species on earth and ensure 35% of global food production.
Unfortunately, there are many limiting factors: pollution, chemical fertilisers and herbicides used in agriculture, harmful substances poured into the water, or climate change, which is becoming increasingly evident.
Fortunately, more and more people are fighting to save bees and pollinating insects. But what can we do in our own small way?
Gardening is certainly an excellent starting point: we can choose to plant flowers and varieties of fruit trees and bushes loved by these little insects, to help them in their daily work.
What should we plant in our garden or on our balcony?
Aromatic herbs, very useful in the kitchen, include chives, sage, mallow, dill, thyme, coriander and basil. You can also choose the fragrant lavender, which, in addition, is useful in summer to keep mosquitoes away!
As far as flowers go, we have the tulip, stunning in any setting, along with the sunflower, marigold, chrysanthemum and dandelion. Plant them next to clover, another herb beloved by bees.
If you have a very large garden, trees are great for pollinating insects: with a chestnut or an acacia you can’t go wrong.
One last word of caution: avoid using herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilisers, which would risk poisoning our precious little friends.
