these plants have evolved to survive in our unique environment.
Renovating the Zoo’s Prairie Dog Habitat
Bringing Back the Bees
The Zoo’s long-time prairie dog habitat has been renovated for new residents. After the prairie dogs’ advanced age required them to move behind the scenes for specialized care, the iconic area was transformed into a pollinator garden to provide a safe space for migrating and local wildlife. Hear directly from Zoo Gardener Andrew Lyell about the native plant choices he made for the new space, and learn what steps you can take to make your outdoor domain wildlife friendly.
Planting a garden is an act of courage that looks to the future and sometimes challenges nature itself. Cultivating plants means taking charge of the very elements: managing soil, water, and exposure. Mother Nature unleashes some extraordinary conditions on Southern California— long-term drought, seasonal heat waves, wildfires, insect invasions, and drying winds. Add to that habitat destruction by people. Yet our native plants are survivors and persist. They are vital, because they are the foundation of our unique ecosystems. Want to see birds in your garden? Grow native plants. Want bees and butterflies? Grow a native plant garden.
Most of the plants you see in this pollinator garden are regionally local. Some grow naturally in this area of the Los Angeles basin—you might encounter them in the hills just up the road and across the river. Many insects perform pollination. Flowers attract flies, beetles, moths, and wasps with the rewards of nectar and pollen. As these visitors forage, some pollen sticks to their bodies and they carry it to other flowers, fertilizing them so they can set seed.
Planting for Pollinators
Some plants are better at enticing visitors than others. Those that offer ample flowers will draw more pollinators and encourage them to stick around. The floral bounty also provides pollinators with opportunities to encounter potential mates. So, providing host plants for the next generation of pollinators is also essential. Once you start seeing eggs and larvae, you can feel pleased to know that you have done something special for these important insects!
In the Zoo’s pollinator garden, Andrew Lyell planted two buckwheat species: Santa Cruz Island buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescens) and shasta sulfur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum ‘shasta sulfur’) in the hope that they will attract many insects. Salvia spathacea certainly lives up to its common name, hummingbird sage, and attracts a lot of these tiny avian visitors. It is a low growing plant that sends out rhizomes underground and will eventually become a dense mat of flowering happiness, feeding lots of hummers. Deep rose-pink flower spikes are held above the leaves from winter to spring, just waiting for a visit. These plants are also very aromatic, one of the sweetest-smelling leaves in Lyell’s opinion.
White sage (Salvia apiana) is found in very hot and dry regions of Southern California. This intensely fragrant herb lingers in the air as you brush against it. Oils in the foliage are the source of its distinctive aroma. The plant produces tall floral spikes, with individual flowers opening successively up the stalk. This is one of the few plants Lyell has watched a male carpenter bee (Xylocopa sonorina) also known as a teddy bear bee, return to for several weeks.
Protecting Endangered Species
Recently, the genus Dudleya has made quite a name for itself. The plants have become the object of collectors, so they are being poached from their wild homes and sold illegally. Fortunately, the California State Assembly addressed this by passing AB223, which imposes strong fines and other penalties for stealing wild Dudleyas. It is a small victory for the plants, but it is a start.
Coyote mint (Monardella villosa) packs a big wallop. Not only is it a favored nectar plant of many types of butterflies and bees, this very fragrant shrub with its minty aroma is excellent at reducing soil erosion by spreading low and wide across the ground. During its bloom season, it is covered with flower clusters that attract an array of pollinators, especially native bees. Be on the lookout for mason bees and blue orchard bees buzzing around this plant in search of nectar and pollen.
Creating a Refuge
Putting this garden together has been a labor of love. It includes some of Lyell’s favorite plants that he appreciates during the hikes he takes throughout the year. Walking among these plants gives one a feeling of place, of being in a peaceful space while enjoying the natural beauty that our region has to offer. The plants are primarily found in the coastal sage scrub ecosystem, with a bit of crossover into the oak woodland and chaparral ecosystems. These habitats are distinctive to Southern California and the plants in them are specifically adapted to our warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Some of these adaptations include summer dormancy in buckwheat; the deep roots of native grasses that gather precious water from beneath the soil surface; the tiny leaves found on milkweed… these plants have evolved to survive in our unique environment.
Behind the Scenes: New Pollinator Garden
Pollinator gardens are becoming increasingly popular, as people become more aware of the importance of pollinating insects for the health of our environment. A pollinator garden is a garden specifically designed to attract pollinating insects, such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. These gardens provide a safe and attractive habitat for these insects, which in turn helps to ensure the health of our food supply.
Why Are Pollinator Gardens Important?
Pollinator gardens are important for a number of reasons. First, they provide a safe habitat for pollinating insects. This helps to ensure that these insects can continue to pollinate the plants that we rely on for food. Additionally, pollinator gardens provide a food source for these insects, which helps to increase their numbers and encourage them to stay in the area. Finally, pollinator gardens can help to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to pollinating insects.
Creating a Pollinator Garden
Creating a pollinator garden can be a rewarding experience, and there are a few steps that should be taken to ensure the success of the garden. First, it is important to choose a location that is sunny and has good drainage. Additionally, it is important to select a variety of plants that will attract pollinators. These should include flowers, shrubs, and trees that will provide food and shelter for the pollinators. Finally, it is important to provide water sources, such as bird baths or shallow pools, to ensure that the pollinators have access to water.
Maintenance of a Pollinator Garden
Once the pollinator garden is established, it is important to maintain it in order to ensure that it remains a safe and attractive habitat for pollinators. This includes removing any weeds or invasive plants that may be competing with the pollinator plants for resources. Additionally, it is important to provide regular water and food sources for the pollinators. Finally, it is important to keep the garden free of pesticides, as these can be harmful to pollinators.
Benefits of a Pollinator Garden
There are many benefits to having a pollinator garden. First, it provides a safe and attractive habitat for pollinators, which helps to ensure their health and numbers. Additionally, it can help to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and it can provide food and shelter for beneficial insects. Finally, it can provide a beautiful and rewarding addition to any garden.
Conclusion
Pollinator gardens are an important part of our environment, and they provide a safe and attractive habitat for pollinating insects. Creating and maintaining a pollinator garden can be a rewarding experience, and it can provide a number of benefits, such as reducing the use of chemical pesticides and providing food and shelter for beneficial insects. With the right care and attention, a pollinator garden can be a wonderful addition to any garden.
