Our most common pollinators

The domesticated bees are the bees that stay in beehives - and they play an important role - but most of the world's pollination is done by wild bees. In this group, there are bumblebees, but also other types of bees such as the raspberry bee and the bluebell bee. Some of them are specialized in only one type of flower or a couple, which makes them very vulnerable to changes in the environment. Different types of wild bees live in different ways, for example, they can live in a crack in a wall on a farm or a hole in sandy ground. Pollinators all over the world are currently threatened and wild bees are no exception. Climate change, environmental pollutants and overly expansive agriculture where large areas are often used for only one or a couple of crops in monoculture are part of the reasons. These problems also affect other pollinators such as butterflies.

Butterflies are not interested in pollen, but they only drink nectar – in other words, the sweet juice in the flowers. Since the flowers often have pollen, the butterflies still carry some pollen grains to the next flower. Butterflies have different host plants and favorite flowers, and by offering them nectar-rich flowers, water, and habitat, you can benefit from them in your garden. And it is needed – as they are decreasing drastically. The best thing you can do for butterflies is to think diversity when planting and save wild corners in the garden. Nettles, cabbage flowers, sea buckthorn, and goat willow are ideal for butterflies to lay eggs on.

Flies are not as effective one by one, but if there are many of them they can still pollinate well. Considering that bees are at risk of extinction, research has been conducted on how flies can take over for bees. Flies have an advantage in that they can live and pollinate in cold areas, such as up in the Arctic where bees do not thrive. Flies also work well in the shade, while bees and butterflies prefer the sun. Some fly favorites include marigolds, yarrow, buckwheat, and wild carrots.

Insects are not masters at pollinating - but it happens, and in some parts of the world they have greater significance, for example where cocoa beans are cultivated. Insects were one of the first pollinators on Earth, and were active as early as 150-200 years ago - 50 million years before bees.,The beetles that offer pollination include certain types of soldier beetles, jewel beetles, blister beetles, and longhorn beetles. They are often attracted to flowers that have a strong scent.

As it is in the plants' interest to be pollinated, they have developed various methods to attract insects, such as different colors and shapes of flowers, as well as scents. Moths are often attracted to white, fragrant, and nectar-rich flowers, while some beetles are drawn to flowers that smell rotten.

The wild animals are dying out today at a rate that is 100-1000 times faster than before industrialism, according to researchers. Unfortunately, the insects are even harder hit and many species are already extinct. It has never been so important to help insects and pollinators as now - and every small blooming garden or balcony helps. So let this summer be the most blooming and abundant summer for both you and the pollinators. They will reward you with large, fine harvests and a blooming garden. Create a buzzing garden!

Liselotte Roll, Swedish garden inspiration, journalist and author of books about nature, gardening, and animals, such as "Earth", "Grow for Insects" and "Chickens as a Hobby".