EPA banning 12 neonicotinoid pesticides

[Dollythehun]

I plant extensively for pollinators. Here's a picture from a couple years ago. I expanded a lot last year. But weeds are always a battle.

[SundayGardener]

Pollinator gardeners, unite! I started planting for the bees years ago when I discovered that I enjoyed seeing them (and the butterflies, and wrens and finches) in the garden more than the plants themselves.

All populations are in massive decline in my yard. I used to get so many butterflies and bees. This year, to date, I have one bee. One, solitary bee. This is the first year that I have all my early bloomers sitting there with no visitors. It is eerie. I should at least have some bumblers, but no. (mosquitoes on the other hand....)

I use pesticides inside only on the orchids. My neighborhood leans towards crunchy granola so there isn't a lot of spraying or application of anything going on.

[Dollythehun]

I've seen a monarch, spicebush, and swallowtail. Not much is blooming, but the Mason bees are enjoying the Baptisia. Everything is late, don't give up hope.