2025 April Meeting Recap

Margery Winters - Gardening for Bees, Butterflies & Other Pollinators  

Margery Winters from Roaring Brook Nature Center recently gave a wonderful presentation on the importance of gardening with all pollinators in mind — not just the popular ones!

We learned that Connecticut is home to over 300 native species of bees and 121 species of butterflies. They emerge at different times of the year, pollinate different plants and have very different needs. Margery encouraged us to “think like a bee” when planning our gardens and to work with our neighbors to create localized pollinator pathways filled with native plants — specifically, true native species, not just cultivars.

Beyond bees, Margery also highlighted the many other insects that play important roles as pollinators, including beetles, flies and even male mosquitoes!

Another fascinating takeaway: much of our pollination happens while we’re sleeping. In fact, about 60% of pollinators in Connecticut are nocturnal. With over 2,400 species of moths in our state alone, planting white flowers can help — they’re easier for moths and other nighttime pollinators to spot after dark.

Margery also reminded us to leave those caterpillars alone — they’re an essential food source for birds. And when it comes to supporting all of these fantastic creatures, one of the most important things we can do is ease up on pesticide use. The chemicals we put on our lawns and gardens are having a serious impact on insect populations. Even if we sometimes think of them as pests, these insects are critical to maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Perhaps Margery’s best advice — and the part we loved most — was this: don’t work so hard to keep your garden perfect. Let nature take its course, and enjoy the peace it brings.

We are looking to help train our replacements. If you would consider one of these positions, please approach us with your interest and questions. We are happy to be shadowed and will always be on hand to ease you in!
In case you don't know, these positions are important! We are required to have a president to continue as a club and without vice presidents, we have no speakers and without a treasurer, we have no budget.
Please consider taking on a leadership position so we can last a few more years!
Read the Bylaws and the position descriptions: https://windsorgardenclubct.org/aboutus/clubconstitution/