Let it grow! Join us in feeding pollinators throughout the month of May.
In upcoming weeks, visitors to The Center at Mariandale will notice more color on what has traditionally been tightly mown lawn — yellow dandelions, white clover, purple bugleweed, and colorful signage announcing our participation in No Mow May. The Earth care initiative has gained popularity and publicity in recent years as a way to boost the pollinator population. A research study based on lawns in Wisconsin showed “No Mow” lawns had fivefold higher bee abundance and three times the diversity of bees than lawns mowed during the month of May, according to Regina Blakeslee, who serves as the lead gardener for the Garden of Hope.
Bees vital to the global ecosystem and necessary for food production have been declining in number as a result of pesticide use and habitat loss. Spring is when many come out of hibernation, making May an important month for their feeding. Regina introduced No Mow May to staff in a training last week, presenting it as a way to “live Laudato Si’.”
If you have a yard, consider joining the “No Mow May” movement. Even if you don’t, you can grow pollinators in planters or window boxes, Regina said. Post your photos on social media and join the conversation at #NoMowMay #DominicanSistersOfHope #Mariandale #PollinatorPathway #GodsPlanet.