Kate Solisti
May 18, 20212 min
Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and bats are all critical pollinators who are endangered. There are many things each of us can do to help them and the flowers, flowering trees and vegetables we all depend on to thrive!
Create a garden -- either in the earth or in pots. When starting from scratch or not, invite Nature to be your guide. When you learn how to listen to Nature's language via your intuition and muscle testing, you can actually partner with the plants, trees, insects, birds and mammals we share our world with.
1) Start by being quiet and asking Nature for guidance.
Make a list of flowers and plants that are especially loved by pollinators. Try to choose native species suited to your planting zone. For example, it's very important, if you're planting for Monarch Butterflies, to plant the milkweed native to your area.
2) Set your intention for your containers or garden. Include what you want (herbs, vegetables, flowers) as well as what is in the highest good of the creatures in your yard.
3) Look over the list and ask Nature to give you a "yes" feeling or a "no." A neutral feeling may mean "come back later to this one." To determine what a "yes" or "no" feels like, use a pendulum, finger or arm muscle tests, or other method.*
4) Ask Nature which plants belong together to co-create harmony and balance.
5) Give gratitude, say a prayer, sing a song (I do this) over the soil as you plant.
6) Be sure to include a water source in or near for critters and keep it clean.
7) Provide bird, bee and bat houses. You can find all kinds of DIY kits online as well as for purchase. Check out National Wildlife's offerings, here. Providing a bat house will be the best mosquito control without poison that you can imagine!
8) Provide seed for wild birds and nectar for hummers. Avoid red dye and premixes. I make my own nectar with organic sugar and water. 1/4 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup boiled water. Let cool before putting it in the feeder. I put in only the amount my friends will consume in two days. Otherwise, mold can grow in the feeder and bacteria build up. Clean your feeder every couple of days between each fill with hot water and a good brush.
Climate change means that we will have swings in temperatures and frequent weather "events." Be prepared to deal with these as best you can. Again, partnering with Nature will make a big difference to how your garden, home and potted plants survive and thrive, no matter what. If you're interested in creating a garden in total cooperation with Nature, see The Perelandra Garden Workbook, by Machaelle Wright, here. I plan on following this fantastic guide when I create my garden!
Have fun and know that the Earth and all her creatures rejoice when you partner with and support them in any way.