Garden centers preparing for National Pollinator Week

The National Pollinator Garden Network (NPGN), its many partner organizations and the consumer garden media have made the health and well-being of the nation’s pollinator populations a top priority through education and bulidng of public awareness and concern.

Garden center customers are starting to look for ways they can help build up local pollinator numbers. With National Pollinator Week coming up in June 20-26, garden retailers have an opportunity to meet those demands and spread the news to an even greater degree through events, focused displays and community outreach.

“National Pollinator Week was unanimously approved and designated as a week in June 9 years ago by the U.S. Senate in order to focus broader attention on pollinator health and the decline of pollinator populations,” says Craig Regelbrugge, senior vice president of Industry Advocacy and Research for AmericanHort, a NPGN founding member. “Each year the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture signs the proclamation, and 2016 gearing is up to be the biggest celebration of pollinators’ vital role in our ecosystem yet.”

Pollinator Week is an opportunity for everyone in the horticulture industry to educate the American public, increase awareness of the role of pollinators, and supply solutions to those consumers wanting to do their part.

“Garden retailers have a particularly important role in this, as they are where the industry and concerned Americans meet,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of the National Garden Bureau, a founding member of the National Pollinator Garden Network. “They also have the ability to make learning about pollinators and the seeds and plants that provide flowers, nectar and pollen for pollinators a fun experience, something that really helps the message stick,” Blazek adds.