A few probably wouldn't hurt, but the right amount (I think they gave away billions of seed packets) might spread disease and overtake other native species. No plant is inherently bad, but could cause problems if planted in the wrong area. My take is that they're just urging people to be informed and cautious. They can't just sit back and say nothing because Cheerios had their heart in the right place.
Save the Bees!!
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...is the plant named Audrey?...
Seriously, they have just gone nuts! I feel like Jordy Verrill (sp) walking out there. And I planted them in containers! So, that shows how far and fast those seeds can spread, even when you had good intentions of containing them....is the plant named Audrey?...
Okay. Sorry I brought it up. I thought it was a pretty good idea, though.
I'd just like to fill in my yard with gravel, then just pluck the occasional weed when you see it growing. Seems like it would save a fortune on mowing and lawn care...maybe some green gravel for color.
Ha! Don't they do this in certain arid states like New Mexico and Arizona? It seems like Walter White didn't cut grass because it was basically all rocks/gravel.
It's a great idea. Don't be sorry to have brought it up. Like many great ideas, some kinks have to be worked out, and then move the idea forward. That's the way things seem to happen in my life, anyway.
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It's also worth noting that the European honeybee is NOT endangered- as the name implies, it's not even native to the U.S. (economic benefits aside, it's technically invasive itself!) The ones in danger are lesser known native species- a great way to help them is to find out which ones are native to your area and what kind of plants/habitat they like.
Well then, it's a great thing that Trump is gutting the EPA and division within it that regulates pesticides, huh?
What is left out of this comment is that the increase in the parasitic mites that are also a huge reason for decline as thet are behind CCD, is caused by climate change.
Awesome thread Sunny! The faux pas with the seeds is an oversight, but can be serious. Living down here in the land of invasive species, I can tell you it doesnt take long.
Here is a cool site to help clear up what to plant where to help all pollinators. Bees are what get mentioned, but many other species also play a part in this cycle and are also in decline.
The Xerces Society » Pollinator-Friendly Plant Lists
You would be surprised how many gated communities do that in FL. Artificial grass is also used.
Well...he was kind of busy building a meth empire...so, there's that.Ha! Don't they do this in certain arid states like New Mexico and Arizona? It seems like Walter White didn't cut grass because it was basically all rocks/gravel.
Site down for maintenance? Rural land, invasive plants go hand in hand. I'd love the plant the entire back space in wildflowers and just let them grow. No mowing there.
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Working for me. Here's ours: http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FloridaPlantList_Mar16_web.pdf
Neesy
#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
They are also working on protecting the black bee over in Scotland and England - I saw something about this on National Geographic, narrated by Ewan McGregor:
the British Black Bee project - Apis mellifera mellifera
Yeah, I get it. It just gets discouraging when it seems that for every positive thing, there is always someone or some group waiting in the wings to point out all the negatives. You and I have talked about this and how it is for me.....♥
I love wildflowers The temperatures have been in the 80's and the roadsides are filling with color early this year with bluebonnets, evening primrose, Indian paintbrush and some kind of small delicate yellow daisy I've never been able to identify.
I really don't think a few California poppy seeds and forget me not seeds are a cause for concern. If wild petunia/Mexican petunia seeds were in the packets, then there might be cause for concern. I had them growing around my house and I loved them and I think they're beautiful but Dang, they're invasive. The seeds snap explosively and travel pretty far. Plus their roots grow sideways and send up more plants - even under sidewalks. One of their most excellant features is that they attract BIG bees - bigger than a cicada! Strangers who don't know the bees arn't aggressive will not approach your house lol.
The temperatures have been in the 80's and the roadsides are filling with color early this year with bluebonnets, evening primrose, Indian paintbrush and some kind of small delicate yellow daisy I've never been able to identify. I really don't think a few California poppy seeds and forget me not seeds are a cause for concern. If wild petunia/Mexican petunia seeds were in the packets, then there might be cause for concern. I had them growing around my house and I loved them and I think they're beautiful but Dang, they're invasive. The seeds snap explosively and travel pretty far. Plus their roots grow sideways and send up more plants - even under sidewalks. One of their most excellant features is that they attract BIG bees - bigger than a cicada! Strangers who don't know the bees arn't aggressive will not approach your house lol.
That sounds a helluva lot easier.
Those pics are gorgeous!I love wildflowers
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I really don't think a few California poppy seeds and forget me not seeds are a cause for concern. If wild petunia/Mexican petunia seeds were in the packets, then there might be cause for concern. I had them growing around my house and I loved them and I think they're beautiful but Dang, they're invasive. The seeds snap explosively and travel pretty far. Plus their roots grow sideways and send up more plants - even under sidewalks. One of their most excellant features is that they attract BIG bees - bigger than a cicada! Strangers who don't know the bees arn't aggressive will not approach your house lol.
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Most places you're right about a few seeds not being a big deal. Where you live the seasons help contain that, as well as the more arid climate. But when you cut something like that loose in the deep South where it's warm and wet most of the time, the stuff spreads FAST. The kudzu problem down here is a great example of how quickly an invasive species can take over.
That site I linked gives you a PDF for each state and what things are most beneficial to pollinators. It's a great site.