Pollinator Condo Open to Invertebrate Residences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gardener provides homes for native bees, beetles and beneficial insects in new condo.

Nashville, TN~December 7, 2012 Local wildlife gardener Gail Eichelberger has built a pollinator condo, named Pollinator Tower, for native Carpenter Bees, small bees, beetles and even a few beneficial insects.

When asked if this kind of artificial habitat will be attractive, she said, "Pollinators are rather picky when it comes to where they nest and rear their young, rooms have been constructed to appeal to a wide range of residents." 

Apartments/rooms will have small and large pre-drilled holes, pithy stems preferred by small carpenter bees and straws and hollow bamboo for mason bees. In addition, there's unpainted wood for Carpenter Bees, logs with loose bark for beetles, twigs, bark, leaves, lichen and even stacked roof shingles for critters like Lady Bugs seeking shelter. 

Pollinator Tower is open, but, construction is continuing on the rooms through the winter. She expects the majority of residents to begin moving in next Spring. "When solitary bees emerge from their winter homes in the spring they'll be looking for accommodations to rear their young. I'm hoping that the Tower's sunny location and close proximity to a wildflower garden will appeal to them and the many varieties of native pollinators." 

Historically, insect condominiums have been popular in Europe where deforestation has led to a decline in natural habitats. Here in the states it's not unusual to find them at botanical gardens or zoos where they are important educational tools. Gail believes that providing a habitat for native bees and other pollinators is necessary for urban and suburban gardeners who want to have success with growing vegetables, fruit or flowers. "When you consider that many of these gardens are set in a landscape devoid of a natural habitat it has become essential to provide artificial ones. I hope Pollinator Tower is an inspiration to others. They are easy to build, require minimal expense, use recycled materials and are fun to design and decorate."

The grand opening is Monday, December 10, 2012. Stop by Clay and Limestone.com when Gail will share the Tower's story, photos and details on materials and the building process.

*Bobbie Peachey clip art

Gail Eichelberger is a gardener and therapist in Middle Tennessee. She loves wildflowers and native plants and thoroughly enjoys writing about the ones she grows at Clay and Limestone. She reminds all that the words and images are the property of the author and cannot be used without written permission.