More than a quarter of home gardeners are choosing plants that attract bees and butterflies. The nursery industry has been an important partner by ramping up production of pollinator-attractive plants and local natives. Growing natives, and moving towards more pollinator-safe production methods, are not only important for conservation but may be financially rewarding for nurseries.
Many producers strive to provide pollinator-safe plants, but may be unknowingly substituting other risky insecticides or using fungicides detrimental to pollinators. In this fact sheet, Xerces suggests which insecticides to avoid altogether and which to refrain from use on pollinator-attractive plants during the last two weeks before sale.
Changing may not be feasible for every nursery or plant, but we invite you to do what you can! By doing so, you can help protect our pollinators in gardens and restoration sites.