TIMOTHY DALY: Georgia pollinator plants of the year

Pollinating insects play an essential role in the production of many species of plants. They transfer pollen from one flower to another. Pollinators are under increasing threats from habitat destruction, pesticide applications, and others. Many plants support pollinators. Gardeners throughout Georgia nominate plants, and then the selection committee chooses the winners based on each plant’s horticultural value, ease of propagation, and importance to the environment. The ones for 2024 have been selected.

For spring bloomer, the committee chose Robin’s fleabane (Erigeron pulchellus Lynnhaven Carpet), which is closely related to daisies. The plant is a perennial that blooms in early to mid-spring, reaching a height of 12 inches. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It has small white flowers that attract many species of bees and butterflies. After the flowers finish blooming, their basal leaves remain and provide an evergreen, carpet-like ground cover that is good for suppressing weeds.