Welcome to
The Playstead Intergenerational Garden an accessible gathering place for all who enjoy wildlife
History of the Intergenerational
Enter the garden to observe how pollinators support healthy ecosystems.
What is a pollinator?
A pollinator is an insect or animal that moves pollen from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma of a flower.
Why it’s important
Pollination enables plant reproduction, which is crucial for maintaining plant diversity. Biodiverse native plants are critical for the stability and resilience of our planet’s ecosystems as they provide food and shelter for insects and animals, help regulate climate, prevent erosion, and clean water.
Challenge
Find these insects and their favorite native plants when they are blooming in the garden
Bees Need Your Help
Non-native honey bees make up less than 4% of all bee species worldwide.
About 3,600 bee species are native to North America. 396 are native to MA.
In addition to flowering plants, some of the vegetables grown in this garden are pollinated by native bees, including squashes, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Most native bee species including bumble bees are not aggressive and many are stingless!
Find out more about the Andover Pollinator Pathway and ways to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife in your yard.
https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/towns/andover
At risk bumble bees
Bombus Fervidus, Bombus terricola, and bombus vagans
More than one quarter of North American bumble bees are facing extinction risk due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Planting asters, goldenrods, bonesets, native roses, lobelias, and other native plants help at risk bumble bees to survive.
What can I do at home?
Plant native plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in favor of safer alternatives Reduce lawn size in favor of native plantings Control invasive plants Leave leaves and stems in the landscape in the fall