Spring has arrived in Quebec, ushering in pollinating insects and blooming flowers. Miel&Co has launched the third edition of the Dandelion Challenge, encouraging people to refrain from mowing their lawns for a few days so that pollinating insects can enjoy the nectar and pollen found in dandelions. The initiative aims to raise awareness regarding the significant role that bees and pollinating insects play in society. The Dandelion Challenge, which started in 2021, suggests waiting two to three weeks before mowing the lawn to allow bees to feed on the dandelions. The challenge does not apply to the whole of May, as climates differ in various regions of the province. Interested participants can register at the defipissenlits.com website and receive a kit containing a lawn poster and flower seeds. The pollinating insects include bees, bumblebees, wasps, Syrphid flies, Bombyles, and butterflies.
Spring is settling in for good in Quebec and the flowers are starting to show up, as are the pollinating insects. Miel&Co launches the third edition of the Dandelion Challenge and advises the population not to mow for a few days to let the insects enjoy the nectar and pollen contained in the dandelions.
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The initiative of the Quebec company aims to “raise awareness of the vital contribution of bees and pollinating insects to society,” said Miel&Co, in a press release published on Wednesday.
Launched in 2021, the Dandelion Challenge therefore invites Quebecers to delay mowing their lawn to leave dandelions and other flowers available to insects.
“Rather than mowing as soon as the dandelions emerge, we suggest waiting two to three weeks to feed the bees, mowing and then the dandelions will regrow with a renewal of nectar and pollen,” the company explains on its website. .
The Dandelion Challenge does not apply the whole month of May, unlike its British counterpart, since the climates are different.
“It’s case by case depending on the region since the grass is not at the same stage in the spring in the different regions of Quebec,” said Christina Fortin-Ménard, co-owner of Miel&Co.
“The movement in Gaspésie will rather take place at the beginning of June while in Montreal, it will probably be necessary to mow before the end of May”, he also specified.
A kit is available for those most involved, and contains a lawn poster and honey flower seeds. To register and participate, go to the defipissenlits.com website.
Here are the pollinating insects:
- The bees
- bumblebees
- The wasps
- Syrphid flies (a type of fly)
- Bombyles (insect with a proboscis)
- The butterflies
As we welcome the arrival of spring and the blossoming of flowers, it is important to remember the impact that this season has on our ecosystem. The Dandelion Challenge by Miel&Co reminds us of the vital role that pollinating insects play in our society and the importance of preserving their natural habitat. By delaying lawn mowing and allowing dandelions to flourish, we can provide a source of nourishment for these insects and ultimately contribute to the health and well-being of our environment. Join the movement and participate in the Dandelion Challenge to make a positive impact in your community.
