Spring is well underway in Quebec, and the flowers are starting to appear, as are the pollinating insects. Miel&Co introduces the third edition of the Dandelion Challenge and advises people not to cut the dandelions for a few days to allow the insects to enjoy the nectar and pollen.
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The Quebec company’s initiative “aims to raise awareness of the important contribution of bees and pollinating insects to society,” Miel&Co said in a press release issued Wednesday.
The Dandelion Challenge, launched in 2021, calls on Quebecers to delay mowing their lawns to make dandelions and other flowers available to insects.
“Instead of cutting the dandelions as soon as they appear, wait two to three weeks to feed the bees, cut them, and then renew the nectar and pollen and the dandelions will grow back,” the company explains on its website.
The Dandelion Challenge does not apply throughout May, and unlike its British counterpart, the climate is different.
“Since the grass is not in the same condition in the spring in different parts of Quebec, it varies from region to region,” said Cristina Fortin-Menard, co-owner of Miel&Co.
He also noted that “movement in Caspase will take place in early June, while in Montreal, cutting will be necessary by the end of May.”
A kit is available for those who are more involved and includes a meadow poster and honey flower seeds. To register and participate, visit defipissenlits.com.
Here are the pollinating insects:
- Bees
- Bumblebees
- Wasps
- Syrphid flies (a type of fly)
- Shells (insects with proboscis)
- Butterflies
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