We all know the fly, that irritating insect that can cling to even the smoothest surface and spread all kinds of diseases. Flies are found almost everywhere on Earth, except at the poles and in the hottest deserts. So they are the most familiar insect, you might say…. But did you know that flies, yes, including that ordinary housefly, are important pollinators for lots of plants?
In our food forest garden alone, they help pollinate nearly 30 plants. For example, the chestnut (see photo), sunflower, field cabbage, elder, daisy, bird cherry....
The flies (Brachycera) form a suborder of the two-winged insects (Diptera). The suborder includes about 120 families. The most well-known fly is the housefly, a member of the family of true flies (Muscidae).
Unlike bumblebees, which actively collect pollen for their offspring, flies are generally unintentional pollinators. As they move from flower to flower in search of food, such as nectar or decaying organic matter, they unintentionally transfer pollen from one flower to another. This unintentional pollination contributes to the genetic diversity and reproductive success of various plant species.
Many plants have adapted specifically to attract flies as pollinators. These adaptations are unique colors, shapes and scents that appeal to the preferences of different fly species.
After reading about the fly as pollinator, I started to look at this little animal a little differently…. If there is one inside now, I chase it out and call after it: no time to lounge, get to work !
Food Forest Garden
Read more about our Food Forest Garden on the pages What We Eat, What We Grow and Where We Grow It.
On the first page, I'll give you an overview of what we eat. After all, that determines what we want to grow, the fruits, nuts and vegetables in the garden.
Then I'll tell you what's in the garden, and finally where it is and the overall layout.
This will give you some insight into the start of the establishment of our food forest garden, the perennials and trees.
And in this blogs I tell you more about eating Raw and Wild, about Drying and preserving, about Healed by nature and about Preserving our roots... and other harvest.
Ecological footprint
So do you want to know your ecological footprint?
Then visit this website: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
And do you want to reduce your ecological footprint?
Then ask me, I will help you. For free. Or simply visit my website and choose in the menu for Your Footprint.
And if you appreciate my writings and art and want to support me, you can buy me a piece of fruit here: https://ko-fi.com/jacobberghoef, thank you 🍏 !
Thank you dear Jacob for detailed information. Yes I know of this new job they have
watching this daily even on my balcony.
Heartfelt congrats on your so charming and exquisit photo creation.
Thank you very much, dear Ute.