Spring in the Vines at Broadview Vineyard is not just an Open Vineyard tasting weekend, but also a chance for people to see how important flowering plants are to ensure a healthy environment for beneficial insects and birds, that in return reduce (or even eliminate) pests and disease in the vineyard.
Whilst some vineyards are a monoculture with few other plant species, at Broadview Vineyard we also have extensive gardens that provide food and shelter for beneficial species. We have what is quaintly called an “insectary” (perennial planting to provide long term habitat) located in close proximity to the vines.
Flowering plants, both native and exotic, offer the beneficial insects and birds, a source of food, nectar, pollen, and shelter. By planting various flowering species that bloom at different times throughout the year, we maintain a constant source of food, especially during the growing season.
Why?
- Nectar is a valuable food source for many beneficial insects. Parasitic and predatory wasps depend on nectar as a food source. Some other insect larval stages feed on insects, but as adults, on pollen and nectar. Grape vines do not provide nectar so these beneficials need a nearby source.
- Pollen is a food source for a number of insects. While most people assume bees are the primary pollinators, other insects, such as hoverflies, butterflies, moths, beetles, and ants also fill this niche and need pollen producing plants. Ladybirds use both pollen and insects (insect eggs, aphids) as a food source.
- Flowering plants also provide a suitable environment and shelter where insects and birds can live and reproduce. It is important to provide a diversity of plant types including prickly and dense cover for small birds, and different leaf types for the egg laying insects. We have hedges, prickly plants, grasses and bushes as well as flowering plants.
By encouraging and supporting beneficials to target pest species in the vineyard we benefit environmentally with reduced need to spray, economically in cost of chemicals and socially in enjoying the beauty of flowers, birds and insects in the vineyard.