Pollination-dependent crops, like most orchards and berries, rely not only on an abundance of pollinators but the presence of the right ones at the right time. In these systems, pollination is not just a supporting process—it is a primary driver of fruit set, quality, and overall yield.

Crops such as apples, blueberries, cherries and pears often require specific types of pollinator behavior to achieve consistent and high-quality results. Native bees—particularly bumble bees—are especially effective due to their ability to perform behaviors such as buzz pollination, which directly influences how efficiently flowers are fertilized. While honeybees, that are often imported, may be able to “get the job done,” the efficacy of the pollination services they deliver (i.e. the abundance and richness of pollen transferred) is far inferior to that of most native bees resulting in weaker crops - and higher cost. Furthermore, imported honeybees may compete with native bees for floral resources, pushing them towards irreversible population decline, and they are more susceptible to diseases.

We design plant communities that support native pollinator systems by providing the resources necessary to introduce and sustain insect populations across the entire growing season. Rather than relying on a short window of activity during crop bloom (when most farms concentrate imported pollinators, if used), these systems ensure that pollinators are inherently present, active, and well-supported before, during, and after fruit flowering to ensure a healthy crop.

This approach is grounded in phenology—the seasonal timing of crop development and pollinator activity. Each crop has a specific window when pollination is most effective, and pollinator populations must be aligned with that window to produce consistent results. By using native flowering plants that are adapted to local conditions and closely aligned with native insect lifecycles, we create continuous floral resources that support pollinator populations over time.

The result is more efficient pollination, improved fruit set, a longer growing window and greater consistency in yield and quality. Over time, tending to these systems stabilizes pollinator populations, reduce dependence on external pollination inputs, and creates a more reliable and productive agricultural system.