and may use hollow or pithy stems, woody material and standing dead vegetation. A diverse, layered hedgerow, with low-growing plants, flowering forbs, grasses and taller shrubs can also provide shelter from wind and temperature extremes. Using native or locally adapted plants can help create habitat that is well suited to the conditions of the orchard and surrounding landscape. Once established, perennial hedgerows can provide long-term habitat with appropriate weed, irrigation and vegetation management. Potential Benefits for the Orchard The benefits of flowering hedgerows extend beyond pollinator conservation. Research has found that habitat located within or adjacent to agricultural fields can increase the abundance and diversity of wild bees,4 and greater pollinator diversity has been associated with increased fruit set.2 Supporting a wider range of pollinators can therefore complement the work of managed honey bees during almond bloom. Hedgerows can also provide habitat for beneficial insects, including predators and parasitoids that contribute to natural pest control. 5,6,7 By increasing plant diversity and providing habitat throughout the year, hedgerows can strengthen ecological function across the orchard and surrounding farm landscape. 8,9 These benefits can contribute to overall farm resilience. 5,10,11 While a hedgerow is not a replacement for established orchard management practices or managed honey bee colonies, it can be one component of a broader strategy to support pollination, biodiversity and beneficial insects. Putting Hedgerows to Work on the Farm For almond growers, flowering hedgerows provide an opportunity to make productive use of areas that may otherwise be difficult to farm. Orchard margins, field
Bloom Calendar from Pollinators and Agriculture, 2021 Poster. Photo Credit: Pollinator Partnership
edges, waterways and other non-cropped areas can potentially be incorporated into a habitat plan without taking significant land out of production. The key is thoughtful planning. Consider the location of the hedgerow, available water, soil conditions, maintenance requirements, and the timing of plant bloom. Choosing a diverse selection of plants that are suited to the site can create valuable habitat throughout the year. By incorporating flowering hedgerows into the farm landscape, growers can provide pollinators with food, nesting resources, and shelter well beyond almond bloom. In turn, these plantings can support wild pollinators and beneficial insects while contributing to a
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