And feed him gruel. Nice smooth gruel, thin, but not too thin.

I focus instead on increasing general awareness. There will be a tipping point. The hard one is the acquaintance who knows what I'm doing, and asks my advice, but is inclined to dismiss it. I share some easy ideas, then let it go. Nobody wants to be lectured or bossed.

That's the thing, isn't it. Such much "buzz" about pollinators, and much less talk of supporting the insects that eat plants and fuel the whole ecosystem. But interest in pollinators can be the door into the conversation, right?

I happily tell people, when the moment is appropriate, that I've switched to gardening with almost 100% native plants, to support insects to support birds. (And my garden must be beautiful for that to have influence.) I'm wouldn't tell someone how they should garden, but model it instead. You?

Doug Tallamy is the best! I love his gentle, reassuring style. And the information he shares is top of the line.