What is a Pollinator Garden?
A pollinator garden is a garden that has been designed with flowering and locally found plants that are beneficial for the many bees, butterflies and insects that feed on them. These gardens can change the plants according to the insect one would like to attract, such as the highly attractive Monarch Butterflies, or endangered Rusty-patched Bumblebee.
Pollinator gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years. As more people learn about the need to protect native bees, many are turning to native flowers as well.
While native flowers aren't the only plants that can bring sustenance to native bees, often bees and plants have evolved to work specifically for each other. Some bees can not, or will not, interact with plants they are unfamiliar with.
For example, did you know that the Blueberry Bee and Squash Bee are highly specialized in their respective plants?
A pollinator garden is a garden that has been designed with flowering and locally found plants that are beneficial for the many bees, butterflies and insects that feed on them. These gardens can change the plants according to the insect one would like to attract, such as the highly attractive Monarch Butterflies, or endangered Rusty-patched Bumblebee.
Pollinator gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years. As more people learn about the need to protect native bees, many are turning to native flowers as well.
While native flowers aren't the only plants that can bring sustenance to native bees, often bees and plants have evolved to work specifically for each other. Some bees can not, or will not, interact with plants they are unfamiliar with.
For example, did you know that the Blueberry Bee and Squash Bee are highly specialized in their respective plants?
Below are some pollinator friendly plants found native to Canada.
Spring to early summer blossoming:
Spring to early summer blossoming:
Early to late summer blossoming:
Late summer to fall blossoming:
Consider also some grasses that pollinators can nest in:
And even if you don't have a lot of space, container gardens with herbs or small plants can be enjoyed by you, and our smaller neighbours!
For more in-depth ideas and resources, check out some other pollinator garden guides.
- Project Swallow Tail Guide
- Friends of the Earth - Rusty-patched Bumblebee guide by gardening expert Lorraine Johnson, ecologist Sheila Colla and illustrator Ann Sanderson
- Ontario Bee - National pollinator guide
- How to Make a Pollinator Garden, by biologist Clement Kent
- For wildlife gardens and gardening according to four seasons, see the World Wildlife Guides for your region