Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and helping plants flourish. If you’re a gardener in the greater Saint John area, creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding way to support these vital creatures while beautifying your outdoor space. Explore how to craft a pollinator paradise that thrives in our local climate.
Choose Native Pollinator Plants
Pollinators are naturally drawn to native plants that they’ve evolved alongside. Options like Black-Eyed Susans, Lupins, Rhododendrons, Milkweed and the Common Lilac are all excellent choices! These plants provide nectar and pollen for local pollinators and will easily thrive as they’re already adapted to the local soil structure and climate.
When selecting flowers, aim for a variety of native plant species to attract a diverse range of pollinators!
Create Bloom Variety Throughout the Seasons
Plan your garden so something is always in bloom from spring through fall. This ensures pollinators have a steady supply of food. For example:
- Spring: Crocus, Azalea, Creeping Phlox, Iris
- Summer: Bee Balm, Lavender, Creeping Thyme, Dahlia
- Fall: Butterfly Bush, Hydrangea, Chrysanthemum
Having continuous blooms not only keeps pollinators happy but also maintains a vibrant garden year-round.
Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites
Pollinators need places to rest, nest, and hide from predators. Try incorporating these features into your garden:
- Brush Piles or Hollow Stems: These make excellent homes for solitary bees.
- Trees and Shrubs: Birds and butterflies use them for shelter. Birds tend to enjoy higher-density plants such as cedar hedges and thick ornamental grasses. Butterflies are sunbathers and enjoy having their resting plants exposed to sunlight.
- Bird Houses: These double as fun decor and functional shelter!
Planting a full lush garden can further encourage pollinator activity!
Using Proper Pesticides
Although some are, not all pesticides are harmful to pollinators and other wildlife. Be sure to discuss with your certified lawn technician about which pesticides they are using to ensure it is certifiably safe to use! At Urban Landscaping we follow IPM standards, and through our Urban Organicare lawn care services we only use select certified pesticides that are both effective and best for the environment.
Incorporate Water Features
Pollinators need water to stay hydrated. Simple solutions include:
- Shallow dishes filled with water and pebbles for bees and butterflies.
- A birdbath with fresh water for birds.
Ensure these features are cleaned regularly to prevent stagnant water.
Get the Community Involved
Pollinator gardens can be contagious! Encourage your neighbours to plant their own gardens or partner with local schools and community organizations to spread awareness about the importance of pollinators. Together, you can create a pollinator corridor that benefits the entire region.
Why It Matters
Supporting pollinators goes beyond beautifying your backyard. These tiny creatures are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the plants we rely on for food and ecological balance. By creating a pollinator-friendly garden, you’re actively contributing to the health of the local ecosystem!
At Urban Landscaping, we specialize in designing outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable. Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing your existing garden, our team is here to help you create a space that welcomes pollinators and brings your vision to life.
Contact us today to learn how we can transform your garden into a thriving pollinator haven!