Tips for making your garden a pollinator haven

Tips for a greener garden

As the summer season approaches, many people are looking forward to spending time in their gardens. However, with increasing concerns about climate change, pollinator declines, and other environmental issues, some are considering how they can make their gardens more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and moths, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and the production of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, these essential pollinators are facing decline in Canada due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Colleen Cirillo, the Rewilding Communities Campaigner for the David Suzuki Foundation, is a strong advocate for habitat gardening and native plants. She believes that by incorporating locally sourced native plants into our gardens, we can create more habitats for insects and pollinators. Native plants are essential for supporting insects at all stages of their life cycle, from larvae to adulthood.

While native plants may not always be readily available at large garden centres, Cirillo recommends using resources like the Network of Nature website to find nurseries near you that offer native plant selections. By choosing native plants, we can help support a diverse range of pollinators and create more sustainable habitats in our gardens.

In addition to planting native species, Cirillo suggests saving leaves and stems in small patches in the garden to provide nesting sites for insects. By leaving some flower stems and plant debris, we can create habitats for pollinators without compromising the aesthetics of our gardens.

When it comes to pest control, Cirillo advises against using chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. Instead, she recommends using natural solutions like compost, leaf litter, and plant debris to control weeds and pests. By avoiding chemical treatments and opting for environmentally friendly alternatives, we can protect pollinators and create a healthier garden ecosystem.

Todd Matheson, the owner of Yard Surgeons in Vancouver, has also made a commitment to gardening with the environment in mind. He has switched from gas-powered lawn mowers to electric tools to reduce air pollution and noise. Matheson encourages his clients to move away from traditional lawns and towards native plants to promote biodiversity and conserve water.

By following these tips for a greener garden, we can create more sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor spaces that support pollinators and contribute to a healthier planet. Whether you have a small backyard or a balcony, there are simple actions you can take to make a positive impact on the environment and protect the species that depend on our gardens for survival.