Pollinator gardens

On this page

The world’s food supply depends on pollinators. Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other beneficial insects and small mammals pollinate plants that:

bring us countless fruits, vegetables, and nuts
support half of the world’s oils, fibers and raw materials
prevent soil erosion
increase carbon sequestration

A pollinator garden supports and protects these important creatures by providing food and shelter.

Use a variety of flower shapes to attract different types of pollinators
Use a mix of plants which flower at different times of the year so you have blooms all season
Choose native plant species
Let plant debris stand over winter to provide shelter for insects and food for birds
Add bird baths and bee houses to keep insects and birds returning to your garden each year
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides,—even natural or homemade versions can harm pollinators
Use containers in small spaces

Pollinator gardening

Add 5 centimetres (2 inches) of organic material (e.g. manure, compost, leaf mold) every two years to create a rich, nutritious soil, and remove the need to fertilize.

For the first few weeks, keep the top 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) of soil moist. After that, water once a week until plants are established (one to two seasons).

Adding 5 to 10 centimetres (2 to 4 inches) of mulch every few years to reduce watering needs, prevent weeds and increase plant survival and growth.