The Nature Conservancy of Canada is buzzing for pollinators.
The not-for-profit land conservation organization mentioned in a release that growing native plants are a small act of conservation that helps urban wildlife and biodiversity.
“With about 80 per cent of Canadians living in urban settings, what we choose to plant in our yards and on our balconies can benefit the plants and animals that share our neighbourhoods,” reads the release.
Here are some tips to consider when planning your wildlife-friendly garden or balcony:
- Find out what kind of soils and natural plant communities once existed in your area as it will give you a better idea of the types of native plants that should thrive in your garden
- Ask garden centre staff or a native plant supplier about where their plants are grown because many nurseries import plants from hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away. It is best to find a nursery that can guarantee that its native plants have been grown locally
“The plants we choose to grow will have a significant influence on the diversity and abundance of native wildlife. Native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers support a greater diversity of pollinators and other insects than traditional horticultural plants and are an opportunity to learn about local biodiversity,” said Samantha Knight, NCC’s national conservation science manager in a release.
“Native plants evolved alongside wild bees, butterflies, and other species. As a result, they provide better habitat than ornamental varieties do. Ornamental plants are often bred to enhance their aesthetic traits rather than their nutritional value to pollinators or other wildlife,” added the release.
