[Article written by Francesca Johnson]
Do you want your garden to be buzzing with pollinators this spring? There are plenty of tricks to make your flowerbeds the local pollinator hangout. First is diversity. Between bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, hummingbirds, and more, the only way to appeal to all pollinators is by housing a wide range of plant species. This will attract all types of pollinators to your garden.
Second is planting native species. Native species are best as they have co-evolved with local pollinators. This ensures pollinators are able to enjoy your garden to its fullest. Third is mass planting. Mass planting refers to planting patches of species rather than individual plants intertwined with other individuals.
Mass planting it easier for pollinators to spot their favorite species. Between using these tricks and planting the following Southern-Ontario natives, both you and local pollinators will adore your garden this spring!
1. Baptisia (False Indigo)
Bloom Time: March – May
Whom They Attract: Bumble Bees, Skippers, Moths, and Butterflies
Why Pollinators Love Them: Baptisia are a great source of pollen and nectar for their pollinators. Their scent attracts pollinators. Bumblebees are best adapted to the unique flower shape.
2. Wild Geraniums
Bloom Time: Late March – Late June
Whom They Attract: Mason Bees, Sweat Bees
Why Pollinators Love Them: Wild Geraniums are a rich source of both pollen and nectar. Their early bloom time will attract overwintering pollinators.
3. Wild Lupine
Bloom Time: April – June
Whom They Attract: Butterflies, Bumblebees, Mason Bees, Miner Bees, Carpenter Bees, and Hummingbirds.
Why Pollinators Love Them: Wild Lupines bloom very early in the season, making them a favorite among overwintering pollinators. Given purple, blue, and white flowers are among the bee’s favorite colors, bees are visually attracted to the Wild Lupine.
4. Woolly Blue Violets
Bloom Time: April – June
Whom They Attract: Bees, Skippers
Why Pollinators Love Them: Woolly Blue Violets have stripped petals, which help visually guide pollinators to their nectar. The scent of the flower attracts pollinators. The purple color makes the Woolly Blue Violet popular among bees.
5. Honeysuckle Bush
Bloom Time: May – June
Whom They Attract: Bumblebees, Honeybees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds
Why Pollinators Love Them: Honeysuckle Bush provides pollen and nectar to pollinators. Hummingbirds are enticed by the bright red color, which suggests the flower is a good nectar source.
6. False Solomon’s Seal
Bloom Time: May – June
Whom They Attract: Small Bees, Various Beetles
Why Pollinators Love Them: False Solomon’s Seals attract pollinators with their nectar. Bees are attracted to the white color of the flower, as it is a preferred color by the bees.
7. Canada Mayflower
Bloom Time: May – June
Whom They Attract: Small Bees, Bettles, Flies
Why Pollinators Love Them: Canada Mayflowers provide polloen to bees and bettles. Their white flowers are attractive to the small bees.
8. Wild Strawberry
Bloom Time: May – June
Whom They Attract: Wild Bees, Butterflies, Beetles, and Skippers
Why Pollinators Love Them: The nectar and pollen in the flower attracts a diverse array of pollinators. Their white flower is especially attractive to wild bees.
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