Bee Our Guest: Put Our Nectar to the Test As spring approaches, gardeners eagerly prepare their outdoor spaces for the growing season. One of the best ways to ensure a thriving and productive garden is to attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects play a crucial role in pollination, helping flowers, fruits, and vegetables to flourish. By creating a welcoming environment, you can encourage these vital creatures to visit your garden regularly. Native plants are among the most effective ways to attract pollinators. Species such as black-eyed Susans, milkweed, wild bergamot, and purple coneflowers are well adapted and provide an essential food source for pollinators. Many native flowers bloom at different times throughout the season, ensuring a continuous nectar supply. When selecting plants, aim for a variety of colours and shapes to appeal to different species. Another important factor is choosing plants with single blooms 330 South Edgeware Road, St. Thomas Ontario 519-631-1680 ext. 4258 Closed on all statutory holidays Hours will be reduced during the winter months. Household Hazardous waste accepted Wednesday 10-3 and Saturday 8-3. Please visit www.stthomas.ca for more information including, accepted items, fee structure and helpful tips. Hours of Operation Tuesday – Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 8am-3pm • Sunday 10am-3pm
rather than double blooms. While double-flowered varieties may look lush and full, they often produce less nectar and make it more difficult for pollinators to access the pollen. Simple, open flowers are much more beneficial and provide easy access to the food these insects need.
Providing a reliable water source is another way to sup- port pollinators. A shallow dish with stones for landing spots, a birdbath, or a small pond can help ensure that bees and butterflies have access to fresh water. Changing the water regularly prevents mosquito breeding and keeps it clean for visiting wildlife. Avoiding pesticides and herb- icides is crucial when creating a pollinator-friendly garden. Many chemical treatments can
harm or deter pollinators, even if they are intended to target pests. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to manage unwanted pests. Organic gardening practices ensure a safe and healthy environment for all garden visitors. In addition to flowers, shrubs and trees can also contribute to a pollinator-friendly space. Lilacs, serviceberries, and native willows provide shelter and food sources for early-season pollinators. Climbing plants such as honeysuckle and virgin’s bower can offer nectar while enhancing vertical spaces in the garden. Creating habitats for pollinators beyond plants is also beneficial. Leaving patches of bare soil allows ground-nesting bees to burrow, while logs, brush piles, and bee hotels provide shelter for solitary bees. Planting dense hedges or maintaining areas of natural vegetation gives butterflies and other insects a place to rest and lay eggs. With a few simple steps, you can turn your garden into a pollinator haven. Not only will you enjoy a more vibrant and productive outdoor space, but you will also be contributing to the health of local ecosystems. A pollinator-friendly garden is a step toward sustainability and a celebration of nature’s delicate balance.
Page 22 Hometown St. Thomas • April 2025
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