Planting a pollinator garden can be a daunting task. There are so many native pollinators that require food - hummingbirds, various bees, butterflies, and many more. Not only that, some require specific food sources while others are attracted to a variety of different plants. Planting native plants is no easy choice either when you are faced with a long list of options. These gardens can take time to fully establish themselves, and while planning is a great practice for any garden, slow and steady cultivation through the seasons is rewarding as well. 

Before selecting native plant seeds for your new garden, spend a bit of time thinking about the space and the species that you want to include. Annuals, perennials, flowers and shrubs can all be found on native plant lists and they all host native insects. 

Consider the space

Are you planting in containers, or the ground? Are you looking for different pops of colour each year? Do you have room for larger plants like shrubs? Maybe you want to incorporate some native plants into an existing garden. 

Annuals vs Perennials

Not all pollinator attracting plants need to be perennial wildflowers. Perennials are convenient because they self-seed and bloom for multiple years. But when planted from seed they may take a few years to flower. Annuals are a good option while you’re waiting for perennials to bloom. Annuals are also great for filling in an empty spot in the garden, or if you like a change of colour each year. 

Plant for a specific pollinator

There are many options for native plants in your garden. But what to choose? What about designing a garden around a specific pollinator? 

Do a bit of research to see what pollinators are native to your ecosystem. Once you’ve decided if you want to attract one type of pollinator or all types, see what they like to eat: colourful plants, specific plants? Consider when plants bloom as well so your new friends will have food all season long. Make sure the plants you’re considering are indeed native, as native plants are the best food source for native pollinators. Most provincial or regional governments will have native species listings available so you can confirm this. Here are some examples to get started:

Region	Native Species	Plant Suggestions
BC	Mason Bees*	blue flax, globe gilia, bergamot
Prairies	Ruby Throated Hummingbird*	spotted jewelwood, fireweed, western columbine
Ontario	Rusty Patched Bumblebee**	Canada goldenrod, common milkweed, mountain laurel
Quebec	Eastern Tiger Swallowtail	milkweed, red columbine, common evening primrose
Atlantic Canada	Bumble bees	high bush blueberries, Joe-Pye weed, swamp milkweed

Ask for help

West Coast Seeds is a great starting point for native plants and growing tips. They have native plant collections for each region, like Native Plants of British Columbia, which provides suggestions, images, and more info on what they offer in that region. They also offer seed blends - like the Pacific Northwest Wildflower Blend or Bee Garden Blend that include a variety of native plant seeds. While they’re based in BC, many species may be native to other areas as well.

A local plant nursery is a great informational source for learning what plants are native to your region. They may also be able to direct you to where to find them. 

There are many local or provincial non-profit organizations that provide educational resources on native plants and offer plants for sale. Additionally, native plant nurseries are becoming more popular. These small nurseries are operated by people that have extensive knowledge of and cultivate local native species. Be sure to also check your neighbourhood. A gardening neighbour may be happy to share cuttings or seeds of an established native plant.

Our course, Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives will help you take your understanding of native plants deeper while discovering native plants in your region. Course starts May 12.  

If you're not able to commit to the course, join our webinar on Saturday, April 12: Webinar - Native Plants

Resources & References

Regional

BC: https://aboriginal.landfood.ubc.ca/plants/

Prairies: https://www.prairieflora.com/store/c4/Prairie_Wildflowers.html

Ontario: https://www.onplants.ca/resources/catalogues/

Quebec: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/native-plants-your-garden

Atlantic Provinces: https://macphailwoods.org/

General

West Coast Seeds Native Flower Seeds:  https://www.westcoastseeds.com/collections/native-flower-seeds

Native Plant Gardener: https://nativeplantgardener.ca/

Homegrown National Park has a directory of local businesses that can help you plan and plant native species: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/directory/ 

Friends of the Earth Canada: https://foecanada.org/the-bee-cause/trees-for-bees/

WWF Canada: https://wwf.ca/stories/how-to-attract-help-hummingbirds-native-plants/