Native Plants!

Native pollinator species need native flowers. 

 

That, in a nutshell, is why it's so important to plant native flowers! 

 

You may have heard that our insect populations aren't doing well. And while I don't know many folks that enjoy mosquitoes and black flies, insects are crucial to our ecosystems' health, and thus to our own health. 

 

What do all creatures need? Food and shelter! 

 

By planting native flowers in your yard, your are providing food for pollinators and other insects. And by doing so, you help take care of the ecosystems that sustain us all.

 

Interested in discovering more about how your yard can become a haven for biodiversity?

 

Here are 3 great resources:

•   ­ Xerces Society ­ Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat. ­
• ­ LawnShare Toolkit ­ Let's re-imagine the lawn as habitat! This short and comprehensive guide will help you see the possibilities for your yard and provides great resources for whatever level of transformation you are ready for! ­
• Homegrown National Park ­ This community of over 38,000 biodiversity heroes regenerated 100,000 acres in 3 years.Join them and help regenerate the next 100,000 acres even faster. Be the hero nature deserves.  ­

Native Flowers We have a colourful selection of native wildflowers available for your garden! $6 each 4 for $20 8 for $35 16 for $60 flat of 21 for $77.50 All six types of wildflowers are easy to establish and maintain. They offer a variety of colours and flowering times and will add beauty to your yard while nourishing diverse pollinators. Send a note if you would like to stop by and get some! kristine@persephonedays.ca   ­

­ Lance Leaf Coreopsis ­ This flower grows to about 60 cm tall, blooms April to June, likes sandy, well-drained soil in meadows and attracts many insects with its nectar and pollen. ­ Swamp Milkweed ­ This beauty grows to about 150 cm tall and its pink to purple blossoms appear in early through mid-summer. Damp, heavy soils in full sun or partial shade are best. And yes, Swamp Milkweed is the nursery for monarch butterflies. ­ Great Blue Lobelia ­ Great Blue Lobelia grows to 120 cm tall and its blue blossoms could grace your garden from August to October, in a partially shaded spot with wet soil.

­ Black Eyed Susan ­ This native wildflower grows to about 100 cm tall and blooms mid-summer to mid-fall in a cheery yellow. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can adapt to a variety of soils, attracting a variety of pollinators. ­ Smooth Beard Tongue ­ A low-demand plant that grows to about 90 cm tall, blooms May through July and prefers full sun and rich, moist soils. Have a spot like that in your garden? ­ Wild Bergamont ­ This lovely flower grows to about 90 cm tall, blooms June to September and likes a sunny spot with a rich, limy soil. Lots of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, are attracted by this plant!