Pollinator Paradise YXE

Variety is the spice of the local food system – variety of plants, birds, and insects including caterpillars, butterflies, and moths.  With that in mind we ask that you have planted a minimum of 15 individual plants that are native to the Saskatoon area including:

·   At least one kind of plant that is important food for caterpillars. Caterpillars grow into butterflies and moths, but first they need plants to munch on.  These larvae also provide food for nestling songbirds and other wildlife.  Some plants host more species of caterpillars than others and thus help support more butterflies and moths and more birds. Not sure which plants support the most caterpillars in our area? We especially recommend Goldenrod, Wild strawberry, Wild blue flax, Early blue & Canada violets, and Wild sunflowers. Learn more here. 

·   At least one wildflower species that provides pollen and nectar for pollinating insects. Butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects need sweet nectar and protein-rich pollen to survive and thrive. A few of the numerous options include Wild bergamot, Stiff or Canada goldenrod, Smooth aster, Giant hyssop, Meadow blazingstar, and Canada milkvetch. Find the sweetest choices here.

·  A succession of blooms through the growing season (early May to late October) or a plan to make this happen. View our list of recommended plants which shares information on bloom dates here. You don’t have to plant them all in one year. Each flower has its bloom period. We want to make sure there are no gaps between one flower ending its flowering and another beginning. Otherwise, there is a gap in the food supply for pollinators. The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan has a wealth of resources including inventories of native plants that grow here.  

Bees need a place to nest. The requirements will vary depending on species.  Bumblebees might form a colony in a mulch pile or underground in a mouse nest. Solitary wild bees nest in hollow stems or in undisturbed ground.  Some adult butterflies and moths, as well as larvae, overwinter under mulch, and fallen leaves.

Wild bees and butterflies need a source of water, shallow enough so they will not drown.  A shallow pan (or upside down frisbee) with a few stones in it for pollinators to land on is all you need.

Together, these practices will provide healthy habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, and strengthen the interconnections in your yard and garden ecosystem. All are recommended. Those marked * are required for certification.

·   Weed, water, and tend. You may wish to thin or move plants – don’t worry if you act as a disturbance. Unsure of what weeds to pull? Check out the Saskatchewan Invasive Species Council’s webpage for images and a fact sheets here.

·   Eliminate pesticides. *

·   Do your best to control and avoid growing invasive plants. The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan has advice on what not to grow and which native plants to choose instead. *

·  Protect nesting and overwinter sites for insects. * You can do this by leaving stems standing and letting fallen leaves lie in the fall.  Add brush piles and rockpiles. In the spring wait until the temperature stays at plus 10 for about a week before you rake.

·   Love your lawn a little less. Consider replacing turf grass with native grasses and flowers. 

·   Can you see the stars? Plants and animals are attuned to the natural cycle of daylight and nighttime darkness. Adding excessive artificial light to our gardens causes disruptions to natural life cycles and behaviours.  Sometimes, it’s good to be in the dark.