Life at Horton

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Planting with Purpose: Starting a Pollinator Garden

6/17/2025

Pollinators sustain our food systems, keep our Earth alive, and are essential markers of ecosystem health and issues. The list of things that would cease to exist without our pollinators is endless, including life itself. Without healthy and supported pollinators, the seasons and cycles of life cannot continue. We don't want to get you down in the dumps too much, but touching on this harsh reality is important, and we need to make changes to support our pollinators now more than ever before.

The Unsung Buzz: Why Native Pollinators Matter to Your Market Basket

5/27/2025

You’ve probably seen them—hovering near your lavender plant, tucked into the petals of your squash blossoms, or weaving between wildflowers on the edge of a country road. Not the honeybees. The other guys. The fuzzy little bumblebees. Solitary bees that nest in the ground. Hoverflies that look like bees but aren’t. Butterflies. Moths. Beetles. The tiny, tireless workers, native to our corner of Southwestern Ontario.

They’re not just part of the scenery. These native pollinators are a big reason your local food exists in the first place.

The Buzz About Honey Bees in Ontario: Understanding Their Role and Impact

6/18/2024

In the world of pollinators, honey bees often steal the spotlight. Their industrious nature and sweet, golden honey have earned them a celebrated place in our hearts and homes. However, in Ontario, these busy bees are not the native heroes of our gardens. Instead, they pose a threat to indigenous pollinators, making it essential for us to approach beekeeping responsibly and support regenerative pollinator practices.

Supporting Native Pollinators in St. Thomas, Ontario: Easy Steps You Can Take on Your Own Property

6/17/2024

Living in our beautiful Bee City of St. Thomas, Ontario, we’re surrounded by nature’s wonders. One of the most vital elements of our local ecosystem is our native pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating friends play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our environment. By taking simple steps in your own backyard, you can help support these essential creatures. Here are five easy ways to make your property a haven for native pollinators.

Invasive? Native? Oh My!

6/13/2024

Having native plants in your garden or on your boulevard is an amazing way to help support pollinators, but how can you tell the difference between invasive plants and native plants? What are invasive plants anyways? We have put together a handy little guide on some of the most common invasive plants and some native plants which can be planted instead! (As well as some general tips on how to support pollinators in the spirit of Pollinator Week!)

Meet the Pollinators!

6/10/2024

Many of us are aware of bees as important pollinators, but did you know that butterflies, birds, bats, moths, beetles, flies, and wasps are pollinators too? All of these pollinators play crucial roles in sustaining our ecosystems and helping plants reproduce. One out of every three bites of food is only possible thanks to the hard work of pollinators; so let's learn about some of the lesser known, but incredibly important pollinators!

Pollinator Week is June 17-23

5/24/2024

St. Thomas was awarded the designation of Bee City last year and we are thrilled to be officially celebrating our first Pollinator Week June 17-23 with that honour! Market Day on June 22 will include some incredible special guests and activities, exciting limited edition menu options, and just an all round awesome way to spend a Saturday morning.

This designation recognizes the city's commitment to protecting and promoting pollinator species. This designation is a testament to the city's efforts to create a sustainable environment for native pollinators.

It's Pollinator Week at the Market!

6/15/2023

Every year, the third week of June is recognized as National Pollinator Week, a time to reflect on how essential pollinators are in our ecosystem and agriculture. Don't BEE fooled by their small size; pollinators pack a punch in their field. But did you know pollinators aren't just bees? Moths, butterflies, hoverflies and even wasps are all pollinators with an important role! While making honey might seem like the only method that comes to mind, these pollinators do so much more. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 3 ⁄ 4's of the world's flowering plants and over 35% of the world's food crops depend on pollination to survive.