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

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.

Plant Native Flowers and Shrubs

One of the most effective ways to support pollinators is by planting native flowers and shrubs. Native plants are adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, making them an excellent food source for local pollinators. Consider adding plants like:

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

These plants provide nectar and pollen, essential food sources for bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden Layout

Design your garden to attract and support pollinators by incorporating a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year. This ensures a continuous food supply. Group similar plants together in clusters to make it easier for pollinators to find them. Include plants of different heights and structures to cater to various pollinator species.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators. If you must use them, opt for organic or natural alternatives and apply them in the evening when pollinators are less active. Better yet, embrace natural pest control methods. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on garden pests, and practice companion planting to deter harmful insects.

Provide Water Sources

Pollinators need water to survive, especially during hot summer months. Place shallow dishes of water with stones for perching around your garden. Birdbaths and small ponds also make excellent water sources. Just be sure to keep the water clean and fresh to prevent mosquito breeding. Turtle + Bird will have Bee Baths at the Horton Farmers' Market on June 22!

Create Shelter and Nesting Sites

Pollinators need safe places to nest and overwinter. Leave some areas of your garden a bit wild. Piles of leaves, logs, and undisturbed ground provide excellent habitats for bees and other insects. Consider installing bee hotels or nesting boxes for solitary bees. These simple structures can be made or purchased and offer a safe place for bees to lay their eggs. But they do need to be carefully monitored for parasitic insects and harmful mold. The best thing is to leave the leaves, and delay your spring clean up. 

Educate and Engage Your Community

Encourage your neighbours to adopt pollinator-friendly practices as well. The more we work together, the greater the impact we can have on our local pollinator populations. Share your experiences and tips on social media or organize a neighborhood garden tour to showcase pollinator-friendly gardens.

By taking these steps, you can create a beautiful and thriving environment in your own backyard while supporting the vital pollinators of St. Thomas, Ontario. Together, we can ensure that these essential creatures continue to thrive for generations to come. Happy gardening!

Feel free to share your progress and tips in the comments below. Let's continue our work as a Bee City and make St. Thomas a haven for pollinators!