Nature Conservancy of Canada suggests ways to help nature close to home this spring

“We often think of the spaces where we live as separate from nature, but they are an integral part of the ecosystem,” says Knight. “The plants we choose to grow will have a significant influence on the diversity and abundance of native wildlife. Native trees, shrubs and wildflowers support a greater diversity of pollinators and other insects than traditional horticultural plants and are an opportunity to learn about local biodiversity.”

Craig Harding, NCC’s director of conservation science and planning in Alberta, says by focusing on native plantings in urban settings, residents can share their yard with more local inhabitants.

“Birds will settle down to nest, insects will live out their annual life cycle, and you may even help some passers-by that use your backyard as a stopover site during migration,” says Harding. “Using native plants in your garden also helps create natural pathways through areas that may be lacking good food sources at certain times.”

It might take some research to select the plants that provide the most benefit to wildlife, says Harding. “Not all plants pack the same nectar or pollen punch,” he says. “Learning more about the nutritional and energy content in native plants can help you plan your garden for nectar- and pollen-rich sources.” He says backyard gardeners do not have to switch to all native species all at once.

“This isn’t to say you need to complete a full garden make-over in one season; but when you are adding to your garden, consider selecting native shrubs, trees and flowers to help create a garden with food options that our native critters love,” he said.

Here are some tips and things to consider when planning your wildlife-friendly garden or balcony:

• Find out what kind of soils and natural plant communities once existed in your area. This will give you a better idea of the types of native plants that should thrive in your garden. To find a native plant society near you, and to learn about the species native to specific parts of Canada, visit the Canadian Council on Invasive Species’ Be Plant Wise program: https://canadainvasives.ca/programs/be-plant-wise/

• Ask your garden centre staff or native plant supplier about where their plants are grown. Many nurseries import plants from hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away. While they may carry the species you are looking for, the selection (if imported) may not be hardy for your backyard conditions. It is best to find a nursery that can guarantee that its native plants have been grown locally.

• Native plants evolved alongside wild bees, butterflies and other species. As a result, they provide better habitat than ornamental varieties do, and are often drought tolerant, too. Ornamental plants are often bred to enhance their aesthetic traits rather than their nutritional value to pollinators or other wildlife.

• Native plants can also be more drought tolerant (and climate-suitable), requiring less water over the spring and summer.

• Insects and birds will look for food at certain times of year, as they have adapted alongside the native plants to time their feeding needs to the flowering and fruiting periods of our local species. Creating a diversity of colour, flower timing, flower types (deep to shallow flowers) and flower heights will help you create a real “buzz” in your garden and provide options throughout the year.

• Invasive species crowd out native ones and can hinder the native plants you are trying to grow. To find out which plants to avoid, visit the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website or your provincial invasive species council for information. You can also download the free iNaturalist app to help identify what is already in your yard. For details on some commonly found invasive species, visit natureconservancy.ca/en/what-wedo/resource-centre/invasive-species/

“Spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health. Planting native gardens invites nature in and offers refuge for local wildlife. It’s a good way to connect to nature, get the whole family involved and watch the fruits of your labour flourish,” said Knight.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Nature Conservancy of Canada suggests ways to help nature close to home this spring

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