Planting for Pollinators


butterflyPollinator gardens provide nourishment and shelter to pollinators including native bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. In return, these beneficial creatures pollinate by moving pollen from one flower to another.

Pollination is important for a strong, healthy ecosystem as over 80% of crops in the world rely on pollinators to produce food. 

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Habitat at Home

Residents can support creating pollinator habitats. What may seem like a small contribution, like planting a flower in a pot or letting a dandelion grow, can provide valuable habitat for pollinators.

Here are some additional ideas to attract pollinators to your home:

  • Grow a mix of plants including native species that flower throughout the year and bloom all season. Native plants often feed more pollinators than non-native plants.
  • Add a water element to your garden like a bird bath with rocks for bees to rest on. 
  • Add bird and bee houses to keep insects and birds returning to your garden.
  • Leave some natural debris like dead stems and dry leaves on the ground, especially over winter to provide shelter for overwintering insects and birds. 
  • Avoid lawn and garden chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers can kill some pollinators and harm other beneficial insects.
  • Reduce nighttime outdoor lighting. Many insects and birds are highly sensitive to artificial light, which can impede their navigation, reproduction and ability to find food.
  • Use containers for gardening in small spaces.

Pollinator Gardens in the City

Grand Boulevard Park Pollinator Garden

In July 2022, the City partnered with the David Suzuki Butterflyway Project and members of the Lynn Valley Garden Club to build a new pollinator garden in Grand Boulevard Park to create habitat for bees, butterflies and birds. The garden is located in the west side of the park between East 17th and 18th Streets.

Interested in the pollinator-friendly plants that were included in the garden? Download a PDF of the garden planting plan.

About the Butterflyway Project

The David Suzuki Butterflyway Project is a citizen-led movement growing highways of habitat for bees and butterflies across Canada, one butterfly-friendly planting at a time.


More Information

For any questions about the new pollinator garden in Grand Boulevard Park, please contact Engineering, Parks & Environment at eng@cnv.org.

pollinator garden in Grand Boulevard

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