Are you lucky to have your own garden or a space that you can cultivate? Why not consider planting in a way that will benefit local wildlife and turn it into a mini paradise for birds, bees, and butterflies? Even adding just one plant can make a big difference for local wildlife. Let's dive into how you can make your outdoor space more wildlife-friendly, no matter how big or small.

Bees

Bee numbers have been decreasing significantly across the world over the past decades due to anthropogenic threats. Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem and are suffering from habitat loss. It’s also estimated that 75% of our diet is dependent on pollinators. You can help by planting flowers that will attract pollinators. Try to plant flowers that will blossom at different times to create a full-season bee habitat. You can also add a DIY bee box to your garden.

Plants to attract bees:

Giant Goldenrod Joe Pye Weed Serviceberry

Golden Ragwort Smooth Aster Carolina Rose

Harlequin Blue Flag Blueberry Plant Smooth Gooseberry

Butterflies

Asides being beautiful to look at, butterflies also play an important role in pollination. They are an important food source for other organisms as well. You can help promote biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem in your community by choosing butterfly-friendly plants for your garden.

Plants to attract butterflies:

Swamp Milkweed Chokecherry Purple Avens

Wild Mint Rough Fleabane Canadian Goldenrod

Common Milkweed Marsh Marigold Trailing Arbutus

Birds

Birdwatching in your garden can provide entertainment for hours. Birds also provide a range of environmental services, such as spreading seeds, distributing nutrients in their guano, and consuming insects. Hummingbirds are important pollinators as well. Along with implementing feeders with food eaten by native birds, you can choose a variety of plants to attract birds.

Plants to attract birds:

Rhodora Bearberry Manzanita Swamp Red Currant

Red Osier Dogwood Common Jewelweed Garden Phlox

Canada Lily Canadian Fly Honeysuckle Red Columbine

Remember to try and find native plants whenever possible and make sure your plants are suitable for the conditions of your garden. Always check to ensure that you are not planting invasive species. Some places to buy plants in Saint John and the surrounding area include Cedarcrest Gardens, Country Harvest, Shades of Green, and Brunswick Nurseries. Several large chain stores have garden centres as well.

Hopefully, these lists will give you a head-start on planting your wildlife-friendly garden!