How to build a pollinator garden in Edmonton

I recently read an article on the importance of feeding our pollinating insects through a carefully planned garden. The foundation of any successful pollinator garden lies in understanding what our local pollinators need most. Native bees, including leafcutter bees and mason bees, dominate Edmonton’s pollinator landscape alongside honeybees and various butterfly species. These creatures require three essential elements: diverse nectar sources throughout the growing season, suitable nesting sites, and pesticide-free environments.

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Let’s begin with Edmonton’s native prairie plants, which have evolved in tandem with our local pollinators over thousands of years. Purple prairie clover blooms prolifically from June through August, providing sustained nectar while its deep taproot thrives in our clay soils. Wild bergamot offers fragrant purple flowers that butterflies adore, while prairie sunflowers create dramatic late-season displays that feed both pollinators and seed-eating birds.

Early-season nectar sources are so very important when pollinators emerge from winter dormancy. Prairie crocus braves late snow to bloom in April, followed by native serviceberry shrubs whose white flower clusters support dozens of pollinator species. These early bloomers bridge the gap until summer’s abundance arrives. Consider bloom succession when planning your garden. Aim for continuous flowering from May through October by layering early, mid, and late-season plants. Native asters and goldenrod can extend the nectar buffet well into fall.

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Don’t overlook non-native plants that perform exceptionally well in Edmonton’s climate. Catmint thrives in our alkaline soils while blooming continuously from June to frost. Sedum varieties offer late-season nectar when few other flowers remain, and their sturdy stems provide overwintering habitat for beneficial insects. I always like to leave some of the plants standing into the winter for just this purpose. Creating pollinator nesting habitat requires thinking beyond flowers. Leave sections of bare, well-draining soil where ground-nesting bees can excavate tunnels. Maintain areas of natural debris like hollow plant stems and leaf litter where insects overwinter.

Water sources often get overlooked but prove essential, especially during our dry summers. Shallow dishes with landing stones provide drinking. Remember that pollinators need water sources as well as food.

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Timing garden maintenance around pollinator life cycles maximizes habitat value. Resist the urge to clean up all plant material in fall – those seed heads and stems house overwintering beneficial insects. Wait until late spring to cut back perennials, allowing insects to complete their development cycles. I enjoy seeing the snow or ice hanging from stems and branches. This natural winter landscape is a thing of beauty on its own.

Most importantly, eliminate pesticide use entirely. Even organic treatments can harm beneficial insects when applied during bloom periods. Embrace a more natural approach, trusting that healthy pollinator populations will help control pest insects naturally.

Edmonton’s growing season may be brief, but with thoughtful planning and native plant selection, your garden can become a vital pollinator refuge that supports biodiversity while creating beauty that evolves throughout our precious summer months.

Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an e-paper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com

Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on X (Twitter) @justaskjerry01.

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