The plants we grow in our gardens, yards, flower beds and on our apartment balconies influence the diversity and abundance of wildlife. That’s according to Nature Conservancy of Canada which is urging everyone to grow some native plants to support a greater diversity of pollinators.

Spokesperson Sarah Hoida says pollinators include bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, beetles and ants. She notes that ornamental varieties that aren’t native to Saskatchewan may not have the nutrition that native plants would, because they have been bred for their aesthetic traits. Whereas native plans have evolved alongside pollinators for thousands of years and are adapted to provide pollinators with the nutrition they need to thrive.

As well, native plants, which include trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers, are well adapted to the local climate, so they are easier to maintain. Hoida advises to plant a variety so there are blooms at different times of the growing season. She adds that over a third of the food we eat depends on insect pollination.

The NCC also suggests asking your plant supplier where these plants are grown, because although they may be native, if they are grown far away, they may not be adapted to local conditions.