Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse. Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce.
This nearly invisible ecosystem service is a precious resource that requires attention and support – – and in disturbing evidence found around the globe, is increasingly in jeopardy. Here are a few ways you can help and learn more.
Take a Guided Tour of our Pollinator-friendly Garden
Sign up for one of our weekly 90-minute tours that include a guided walk through the beautiful themed gardens and a stroll into the beloved Edwards Gardens. You’ll learn about the plants, pollinators, history, and ecological aspects of these beautiful Toronto gardens.
Pollinator Week. June 17 – 23, 2024
This annual celebration in June is dedicated to supporting pollinator health and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. The great thing about Pollinator Week is that you can celebrate and get involved in any way you like! Popular events include planting for pollinators, hosting garden tours, participating in online bee and butterfly ID workshops, and so much more. Be sure to share your story by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #PollinatorWeek.
Visit our Pollinator Garden
This small but mighty garden highlights how a garden can support a healthy ecosystem while showcasing stunning floral displays designed to provide a continuous food supply for pollinators from early spring to late fall. The plants selected for this garden have been chosen to support a robust team of pollinators like butterflies, bees, and moths
Planting for Pollinators
Pollinators love living in Toronto! We just need to plant what pollinators need for food and shelter. Here’s a list compiled by the David Suzuki Foundation on the best native plants for Toronto gardens.
A Plethora of Pollinator Publications
Looking to learn more about pollinator gardening and how to attract bees, birds and butterflies into your garden? Here’s quick review of a delightful pamphlet on creating habitat gardens for native pollinators in the GTA that can be downloaded free from the City of Toronto; a list of books that cover the subject in depth; plus, an excerpt on Creating A Wildlife Garden from The Flower Garden—A Guide to Growing Cut Flowers on Your Windowsill by Jennita Jansen with illustrations by Agnes Looster, published by Hardie Grant Quadrille.
Looking for more information?
Our library is an excellent resource for information on pollinator-friendly gardening, plants, and practices.
