I used to think Pussy Willows were only good for branches in Easter flower arrangements. I had no idea that the grey, furry buds would become nectar-rich, pollen-covered catkins that attract many pollinators and early migratory songbirds. That was before I planted our backyard hedgerow that includes Pussy Willow shrubs in the far corner. Now, … Continue reading Pussy willows: pollinator and bird magnets →

I have a confession to make. Almost 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to add free native plants to my garden. My generous friend had let her front lawn grow out and dotted native plants within it to create a meadow. Some of her neighbours were horrified and very vocal in their condemnation. I … Continue reading Short and sweet: new sidewalk pollinator planting →

Recently I've noticed a burgeoning interest in butterfly gardening, spurred by the David Suzuki Foundation's Butterflyway Project. The goal is to create more than 1000 pollinator gardens across Canada. Several Ottawa-area Butterflyway 'Rangers' have contacted me for advice as they start planning. Here are my top tips, based on research and my experience with a … Continue reading School butterfly garden update →

Even though there were fewer butterflies in the garden in 2020 than in 2019, at least there was an interesting mix -- and even some new ones. As I grow a greater variety of native plants, I am attracting a greater variety of butterflies. White Admiral In June, a White Admiral hung around drinking nectar … Continue reading Butterfly diversity in our 2020 garden →

I'm not the only one who noticed fewer butterflies this summer. Both on Facebook and in the media, others have made the same observation. It's disappointing, but is it cause for concern? What's going on? Populations of insects do fluctuate from year to year. Since there were so many butterflies last year, perhaps this year … Continue reading Butterfly shortage →

In 2017, before I even finished digging out the grass for our pollinator garden, I put up a pollinator habitat sign. I felt a bit strange doing something so different with our front yard, so the sign explained the method to my madness. I was pleasantly surprised when so many people stopped to talk about … Continue reading DIY plant labels →

Last summer, I began to notice more moths in the garden. Although I haven't seen any large, spectacular ones, the moths I spotted have been diverse and interesting. Some don't even look like moths. Unseen, but important pollinators Recently, UK researchers studied what plants moths visit and how they behave, compared to more well-known daytime … Continue reading Night shift: moths in the garden →

After months stuck indoors because of cold weather and then the pandemic, spring's arrival has been especially welcome this year. I've particularly enjoyed early spring bees in the garden. Like a doting godparent, I fretted, fussed, and followed them around with my camera. After all, they're daughters of last year's bees -- my old garden … Continue reading Daughters of old friends: early spring bees →

The calendar may say that it's spring, but the weather tells a different story. Today, April 9th, it actually snowed in Ottawa. While I wait for a chance to putter outside without my winter coat, I'm catching up on some reading. Soon, I'll see Hepatica blooms in the garden again (April 30, 2019). Since Christmas, … Continue reading Waiting for spring reading →

After I created our front yard pollinator garden, I realized it has one big problem -- there's no place to sit and watch the bees, birds, and butterflies. We have to stand on the driveway, or on the sidewalk a few feet from speeding traffic. I now recognize the value of seating in a garden. … Continue reading A front row seat to the garden →