Pollinator Week

Pollinator
Week

June 17-23, 2024

Why we celebrate the BUZZ

These remarkable creatures are crucial for the reproduction of plants, contributing to the bounty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that enrich our diets. Beyond providing food, pollinators support biodiversity and the survival of a myriad of plant species, ensuring our ecosystems thrive.

Despite their importance, pollinators are under threat from habitat destruction and pesticide use. During Pollinator Week, we highlight the urgent need to safeguard these vital insects and animals. By cultivating pollinator-friendly environments, planting native flora, and minimizing pesticide application, we can all play a part in preserving these essential creatures.

JUNE 17 to 13 only | Special prizes to be won!

Free For Kids!

Special Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, June 22nd & Sunday, June 23rd ONLY

$5 per kit

Planting Activity

Purchase and pick up pollinator plant kits at cashier

Start your own pollinator-friendly garden

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavor that supports the environment. Plant flowers like lavender, sunflowers and coneflowers to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Salisbury offeres a wide selection of pollinator-friendly plants and knowledgeable staff to guide you. Start your garden and witness the beautify of blooms and the vital role you play in our ecosystem.

Learn more about some of these plants below.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan, with its vibrant yellow petals and dark brown centres, is a cheerful addition to any garden. These bright blooms are a favourite among pollinators, drawing in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Known for their resilience, Black-Eyed Susans thrive in a variety of soil types and climates, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. Blooming from mid-summer to early autumn, they provide a long-lasting splash of colour. By planting Black-Eyed Susans, you not only add a pop of sunshine to your garden but also support the vital work of pollinators.

Milkweed

Milkweed is a crucial plant for supporting pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies. With its clusters of small, fragrant flowers, Milkweed attracts a host of pollinators, including bees and other butterflies. This hardy plant is essential for the monarch life cycle, providing a place for them to lay their eggs and a food source for the caterpillars. Milkweed’s ability to thrive in various conditions, from dry to moist soils, makes it a valuable addition to any garden. By incorporating Milkweed into your landscape, you're playing a part in the conservation of these important insects.

Yarrow

Yarrow’s clusters of tiny, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red make it a versatile and attractive plant for any garden. This hardy perennial is loved by pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, due to its rich nectar and pollen supply. Yarrow is drought-tolerant and thrives in a variety of soil conditions, making it an easy-to-grow option for gardeners. Blooming from late spring to early autumn, Yarrow provides an extended period of interest and support for pollinators. Adding Yarrow to your garden ensures a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that benefits your local ecosystem.

Coneflower

Coneflower, with its distinctive daisy-like blooms and raised centres, is a striking addition to any garden. These hardy perennials are beloved by pollinators such as bees and butterflies, who are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers. Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and thrive in a range of soil types, making them an excellent choice for Canadian gardens. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, they offer a long-lasting display of colour. By planting Coneflowers, you not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also provide essential nourishment for pollinators.

Sunflower

Sunflowers, with their towering stems and large, sunny faces, are a joyful sight in any garden. These iconic flowers are magnets for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds with their abundant pollen and nectar. Sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow, thriving in a variety of soil types and climates, and their seeds can be a valuable food source for wildlife. Blooming from mid-summer to early autumn, Sunflowers provide a continuous display of vibrant colour. By planting Sunflowers, you create a lively and supportive environment for pollinators while enjoying their cheerful presence in your garden.

Lavender

(Lavandula spp.)

Lavender's enchanting fragrance and delicate blooms make it a perfect choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to its abundant nectar and pollen. They unknowingly transfer pollen, aiding in fertilization and promoting biodiversity. Lavender's long blooming period, vibrant colors and aromatic frangrancce add beautify and tranquility to any landscape. Cultivate lavender to create a haven for pollinators while enhancing the serenity of your outdoor space. Experience the delightful dance of pollinators as they visit this captivating plant.

Lanta

Lantana is a terrific selection for a pollinator-friendly garden. Their clusters of small, brightly colored flowers, which often change color as they mature, attract a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plentiful nectar produced by lantana flowers is an irresistible feast for these pollinators. Moreover, lantana plants are known for their heat tolerance and resilience in a variety of soils, making them an easy-to-care-for addition to any garden. They bloom from spring until frost, providing a long season of vibrant colors and abundant food for pollinators. Hence, choosing lantana for your garden not only promises an impressive display of colors but also supports the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystem.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a remarkable choice for a pollinator-friendly garden, offering multiple benefits beyond their bright, cheerful blooms. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, with their plentiful nectar. Interestingly, marigolds are also renowned as excellent companion plants; they can help deter certain pests, enhancing the overall health of your garden. Additionally, their strong scent is known to repel rabbits, providing a natural barrier to these common garden nibblers. Being easy to grow and tolerant to a range of soil conditions makes marigolds a practical choice as well. Thus, by integrating marigolds into your garden, you're not just providing a food source for pollinators, but also improving the wellbeing of your garden ecosystem.

Zinnias

Zinnias effortlessly attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These hardworking pollinators are naturally drawn to the abundant nectar and pollen that zinnias provide. They also have a long blooming period, ensuring a continuous supply of nourishment for pollinators throughout the seasons. By incorporating zinnia flowers into your garden, you not only contribute to the well-being of these important species, but also create a visually stunning and inviting space. Experience the joyous sight of pollinators fluttering amidst the vibrant zinnia blooms, adding both beauty and ecological significance to your pollinator-friendly garden.

Salvia

Salvia, with its tall, striking spires of flowers, is another brilliant addition to any pollinator-friendly garden. Its flowers are rich in nectar, attracting a range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. The tube-shaped structure of salvia flowers is especially enticing to long-tongued pollinators, which can reach the nectar tucked inside. Additionally, salvia's hardiness and ability to thrive in a range of climates make it a practical choice for gardeners, offering a stunning show of color from early summer right through to fall. So, by opting for salvia, you are not just enhancing the beauty of your garden, but also providing a generous feast for your local pollinators.

Petunias

Petunias are a fantastic choice for a pollinator-friendly garden due to their vibrant colors and sweet nectar, which attract a wide variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These annual bloomers not only contribute to a beautiful garden display with their diverse colors and patterns but also act as a critical food source for pollinators throughout the growing season. Their trumpet-shaped flowers provide easy access to nectar, making them an ideal pit-stop for our hardworking pollinator friends. By choosing petunias, you're not just adding aesthetic value to your garden, but also fostering a healthier ecosystem.

Verbena

Known for their prolonged flowering period and clusters of small, vibrant blooms, they are a real treat for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. The flat, open structure of their flower heads allows easy access to nectar and pollen, making it a favourite among various pollinators. What's more, their drought resistance and ability to thrive in various soil types make them a practical and low-maintenance choice for gardeners. So, by including verbena in your garden, you're inviting a lively buzz of pollinator activity while also enjoying an impressive and resilient display of blossoms.

Gazanias

Gazanias, also known as African Daisies, are a superb choice for a pollinator-friendly garden. These sun-loving, vibrant flowers are a feast for the eyes, as well as a feast for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The brightly colored, daisy-like flowers of gazanias are rich in nectar, making them a highly attractive pit-stop for these beneficial insects. Furthermore, gazanias are heat and drought tolerant, meaning they'll continue to bloom and provide sustenance for pollinators even under challenging conditions. Their adaptability to various soils makes them an easy-to-grow addition to any garden. So, by incorporating gazanias into your garden, you're not just amplifying its visual appeal, but also creating a supportive habitat for your local pollinators.

Celosia

Celosia with its dramatic plumes, spikes, or crested flower heads, is a splendid addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. Its vibrant hues ranging from yellows and oranges to pinks and reds act as a beacon to attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. These flamboyant blooms offer a rich source of nectar, providing a nutritious feast for these beneficial visitors. Celosia plants also have the advantage of being heat and drought-tolerant, making them resilient through summer's tough conditions. Moreover, their long flowering season, often from spring to fall, ensures a continuous food source for pollinators. By adding celosia to your garden, you're not only adding a touch of the exotic, but you're also actively contributing to a healthier pollinator ecosystem.

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Black-Eyed Susan

Sunflower

Coneflower

Yarrow

Milkweed

Lavender

(Lavandula spp.)

Lavender's enchanting fragrance and delicate blooms make it a perfect choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to its abundant nectar and pollen. They unknowingly transfer pollen, aiding in fertilization and promoting biodiversity. Lavender's long blooming period, vibrant colors and aromatic frangrancce add beautify and tranquility to any landscape. Cultivate lavender to create a haven for pollinators while enhancing the serenity of your outdoor space. Experience the delightful dance of pollinators as they visit this captivating plant.

Lanta

Marigolds

(Lavandula spp.)

Zinnias

Salvia

Supertunia | Salisbury Greenhouse - St. Albert, Sherwood Park

Petunias

Verbena

Gazanias

Celosia

Assorted snapdragon flowers | Salisbury Greenhouse - St. Albert, Sherwood Park

Snap Dragons

Snapdragons are an outstanding choice for a pollinator-friendly garden, thanks to their unique, vibrant blooms that are known to attract a variety of pollinators. Their tubular flowers are a particular favorite among bees and butterflies, providing a rich source of nectar. What's unique about snapdragons is that they are cool-season flowers, often blooming in early spring and fall when many other plants are not yet in bloom or have finished flowering. This ensures that pollinators have a source of food during these times when nectar can be scarce. Plus, snapdragons are quite hardy and adaptable to various growing conditions, adding a practical advantage for the gardener. Therefore, including snapdragons in your garden contributes to an extended blooming season, supporting pollinators while adding a burst of color to your outdoor space.

Why isn't my garden flowering?

You're probably missing pollinators

If your garden isn’t flowering, missing pollinators could be the reason. Pollinators like bees and butterflies transfer pollen, helping plants produce flowers, fruits, and seeds. Without them, plants may not bloom or bear fruit. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and a lack of pollinator-friendly plants can reduce pollinator numbers. To attract them, plant native flowers, provide water sources, and avoid chemicals. Creating a welcoming environment can help your garden thrive.

Mon – Wed	9AM-6PM
Thu	9AM-8PM
Fri	9AM-6PM
Sat	9AM-6PM
Sun	10AM-5PM
Holidays	10AM-5PM

Mon – Fri	9AM-6PM
Sat	9AM-6PM
Sun	10AM-5PM
Holidays	10AM-5PM

SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE IS ON! Hurry while it lasts - time's ticking! Ends in

Pollinator
Week

Why we celebrate the BUZZ

Start your own pollinator-friendly garden