Creating a bee-friendly garden in Calgary is a rewarding way to support local pollinators while enhancing your outdoor space. Plus, did you know we're considered the official Bee City?
The City of Calgary writes, "Calgary is an official Bee City and designated as a Bird Friendly City. The City of Calgary is committed to providing habitat and resources for wildlife by incorporating native plants into our parks and greenspaces. Calgary is a mecca for native bees and 199 different types of bees have been documented in our city. Calgary may contain more kinds of bumble bees than any other city in North America, three of which are endangered species. Climate change, disease, pesticide use and habitat loss have all contributed to the decline of pollinator populations. By helping flowering plants reproduce, pollinators contribute to healthy and resilient ecosystems" (read more).
With Calgary's unique climate and ecosystem, incorporating native plants and thoughtful gardening practices can make a significant difference. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Skip the curated gardens of years past, and instead opt for local wildflower seeds to sprinkle in the garden space. These flowers are easy to maintain, good for growth in our climate, and are absolutely beautiful.
- Consider a water feature that gives bees a ledge to rest on and refuel. Just like how we need water after a long day of work, so do the bees! Make sure it is not a stagnant bowl, but moving water full of healthy minerals.
- Don't swat! Bumble bees will not bite unless under attack. Learn the difference between wasps and bees to make sure you're being kind to the good buys.
If you're looking for something more orderly than the beautiful chaos of wildflowers, consider the following bee-friendly flowers depending on your garden's access to sunlight:
- Sunlight: Northern Sweetvetch, Showy Milkweed, Purple Prairie Clover, Yarrow, Smooth Aster, Prairie Crocus, and Golden Bean.
- Part Shade: Wild Bergamot, Joe Pye Weed, Giant Hyssop, Harebell, and Smooth Fleabane.
- Shade: Canada Anemone, Showy Aster, Early Blue Violet, and Tall Lungwort.
Support the bees this spring!
(Image via Canva)