Hello Vanessas! Two much-loved spring migrants return!
By Stephanie Keeler Have you noticed dozens of tiny butterflies fluttering past you while in your garden, on the trails of Riverwood, or...
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All the buzz!
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Heather Raithby Doyle
- Mar 27
- 5 min
Wasps are key players in the ecosystem. Have you thanked a wasp today?
Story and photos by Heather Raithby Doyle Native plants attract all kinds of fascinating insects and that includes wasps. Stare at a...
76 views
Pamela Sleightholm
- Jun 29, 2023
- 3 min
How to Maintain Your Garden with the Environment in Mind
By Pamela Sleightholm We know that gardening is satisfying and rewarding – watching the little plants you cared for grow and thrive is...
124 views
Jeanne McRight
- Jun 26, 2023
- 4 min
Bee tongues and other curiosities
by Jeanne McRight When reading about the ecological benefits of native plants, you may have encountered descriptions of the plant...
219 views
Jeanne McRight
- May 7, 2023
- 3 min
Black swallowtails, masters of deception
by Jeanne McRight Do you have Golden Alexanders growing in your pollinator garden, or are carrot family plants (such as carrots, celery,...
238 views
pamelasleightholm
- May 6, 2023
- 2 min
Searching for bumblebee nests
By Pamela Sleightholm Ontario is home to a diversity of bumblebee species, known for their important roles as pollinators. These fuzzy...
216 views
Heather Raithby Doyle
- Sep 14, 2022
- 4 min
Fragrance in the Garden
There’s no doubt our gardens can be a visual feast. But many native and other plants are aromatic as well, charming our sense of smell.
176 views
pamelasleightholm
- Sep 14, 2022
- 3 min
Habitat for overwintering insects
By Pamela Sleightholm Every autumn we’re encouraged to “leave the leaves” or to leave the garden a little messy for overwintering...
218 views
Rob Chiasson
- Sep 14, 2022
- 3 min
Beautiful blues: an ultra-rare butterfly and its not-so-common look-alike
by Rob Chiasson Touring the garden with camera in hand late afternoon August 24th, hoping to snap a couple of shots of bees or...
97 views
pamelasleightholm
- Jul 13, 2022
- 2 min
Why do pollinators need help anyway?
By Pamela Sleightholm Creating habitat with native plants is the best way to help pollinating insects. We’ve read the news and understand...
89 views
Jeanne McRight
- Jul 11, 2022
- 1 min
Butterfly host plants
by Jeanne McRight Pollinator gardens not only can provide nectar for butterflies and other insects, but also will help to support the...
2,177 views
Jeanne McRight
- Jul 8, 2022
- 4 min
A look at plant/insect partnerships
by Jeanne McRight and Pamela Sleightholm We’ve all seen the beautifully blooming butterfly bushes at the nursery and the zinnia, roses...
139 views
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- Mar 15, 2022
- 1 min
Mourning cloak - harbinger of spring
Photos and text by Peeter Poldre The mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) is an under-recognized harbinger of spring! This...
131 views
Wayne Cardinalli
- Mar 15, 2022
- 4 min
Here comes the queen
by Wayne Cardinalli Now that spring is imminent get ready to hear the unmistakable buzz of a queen bumblebee. You’re right if you think...
318 views
Pamela Sleightholm
- Jan 16, 2022
- 2 min
Planning a butterfly garden? Include both nectar and host plants for the specialists!
Many Lepidoptera (the family of butterflies and moths) are specialists, dependent on specific plants for nutrition and habitat.
270 views
pamelasleightholm
- Aug 22, 2021
- 2 min
Astonishing Asters
By Pamela Sleightholm If identifying the dizzying numbers of native asters intimidates you, don’t be discouraged. Ongoing genetic...
90 views
pamelasleightholm
- Aug 22, 2021
- 1 min
Leaving a mark on your garden - Leafcutter bees
By Pamela Sleightholm You’ve likely seen the signs that leafcutter bees (Megachilidae spp.) have been working in your garden. Just as the...
57 views
pamelasleightholm
- Jul 9, 2021
- 1 min
Too busy to pester - Bembix wasps
By Pamela Sleightholm When we think about wasps, many of us will remember a run-in – an annoying buzz around a picnic or an...
30 views
pamelasleightholm
- May 7, 2021
- 1 min
Keeping a "wild" yard
By Pamela Sleightholm Nature appreciates a wild yard. How wild you keep your yard is really up to you - you can leave some tree branches...
63 views
Wayne Cardinalli
- Mar 18, 2021
- 2 min
Maintaining Your Bee Hotel
When your first flowers bloom in early April, bee activity will begin. Bees will emerge naturally from your hotel when they are ready...
68 views
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