top of page
All the buzz!
Search
Jeanne McRight
May 12 min read
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...
123 views
Heather Raithby Doyle
Mar 265 min read
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...
77 views
Jeanne McRight
Jun 29, 20233 min read
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...
127 views
Jeanne McRight
Jun 26, 20234 min read
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...
300 views
Jeanne McRight
May 7, 20233 min read
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,...
248 views
pamelasleightholm
May 6, 20232 min read
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...
222 views
Jeanne McRight
Sep 14, 20224 min read
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, 20223 min read
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...
238 views
Jeanne McRight
Sep 14, 20223 min read
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...
98 views
pamelasleightholm
Jul 13, 20222 min read
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...
90 views
Jeanne McRight
Jul 10, 20221 min read
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...
2,390 views
Jeanne McRight
Jul 8, 20224 min read
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...
193 views
-
Mar 15, 20221 min read
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...
133 views
Jeanne McRight
Mar 15, 20224 min read
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...
342 views
Jeanne McRight
Jan 16, 20222 min read
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.
287 views
pamelasleightholm
Aug 22, 20212 min read
Astonishing Asters
By Pamela Sleightholm If identifying the dizzying numbers of native asters intimidates you, don’t be discouraged. Ongoing genetic...
95 views
pamelasleightholm
Aug 22, 20211 min read
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...
59 views
pamelasleightholm
Jul 9, 20211 min read
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...
31 views
pamelasleightholm
May 7, 20211 min read
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
Jeanne McRight
Mar 18, 20212 min read
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...
69 views
Archive
bottom of page