At Botanically Correct, we believe every garden can be a sanctuary for local wildlife. Here on Vancouver Island, we’re blessed with an incredible diversity of native species, and our gardens can play a crucial role in supporting these precious populations. Let’s explore how to create a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard.

Freshly cut colorful flowers

Understanding Our Local Pollinators

Bumblebee full of pollen

Bumblebee full of pollen on a flower blossom

Nanaimo’s native pollinators include:

  • Yellow-faced Bumble Bees
  • Western Bumble Bees
  • Mason Bees
  • Various butterfly species including the Western Tiger Swallowtail
  • Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds

Each of these species has specific needs that we can support through thoughtful garden design.

Essential Native Plants for Pollinators

 

Residential Backyard Garden Plants During Summer Vegetation

 

Early Spring Nectar Sources

  • Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)
  • Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
  • Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
  • Pacific Willow (Salix lucida)

Summer Blooms

  • Woolly Sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum)
  • Douglas Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)
  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
  • Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)

Late Season Support

  • Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
  • Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor)
  • Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Creating Bird-Friendly Spaces

 

a pink gerbera flower in a gerbera nursery

 

Food Sources Through the Seasons

  • Spring: Flowering Red Currant, Indian Plum
  • Summer: Thimbleberry, Salmonberry
  • Fall: Elderberry, Oregon Grape
  • Winter: Snowberry, Pacific Crab Apple

Structural Elements

  • Multi-layered plantings from ground covers to trees
  • Dense shrub thickets for nesting
  • Standing dead wood for cavity-nesting birds
  • Natural brush piles for ground-feeding birds

Building Better Bee Habitat

Nesting Sites

  • Leave bare soil patches for ground-nesting bees
  • Install bee hotels for mason bees
  • Create bramble and hollow stem habitats
  • Maintain undisturbed areas for bumble bee colonies

Bee-Friendly Plant Combinations

  1. Sunny Border Mix:
    • Goldenrod
    • Douglas Aster
    • Pearly Everlasting
    • Native Penstemons
  2. Woodland Edge Blend:
    • Red Flowering Currant
    • Salmonberry
    • Twinberry
    • Native Roses

Water Features for Wildlife

Essential Elements

  • Shallow edges for safe access
  • Moving water to attract birds
  • Multiple water depths
  • Natural rocks and plants for cover

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

  • Early-blooming natives for emerging queens
  • Diverse spring bulbs for early nectar
  • Nesting materials available

 

Summer

  • Continuous bloom succession
  • Water sources during drought
  • Natural shelter from heat

Fall

  • Late-blooming plants for migration
  • Seed heads left standing
  • Cover for overwintering insects

Winter

  • Evergreen shelter
  • Winter berries
  • Standing stems for overwintering insects

Maintenance Tips for Wildlife Gardens

  1. Gentle Approach
    • Leave leaf litter for beneficial insects
    • Maintain dead wood when safe
    • Avoid chemical pesticides
    • Practice late winter pruning
  2. Strategic Timing
    • Delay garden cleanup until spring
    • Maintain some standing seed heads
    • Time major work around nesting seasons

Creating Connectivity

Your garden can be part of a larger wildlife corridor:

  • Connect with neighbors to create habitat patches
  • Maintain hedgerows and natural areas
  • Create “stepping stones” of native plants
  • Share successful plant combinations

 

Common Challenges and Solutions

Deer Pressure

  • Use deer-resistant native plants
  • Create protected areas for sensitive species
  • Install temporary protection for establishing plants

Getting Started

Begin with these simple steps:

  1. Add three native flowering plants
  2. Install a simple water source
  3. Create one shelter feature
  4. Reduce lawn area gradually
  5. Leave some “messy” areas

Professional Support

At Botanically Correct, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional gardens that support our local wildlife. We can help you:

  • Select the right native plants for your space
  • Design effective wildlife corridors
  • Install water features
  • Create year-round habitat
  • Maintain your garden sustainably

Ready to transform your garden into a wildlife haven? Contact Botanically Correct for a consultation. Together, we can create a beautiful space that supports our local ecosystem while bringing the joy of nature to your doorstep.