Pollinator patches
We’re working to grow native plants all across Ottawa South! OSEAN volunteers have been saving seeds from their gardens, collecting seeds from the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library and other gardeners, as well as starting seedlings inside and outside to help get more native plant gardens started. We’re supplying free native plants so that local gardeners, in yards, balconies, or patios, can supply the perfect food for bees, butterflies, other pollinators and birds.
Giveaway 2024
In early May, residents of River, Gloucester-Southgate and Alta Vista Wards will be invited to sign up to receive a kit of seedlings for either a sunny or a shady garden. This year we are offering two sizes of plant kits. Please check back soon for more information.
Plant catalogue
The catalogue includes information about growing conditions, best uses, and beginner-friendly plants https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HU09lM3P_ykFzUvhBfUtldEl5R3w2KI6/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115215284262075058437&rtpof=true&sd=true
Butterflyway Map
We are adding local pollinator patches (with permission) to the David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway map to help show the connectedness of native plant food sources accros Canada. The garden locations are listed by street or neighbourhood, not by address.
Resources
Read our Program Guide for details on the program
Visit the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library for information on adding native plants to your garden, including recommendations of local nurseries which sell straight native species
Consult our Resource Document for further links to help you build your pollinator patch knowledge
Watch a presentation by Berit Erickson to learn how to select the right area for your yard, how to prepare that area, and then how to design your patch based on how much sun and shade the area gets. The slides can be found here.
Yard sign
If you’d like to have a yard sign such as the one above, then you can fill out our yard sign form to show your interest, and we’ll get back to you when we’re ready to order and to confirm your request.
Our privately owned land and the ecosystems upon it are essential to everyone’s well-being, not just our own.
-Douglas W. Tallamy
With thanks to our supporters
City of Ottawa (https://ottawa.ca)
Naturaide (http://www.naturaide.ca)
Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (https://wildflowerseedlibrary.ca)
Ecoasis Landscape Restorations (http://www.ecoasisrestoration.ca)
Fletcher Wildlife Garden (https://ofnc.ca/programs/fletcher-wildlife-garden)
Green Thumb Garden Centre (https://www.greenthumbgarden.ca)