Case Study:
Attracting and Supporting Pollinators
Hansen Property
The Hansen family approached us with a strong garden dream project. They were ready to build their retirement home in northern Orillia. The property was large and except for a few mature trees, was naked. Void of life. The challenges were sandy soil and water conservation, so we needed a drought tolerant plan and a strong organic soil mix.
The dream was to encourage and support wildlife especially to support the pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Our design consisted of an extensive planting plan with lots of winding mulch paths for low maintenance and easy care. The plan was installed over three seasons to help with the work load and budget.
"Before and During" Gallery
Using 70% native perennials, shrubs and trees gave us a large selection for low maintenance drought tolerant gardens. We planted in swaths, large collections so the pollinators can spot the plants from a far distance above. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to purple, yellow, orange and red. Specific plants with those colours are needed for three seasons and the wintering birds benefit from the same plants during the winter months.
This property continues to survive with natural rainfall and exhibits an abundant diversity of animals. Pollinators including butterflies, humming birds and bees have a welcome refuge here in the northern end of Orillia.
"After" Gallery
Partial Plant List:
Perennials Included: Artemesia, Asclepias, Aster, Campanula, Coreopsis, Crocosmia, Dianthus, Dicentra, Echinacea, Gaillardia, Iris, Jack in the Pulpit, Lavender, Monarda, Nepeta, Perovskia, Phlox, Rudebeckia, Salvia, Sedum, Trillium, Thyme, Veronica.
Shrubs Included:
Dogwood, Forsythia, Lilac, Mock Orange, Ninebark, Serviceberry, Weigela, Viburnum.
Trees Included:
Beech, Birch, Locust, Native White Cedar, Sugar Maple, White Pine, White Spruce, and Willow.