Native Plants and Pollinators: How to Support Spring Wildlife

As spring breathes life into the natural world, your garden can become a sanctuary for vital pollinators and local wildlife. Native plants play a crucial role in supporting these creatures, from bees and butterflies to birds and insects. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of native plants and share practical tips on how to create a pollinator-friendly haven in your garden this spring.

The Importance of Native Plants

Native plants have evolved over time to thrive in their specific regions. When you plant natives, you’re choosing species that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions.

Native plants provide essential nectar, pollen, and seeds that sustain local wildlife, including birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects. They are a crucial source of sustenance, especially during the spring breeding season.

Native plants offer shelter and nesting sites for wildlife. They create a balanced ecosystem where different species can coexist and find refuge.

By attracting natural pollinators and beneficial insects, native plants can help reduce the need for chemical pesticides in your garden.

How to Support Spring Wildlife with Native Plants:

1. Investigate which native plants are indigenous to your region. Local nurseries, botanical gardens, or native plant societies can provide valuable information and resources.
2. Plant a diverse range of native species to provide a variety of food sources and habitats for wildlife. Include flowering plants, shrubs, and trees to cater to different animals.
3. Choose plants that bloom and product nectar and seeds at different times throughout the spring and summer. This ensures a continuous food supply for pollinators.
4. Install a birdbath of shallow water source where birds and insects can drink and bathe. It’s essential for their survival and a great addition to your garden.
5. Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as these can harm both pollinators and native plants they rely on.
6. Spend time observing the wildlife in your garden. Learn about the different species and their habits, and share this knowledge with your family and community.
7. Designate specific areas in your garden where native plants dominate, creating wildlife-friendly zones that serve as wildlife corridors and habitats.
8. Encourage your neighbours and local community to embrace native planting practices to create a more interconnected network of wildlife-friendly gardens.

Incorporating specific native plants can attract different pollinators and wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in your garden. Here are some excellent choices:

Kōwhai – This beautiful flowering tree attracts native birds like the tūī and also bumblebees, who love its bright yellow blossoms.

Hebe – Known for its purple flowers, hebe is a butterfly magnet, adding vibrant colour and drawing in these important pollinators.

Pōhutukawa – Often called the New Zealand Christmas tree, pōhutukawa supports a wide range of birds and insects.

Kanuka and Mānuka – These hardy plants not only provide food for bees but are also excellent for nesting birds, such as the piwakawaka (fantail), tūī, and riroriro (grey warbler).

Mapou and Kohuhu – These trees are valuable as nesting sites and attract a variety of native birds, enhancing the natural habitat in your garden.

By planting native species and nurturing a diverse ecosystem in your garden, you can actively contribute to supporting spring wildlife and the vital pollinators that ensure the health of our environment. As the flowers bloom and the bees buzz, your garden will become a vibrant and harmonious haven for the creatures that make springtime truly magical.

Need help deciding which native plants are the best planting choice for you?