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Learn about pesticide-free gardens at Earthwise

The beautiful spring weather has gardeners eager to get their landscapes looking gorgeous for the season. Flowers aren’t just beautiful, they provide important ecological services as well.
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Visit the Earthwise Garden this month and learn how you can do your part to feed the bees all year long.

The beautiful spring weather has gardeners eager to get their landscapes looking gorgeous for the season. Flowers aren’t just beautiful, they provide important ecological services as well.

You may have already spotted some pollinators buzzing around in search of food as the flowers begin to bloom. Visit the Earthwise Garden this month and learn how you can do your part to feed the bees all year long, while creating stunning displays for your gardens.

Bees travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies to help with the transfer of material that allows most flowering plants to reproduce and set fruit. Without pollinators, the variety of foods that we all enjoy would be vastly limited- in fact, pollinators are responsible for one of every three bites of food that we eat

Sadly, pollinator populations are in decline thanks to loss of habitat and pesticide use.

Earthwise can teach you how to make a difference by planting pesticide-free gardens that provide a steady source of pollen and nectar throughout the growing season.

May is plant sale month at Earthwise, where you can choose from a great selection of pesticide free, native and bee-friendly plants. Visitors can also purchase personalized bee kits that will bloom and provide nectar from March until October.

This year, the kits are available at a reduced price of $30, and include seven perennials, carefully selected with the help of Earthwise staff who will answer questions and help you find the perfect bee-friendly plants for your space.

Be on the lookout for Sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ a bee - favourite, drought-tolerant perennial that features deep blink blooms from mid-summer until frost. Also recommended for pollinators is the striking Nepeta, which offers stunning blue flowers from early summer through fall. Other plants recommended for earth-friendly gardens are also available, including an assortment of native, shade-tolerant, and drought-tolerant plants.

During your visit, stop by the Farm Store and check out the early season selection of certified organic produce fresh from the Earthwise Farm. Quantities are limited at this time of the year, so arrive early for the best selection.

To purchase plants, visit during Farm Store hours, Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.