Introducing Your Pollinators
When most people think of pollinators, honeybees usually come to mind. But beyond these familiar, though non-native, favourites lies an incredible diversity of native pollinators, species that have evolved alongside our local plants for thousands of years. These unsung heroes are often more efficient, more resilient, and more specialized than their non‑native counterparts, making them essential to the health of our ecosystems.
Native bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and even certain birds each play a unique role in supporting the plants that define our landscapes. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers we rely on depend heavily on these local specialists. Unlike managed honeybees, native pollinators work quietly and independently, requiring no hives, no maintenance, and no intervention, just the right habitat and a little room to thrive.
This page highlights some of the remarkable native pollinators you may already have visiting your garden, even if you’ve never noticed them before. From tiny sweat bees to powerful bumble bees, from hoverflies that mimic wasps to nocturnal moths that pollinate while the rest of the garden sleeps, each species brings its own strengths and story.
By learning about these native pollinators, you can better understand how to support them, whether through thoughtful planting, reducing pesticide use, or creating small pockets of habitat. In return, they’ll reward you with healthier plants, stronger harvests, and a more vibrant, biodiverse garden.
Below, explore detailed profiles of the native pollinators that help keep our ecosystems flourishing. You may be surprised by just how many allies are already hard at work right outside your door.
