During the summer of 2026, the Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area and community volunteers undertook a major refresh and update to the pollinator garden located next to the parking lot at the Debruge Rd. entrance to the Wildlife Area. Under the guidance of Bev Wagar, Master Gardener and recent arrival to Brockville, their goal was to create a garden that supports pollinator species (bees and other insects) throughout their life cycle from egg to larva to adult.
Their key approach focused on "native" plants that evolved in this area and are interdependent with other plants, animals, climate change and geology. This meant:
- Removing some aggressive or invasive plants and weed, such as stinging nettles and catnip.
- Removing some non-native cultivars of common pollinator plants (e.g. pink Monarda didyma) and replacing them with straight native species.
- Adding plants so there is always something in bloom.
- Placing plants to mimic natural layers (canopy, shrub, herbaceous, ground) offering density, shade and biodiversity.
- Providing habitat for small animals and insects by leaving dead leaves and standing stalks.
- Matching plants to the soil and moisture conditions.
All the rain at Mac Johnson this summer has allowed the garden to thrive with very little added water. In early spring 2027, a plan of the garden including species planted will be posted.
