Springtime Pollinators: Who’s Waking Up and How to Welcome Them

As the snow melts and the first green shoots push through the soil, there’s a familiar hum in the air—the sound of spring pollinators waking up. These tiny creatures are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, ensuring plants bloom, fruits set, and gardens thrive. Gardeners, always in tune with the rhythms of nature, are often the first to notice their return—watching bees hover over crocuses, spotting the season’s first butterfly, or welcoming back the ruby-throated hummingbirds. In Prince Edward County, early-season pollinators play a crucial role in kickstarting the growing season, but they need a little help from us.

Who’s Waking Up? Key Spring Pollinators in Prince Edward County

1. Native Bees

Before honeybees even begin their work, native bees—like mason bees, mining bees, and bumblebees—are already out foraging. These solitary bees emerge from their winter shelters in hollow stems, underground burrows, or tree bark, searching for nectar and pollen. Unlike honeybees, many native bees are active in cooler temperatures, making them essential for pollinating early blooms.

2. Butterflies

While many butterfly species migrate south for the winter, a few, like mourning cloaks and eastern commas, hibernate as adults beneath tree bark or leaf litter. When the temperatures rise, they awaken, searching for tree sap and early-blooming flowers. Seeing one of these butterflies on a warm March or April day is a sure sign that spring has arrived.

3. Hummingbirds

By late spring, ruby-throated hummingbirds return from their long migration, arriving in search of nectar-rich flowers and feeders. These tiny birds have high-energy needs, relying on early blooms to sustain them until more flowers emerge.

4. Beetles & Flies

Though less celebrated, beetles and flies are among the earliest pollinators in the County. Some of the first flowers to bloom, like skunk cabbage, rely on these insects rather than bees for pollination.

The Best Early-Blooming Plants to Support Pollinators

Early in the season, when food is scarce, even a small patch of pollinator-friendly plants can make a difference. Here are some of the best choices for supporting spring pollinators in Prince Edward County:

• Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) – A favorite of hummingbirds and long-tongued bees, this delicate red and yellow flower is a must-have for a pollinator-friendly garden.

• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) – One of the earliest wildflowers to bloom, providing a vital pollen source for newly awakened bees.

• Pussy Willows (Salix spp.) – Their fuzzy catkins are rich in nectar, making them an essential early-season food source.

• Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) – Attracts butterflies and bees with its fragrant blue-purple blooms.

• Dandelions – While often considered a weed, dandelions provide an early nectar source when few other flowers are available. Leaving them to bloom for just a few extra days before mowing can help support struggling pollinators.

Simple Ways to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Spring Garden

You don’t need acres of land to support spring pollinators—small changes can have a big impact. Here’s how to make your garden more welcoming:

• Avoid pesticides. Many pesticides and herbicides harm pollinators. Choose organic methods or integrated pest management strategies instead.

• Leave natural shelter. Many native bees and butterflies overwinter in hollow stems, leaf litter, and bare soil. Leaving some of these undisturbed in early spring gives them a chance to emerge safely.

• Provide a water source. Pollinators need water, too. A shallow dish filled with water and a few stones for landing spots can help keep them hydrated.

• Plant in clusters. Grouping flowers together makes foraging easier for pollinators and increases their efficiency.

Spring wouldn’t be the same without the hum of bees and the flicker of butterfly wings. These tiny creatures bring life to our gardens, ensuring flowers bloom and food grows. By planting just a few early-blooming natives or making small changes to our gardening habits, we can help pollinators thrive—ensuring that every spring is as vibrant as the last.