Now is the time to start thinking of springtime and get some inspiration for your lawn and garden. With the Holiday Season behind us and winter fun all around us in the form of snow shoeing, skiing and boarding, the thought of summertime BBQs are far from our minds. 

Get help for ideas on what to grow

Get cozy with a hot cup of tea and flip through a seed catalogue for inspiration for your garden and plan your lawn. You can go view the online catalogue from West Coast Seeds or order one in the mail. If you prefer to shop for grown plants, try Cedar Rim Nursery in Langley or Figaro’s Garden in Vancouver. They both provide service to residential and commercial clients.

Consider planting some bee-friendly plants such as Lavender to attract bees to your garden. Keep in mind zone, soil and sunlight requirements and get help to select the plant species most suitable for your micro environment. A bouquet of fresh cut lavender from your garden is a fine hostess gift in summer months and it is infinitely more special when is comes from your very own yard!

Invite bees and butterflies to your garden and lawn

You can take things a step further and be a steward to help our bee population. One fun solution is to host some mason bees.  This should be done in February or March and bees can be ordered from Wild Birds Unlimited Natureshop in the Fraser Valley.   It is a great opportunity to teach the kids about bees and learn a few things yourself. Who knows, you may get “bitten by the bee bug” and decide to do a deep dive into beekeeping. Strathcona Beekeepers is a gateway to all things bee- including honey and apiary courses. Get inspiration for your lawn and garden by helping our fellow creatures.

If that seems a bit over the top, butterflies are also pollinators and Westcoast Seeds has an assortment of seed blends for wildflowers or can suggest plants and bushes intended to attract butterflies. Plant Buddleia davidii, the Butterfly Bush, to attract these beneficial insects.  Imagine laying on your perfect lawn watching cloud formations blow by while butterflies dart in and out, entertaining you while you indulge in some rest and relaxation in your own backyard.   Maybe with some premium honey wine (mead) from Festina Lente Estate Winery in Langley.

While you are assessing your mason bee hosting location, be sure to take stock of your lawn and note if there are uneven areas where water might be pooling over the winter months.  Some drainage triage may be necessary such as aerating or adding some sand when spring does (finally!) arrive. Plan now for your perfect lawn and garden.