May 28, 2026
216
Building on a pollinator garden series, the Huron Bruce Nature club welcomed expert landscape horticulturist, Brian Folmer, to the May 26 meeting. Gardening has changed over the years due to environmental stress, and gardeners are now learning to plant with the needs of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, as a priority.
Club members and guests were greeted by tables loaded with a wide range of native plants Folmer brought from his garden centre near Walkerton. Drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge, he guided the club through every plant and shrub, explaining their ideal growing conditions as well as which pollinator host they attract.
Folmer advised participants to work with the conditions they have, whether it’s dry sandy soil, wetland, shade, or full sun. There are native perennials that thrive in any of these conditions, and the right plant in the right spot will thrive.
Expert horticulturist Brian Folmer (right) holds up a native perennial preferred by Monarch butterflies, during a presentation to the Huron Bruce Nature club
Another key learning was the need for nutrient rich soil. Folmer shared his technique of minimal fall and spring clean-up, “chop and drop.” Leaving stems and seed heads, leaves and grass clippings allows nutrients to return into the soil naturally. Birds will feed all winter if seed heads are available, and organic matter, such as stems and leaves will recycle naturally.
Following the presentation, club members were able to purchase the rare and unusual native perennials, ensuring great production of nectar and blooms in their home gardens.
Folmer invited participants to visit his 108-acre botanical garden featuring many natural areas, including a spring-fed pond, forested wetlands, and a 30-acre display garden. More information on his annual outdoor market, guided tours, workshops, gift shop and much more, is available on his website: https://folmergardens.com/.
In other club news, Sue Greco and Catherine Hodges shared information on upcoming botanical hikes and a biking excursion on the KIPP Trail.
Steve Pepper gave a report on the recent “Bruce Explorer” trip to Tobermory. This annual trip features hikes to the Grotto and Singing Sands, as well as lesser-known nature reserves on the Bruce Peninsula. Participants enjoyed outstanding views of the limestone cliffs and beaches in the national park, as well as abundant bird sightings.
President Christine Roberts gave a report on the recent garlic mustard pull, held at the George Newton Reserve. Because of funding obtained by Ontario Nature, 200 plugs of native plants were purchased. After the invasive plant was pulled, the native plants were planted by volunteers, thus increasing the bio-diversity of this lovely nature reserve. Roberts commented that recent efforts to remove invasive buckthorn will continue, due to the resilience of this shrub. The Huron Bruce Nature club is a member of Ontario Nature, and members participate in stewardship projects throughout the year.
Huron Bruce Nature club meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next one will be June 23 at 7 p.m., at the Point Clark Community Centre. The speaker, Rob Wray, will present “A Year Outside with a Camera.”
Visitors are always welcome but please bring your own mug and napkin to the meeting; refreshments are provided. Contact information for club inquiries can be found on the club web page, or by leaving a message on the club Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HuronBruceNature.
Presenter Brian Folmer (standing) displays dozens of native perennials at the Huron Bruce Nature club's May meeting
Related Stories
No related stories.