Did you know that native plants need less water, less maintenance, and have spent thousands of years evolving alongside local pollinators?

That’s what makes them the perfect foundation for your WILD Space! We’re now on Step 3 of your journey: planning your native plant pollinator garden. If you missed the first two steps, don’t worry! You can catch up here >

Where to Start?

Before starting your garden, you need to decide which native species you’re going to plant, where your garden will be located, and your plant layout. Let’s start by learning which plants are native to your area, what their characteristics are, and organizing them in a plant chart.

1. Create a Plant Chart

Here is an example chart from a native plant nursery in the Ottawa area.

© Echo Native Plants nursery

Visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Native plant encyclopedia and look up the plants that are native to your province. Using the template, create a table that includes the following:

  • Name – common and scientific
  • Colour
  • Bloom time
  • Height
  • Width
  • Attracts what wildlife

2. Design Your Garden Layout

© Wild About Flowers

Once you understand the characteristics of each plant, you can start planning where they will go in your garden. Begin by deciding both the shape of your garden—round, square, rectangular—and the location of your garden—freestanding or against a structure. These choices influence how your layout will take shape. For example, in a garden against a structure, taller plants should be placed at the back, while in a freestanding garden, place the tall plants in the centre as not to block the view of the shorter plants. See the example above for diagrams of a freestanding garden and of a garden up against a structure.

Download a garden-design template to get started on your garden layout today.

3. Submit Your Plan & Request Plants

Now that you’ve completed your plant chart and garden layout, send your design to [email protected]. Submissions will be accepted until March 31, 2026

The Canadian Wildlife Federation works with native plant nurseries across Canada to give schools free pollinator plants. The sign-up for plants will be open until March 31, 2026. Availability of plants is limited. If you are to receive plants, you’ll be notified in April, 2026 about the date, time and location of the pick-pick event.

Request your plants >

You’re Ready to Grow

Your WILD Space is well on its way—every native plant you choose helps local wildlife thrive! For quick tips to keep your garden growing strong, check out our Basics of Wildlife-Friendly Gardening handout.

If you discovered this blog on our website, be sure to sign up for the WILD Spaces e‑blast. You’ll receive monthly updates, next‑step reminders, and resources featuring each month’s highlighted pollinator — everything you need to stay inspired and keep your garden growing strong!