Welcome to the Urban Meadows Project: A Vision for the Future of Pollinators

Have you ever stopped to watch a bee hovering over a flower, a butterfly fluttering from flower to flower, or a firefly glowing at dusk?

These small, magical moments are signs of a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

But here’s the hard truth: our pollinators are in crisis.

Urban sprawl, pesticide use, and habitat destruction have caused a steep decline in native bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

Without them, our ecosystems unravel, our food supply is threatened, and nature’s vibrant beauty begins to fade.

Here’s the good news—we can help.

A neglected backyard, a forgotten strip of land, or even a balcony garden can become a sanctuary—a thriving meadow filled with native plants that provide food, shelter, and safe passage for pollinators.

The goal is simple: to create bridges and oases where pollinators can flourish, even in the most unexpected places. And that’s exactly what I’m setting out to do.

This journey isn’t just about my garden—it’s about starting a movement. We’re on a mission to turn my new home’s landscape into a buzzing, blooming pollinator paradise and to inspire others to do the same.

Through this guide, we’ll share our experiences, challenges, and triumphs while giving you actionable steps to start your own Urban Meadows Project.

Whether you have a sprawling yard, a small patio, or a local community space that could use some love, there’s a way for you to get involved.

From choosing the right native plants to engaging your community, this is your roadmap to making a tangible, lasting impact on the environment—one garden, one wildflower, one pollinator at a time.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Create an Urban Meadow?
2. Understanding Pollinators and Their Needs
3. Planning Your Urban Meadow
4. Choosing Native Plants
5. Preparing Your Soil
6. Designing for Diversity
7. Creating Microhabitats
8. Tools, Resources, and Learning

Pollinators are the quiet workforce of our ecosystems. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and beetles all play a crucial role in plant reproduction, helping over 75% of flowering plants and one-third of the food we eat to flourish.

Without them, we lose not only wildflowers and forests but also many fruits and vegetables as well as countless other foods we need in our daily lives.

But the reality is stark: pollinator populations are declining at alarming rates. Habitat loss due to urban development, widespread pesticide use, and climate change have left them struggling to survive.

Once-common species like the monarch butterfly and the rusty-patched bumblebee are now endangered, their numbers dwindling as their homes disappear.

Instead of seeing urban areas as part of the problem, we can make them part of the solution.

By creating pollinator networks like The Urban Meadows Project, we stitch together a patchwork of green spaces—backyards, balconies, community gardens, schoolyards, and even roadside verges—to form thriving habitats.

Think of it as creating stepping stones for pollinators. When cities and suburbs lack wildflower-rich spaces, pollinators struggle to find food and safe places to nest.

But if we plant pockets of native flowers, shrubs, and trees, we can create safe passageways, allowing bees, butterflies, and other wildlife to migrate, find shelter, and repopulate.

The Urban Meadow Project isn’t just one garden—it’s a movement. It involves connecting individual plots into a larger, interconnected system that ensures the survival of pollinators, supports biodiversity, and enhances the natural beauty of our communities.

By transforming our own spaces—big or small—we become stewards of the land, contributing to something greater than ourselves. And the best part? It’s easier than you think.

Are you ready to create your own pollinator haven? Let’s get started!

Just like people have different tastes in food and homes, pollinators have unique needs when it comes to habitat, diet, and nesting.

The more we tailor our spaces to accommodate them, the more successful our urban pollinator networks will be.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important pollinators and how we can make them feel right at home in our gardens!

Unlike honeybees, which live in hives, many native bee species are solitary, meaning they need safe, undisturbed places to nest.

How to Support Bees:

Provide nectar-rich flowers – Bees need a steady supply of pollen and nectar, so choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. Favourites include lavender, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and mountain mint.

Create nesting sites – Many native bees nest in the ground, while others prefer hollow stems, logs, or wood piles. Leaving patches of bare soil, fallen logs, and dried stems can give them the shelter they need.

Skip the pesticides – Pesticides, even the ones labeled as “bee-friendly,” can be harmful. Opt for natural pest control methods to keep your garden buzzing with life.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some species of bees vibrate their bodies to shake pollen loose from flowers? This is called buzz pollination, and it helps plants like tomatoes, blueberries, and peppers produce fruit

But their beauty is more than skin-deep—they are essential pollinators that help maintain plant diversity. To support butterflies, we need to think beyond the adults and provide host plants for their caterpillars as well.

How to Support Butterflies:

Plant host plants for caterpillars – Different butterfly species have specific plants their larvae can eat. For example, monarch butterflies rely solely on milkweed, while swallowtails love fennel and parsley.

Provide nectar sources – Adult butterflies love brightly colored, flat-topped flowers like zinnias, asters, and goldenrod.

Create a sunny, sheltered space – Butterflies thrive in warm, sunny areas and need protection from strong winds. Planting taller shrubs around your meadow can help create a cozy microclimate.

Fun Fact: Butterflies taste with their feet! When they land on a plant, special sensors on their legs help them determine whether it’s a good food source.

But beyond pollination, birds also help control insect populations and disperse seeds, making them invaluable allies in a thriving ecosystem.

How to Support Birds:

Grow native berry-producing shrubs and trees – Birds love feasting on elderberries, serviceberries, and dogwood berries, which provide them with essential nutrients.

Choose tubular flowers – Hummingbirds are especially drawn to red, orange, and pink trumpet-shaped flowers like bee balm, honeysuckle, and cardinal flower.

Provide water and shelter – A birdbath or shallow water dish can be a lifesaver for birds, especially in dry urban environments. Trees, shrubs, and nesting boxes give them a place to rest and raise their young.

Fun Fact: Hummingbirds can hover in mid-air and even fly backward, thanks to their unique wing structure. They’re like the helicopters of the bird world.

Did you know that fireflies are declining in many areas? Habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticides are major threats to these glowing beetles. To bring them back, we need to rethink how we treat our landscapes.

How to Support Fireflies:

Let leaf litter and native grasses stay – Fireflies lay their eggs in moist soil, leaf litter, and tall grass, so leaving some areas undisturbed is key.

Reduce outdoor lighting – Too much artificial light disrupts firefly communication – yes, they flash to find mates. If possible, turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night or use warm, dim lighting.

Avoid pesticides and herbicides – Firefly larvae are predators that eat slugs, snails, and small insects. Chemicals that harm these prey species also impact fireflies.

Fun Fact: Fireflies aren’t actually flies—they’re beetles! Their glow comes from a chemical reaction in their lower abdomen, a process called bioluminescence.

By choosing the right plants, providing nesting sites, and reducing harmful chemicals, you can create a sanctuary that supports bees, butterflies, birds, fireflies, and more.

And the best part? Your garden will be alive with colour, movement, and the joyful hum of nature thriving.

Up next, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of transforming your space—big or small—into a pollinator-friendly haven.

Let’s grow something amazing together!

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab a notebook – or a garden journal if you’re feeling fancy – and start dreaming up your perfect urban meadow and garden!

To figure out what will thrive in your space, take note of the following:

Sunlight Exposure – Spend a day observing how much sun different areas receive. Most pollinator-friendly flowers and native plants thrive in full sun (about 6+ hours a day). But if you have partial shade, don’t worry! There are still plenty of options, like columbine, woodland phlox, and native ferns, that will attract pollinators in shadier spots.

Soil Type & Moisture – Not all dirt is created equal! Is your soil rich and loamy, sandy and dry, or clay-heavy and compacted? Different plants prefer different conditions, so it helps to know what you’re working with. If you’re not sure, grab a handful of soil and squeeze:

• Crumbly & dark? Great! You have nutrient-rich loam.
• Sticky & dense? You have clay soil, which holds water well but may need some aeration.
• Gritty & loose? That’s sandy soil—it drains quickly but may need added compost to retain moisture.

Moisture Levels – Some areas naturally hold more water (great for moisture-loving plants like Joe-Pye weed), while others dry out quickly (perfect for drought-tolerant plants like Pale Purple Coneflower and Sky Blue Aster).

Pro Tip: If your soil needs a little boost, compost is your best friend. Adding organic matter improves drainage in clay soil and helps sandy soil retain moisture. Plus, it provides natural nutrients to keep your plants happy.

Are you creating a pollinator paradise? If your main focus is attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, you’ll want a diverse mix of native wildflowers that bloom from spring to fall.

Do you want a blend of flowers and food? Some vegetables and herbs, like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, thrive alongside pollinator plants. Plus, you’ll reap the benefits of increased pollination for better harvests.

Looking to enhance curb appeal while supporting nature? A low-maintenance pollinator garden with native grasses, flowers, and shrubs can add beauty to your yard while reducing the need for mowing and watering.

Hoping to inspire and educate? If you want to engage your neighbours, school groups, or your own family in the wonders of nature, consider adding fun elements like signage, stepping stones, or a small observation area.

No matter your goal, every garden—big or small—contributes to the larger Urban Meadow Network. Your space connects the dots, creating much-needed corridors for pollinators to travel between parks, yards, and green spaces.

Here’s how to approach it:

1. Choose Your Anchor Plants
Start by placing larger plants first—shrubs, small trees, or tall perennials like milkweed and Joe-Pye weed. These provide structure, shelter, and height variation, which makes your meadow more inviting to wildlife.

2. Plan for Continuous Blooms
To keep your garden buzzing with activity from early spring to late fall, plant flowers with staggered bloom times:

• Spring bloomers: Native Columbine, wild geranium, Early Saxifrage
• Summer favourites: Native Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm
• Fall nectar sources: Goldenrod, native asters, sedum

By ensuring something is always in bloom, you’ll provide a steady food supply for pollinators all season long.

3. Arrange in Clusters
Pollinators prefer large patches of the same flower rather than scattered individual plants. Clumping 3 – 5 of the same species together makes it easier for bees and butterflies to find and collect nectar efficiently.

4. Include Pathways & Seating Areas
If you’ll be spending time in your meadow (which I highly recommend!), leave room for stepping stones, pathways, or a bench so you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of your thriving ecosystem.

Bonus Tips for Success
Think Vertical: Don’t forget climbing plants like native honeysuckles or groundnuts, which can be trained up trellises or fences to maximize space.

Mulch Smartly: A thin layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid thick layers—it can prevent ground-nesting bees from burrowing.

Leave Some Wildness: Resist the urge to keep things too tidy! A little controlled chaos—like fallen logs, leaf litter, and undisturbed soil—makes for a healthier habitat.

Add Water Sources: A shallow dish with pebbles can be a lifesaver for thirsty bees and butterflies.

And remember—gardening is an adventure! Your meadow will grow, change, and evolve over time. Some plants will thrive, others may need adjustments, and new surprises will pop up along the way.

So, take a deep breath, get your hands in the dirt, and enjoy the process. Your urban meadow is more than just a garden—it’s a beacon of hope for pollinators and a place of beauty and joy for you.
Ready to get planting? Let’s dive into the next steps!

These plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for countless pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Unlike non-native ornamentals, native plants are naturally suited to your region’s soil, climate, and rainfall patterns, making them low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and incredibly beneficial for the environment.

But the best part? They turn your garden into a pollinator paradise, drawing in butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and even fireflies.

Here’s why they’re so important:

They Provide Essential Food Sources – Many pollinators, like monarch butterflies, rely on specific native plants to complete their life cycles. Without them, these species struggle to survive.

They Support More Biodiversity – A single native plant species can support dozens (or even hundreds) of insect species, which in turn feed birds and other wildlife.

They Require Less Maintenance – Because they’re adapted to local conditions, native plants typically need less water, fertilizer, and fuss than non-native alternatives.

They Improve Soil Health – Their deep root systems reduce erosion, increase soil fertility, and help with water retention.
They’re Climate-Resilient – With extreme weather becoming more common, native plants can handle local temperature swings better than exotic species.

Lets take a look at some go-to favourites.

The ultimate must-have for any pollinator garden! Milkweed is the only host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, making it essential for their survival.

Choose common milkweed, swamp milkweed, or butterfly weed depending on your soil conditions.

A host plant for endangered Karner blue butterflies – only found now in New Hampshire, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio.

This gorgeous perennial produces tall spikes of blue-purple flowers that are also loved by bumblebees.

A cheerful yellow wildflower that serves as a host plant for black swallowtail butterflies – Golden Alexanders is a member of the carrot family.

With its sunny yellow petals and dark brown center, this classic wildflower is a favourite of bees and butterflies.

A pollinator buffet that attracts bees, butterflies, and even goldfinches, which love to snack on the seed heads.

One of the best plants for attracting a diversity of pollinators, mountain mint buzzes with activity all summer long.

This fragrant, lavender-pink, red, purple or white flower, is a magnet for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. As a member of the mint family, it also makes a lovely herbal tea!

A deciduous holly that produces bright red berries in winter, providing crucial food for birds when other sources are scarce.

Serviceberries produce sweet berries that are loved by songbirds and people alike!

The persistent fruit of Nannyberry makes it an excellent food source for migrating birds. The berries are particularly loved by Grouse, Northern Flickers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Cedar Waxwings.

Not only do sunflowers feed pollinators while blooming, but their seeds provide a nutrient-packed snack for birds in the fall and winter.

Firefly larvae thrive in moist soil with native groundcovers, and wild strawberry is a perfect natural ground cover that also provides fruit for birds.

Tall native grasses create ideal conditions for firefly larvae while also supporting other beneficial insects.

This beautiful native blooms at dusk, making it an important nectar source for moths and other nighttime pollinators.

Pro Tip: If you’re converting part of your lawn into a native meadow, start small! Even a few square feet of native plants can make a difference.

Every milkweed you plant, every coneflower you add, and every berry-producing shrub you nurture contributes to a healthier ecosystem.

And the best part? Your garden will grow wilder and more beautiful each year as plants establish themselves, pollinators return, and the ecosystem flourishes.

So go ahead—get your hands in the soil, plant something native, and watch the magic unfold!
What’s the first native plant you’re adding to your urban meadow? Share in the comments below!

Before you plant a single flower, let’s talk about soil health.

Think of it as the nutrient-rich stage where all the magic happens—the better your soil, the healthier your plants, and the more pollinators will come buzzing in.

Healthy soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem filled with microbes, fungi, and tiny creatures that all play a role in nourishing your plants.

The good news? Whether you’re working with compacted city soil, sandy patches, or nutrient-poor dirt, there are simple steps to improve it—no fancy chemicals required.

So grab your gardening gloves, and let’s turn your soil into a pollinator paradise!

Absolutely! Here’s why:

Healthy Soil = Stronger Plants – Nutrient-rich soil produces flowers with more nectar and pollen, giving pollinators the best possible food source.

Some Pollinators Nest in Soil – Many native bee species, like mason bees and sweat bees, burrow into bare patches of soil to lay their eggs.

A Thriving Underground Ecosystem Supports Above-Ground Life – Healthy soil is full of beneficial microbes, fungi, and insects that break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and keep plants happy.

So how do we create the perfect foundation for a pollinator-friendly garden?

What to Look For:

PH Level – Most plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).

Nutrient Content – Check for key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Soil Type – Is your soil sandy, clay-heavy, or loamy? Different plants thrive in different conditions.

How to Test It:

• Purchase a simple at-home soil test kit at a garden center.
• Or, send a sample to your local agricultural extension office for a detailed analysis.
• For a quick DIY test, squeeze a handful of soil—if it clumps tightly, it’s clay-heavy; if it crumbles, it’s loamy; if it won’t hold together, it’s sandy.

Knowing your soil type will help you choose the right plants and amendments.

Benefits of Compost:

Feeds the Soil – Adds organic matter and nutrients that plants need to thrive.

Improves Drainage & Aeration – Loosens compacted soil and helps sandy soil retain moisture.

Attracts Beneficial Microbes & Earthworms – Healthy soil = a thriving ecosystem.

How to Add Compost:

• Mix 1–2 inches of compost into your topsoil before planting.
• Top-dress around plants each spring and fall to give them a seasonal boost.
• If starting from scratch, spread compost over your entire planting area and let it naturally integrate with the soil.

DIY Compost Tip: If you don’t have your own compost pile, check with local farms, community gardens, or city composting programs for free or low-cost compost.

Best Natural Mulch Options for a Pollinator Garden:

Leaves – Free, abundant, and rich in nutrients as they break down.

Straw – Ideal for vegetable gardens and adds organic matter to the soil.

Untreated Cedar Wood Chips or Bark Mulch – Great for pathways and around shrubs/trees.

Mulching Tips:

• Apply 2–3 inches around plants, but avoid piling it directly against stems to prevent rot.
• Leave some bare patches for ground-nesting bees who need exposed soil to build their nests.
• Replenish mulch as needed, especially after heavy rains.

Why Avoid Pesticides:

• Many insecticides kill pollinators directly.
• Pesticides disrupt the delicate balance of a healthy ecosystem.
• Some herbicides reduce wildflower diversity, which means fewer nectar sources.

Natural Pest Control Alternatives:

Plant Companion Flowers – Marigolds, nasturtiums, lavender, chives, garlic and many other plants naturally repel pests.

Encourage Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises eat harmful pests like aphids and caterpillars.

If you want to attract and support as many pollinators as possible, diversity is key!

Just like humans, different pollinators have different needs, and creating a garden that welcomes a variety of species makes your space more resilient, beautiful, and buzzing with life.

Think of your urban meadow as a vibrant, layered ecosystem rather than just a collection of plants. The more variety you include, the more you’ll attract a diverse mix of bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial creatures.

Let’s dive into some fun, simple ways to design your space for maximum diversity!

One of the best ways to increase biodiversity is to include plants of various heights and structures—just like nature does!

Imagine a wild meadow or forest edge: there’s a mix of low-growing groundcovers, flowering perennials, tall shrubs, and trees, all providing different food and shelter opportunities.

Here’s how to build layers in your garden:

Ground covers & Low Growers (0–1 ft) – Provide nectar for small pollinators, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.

• Examples: Wild strawberries, bearberry, violets, bunchberry

Flowering Perennials & Small Shrubs (1–3 ft) – Attract a wide variety of bees and butterflies while adding colour and texture.

• Examples: Black-eyed Susans, milkweed, bee balm, salvia.

Mid-Sized Shrubs & Taller Perennials (3–6 ft) – Provide nesting spots and shelter for birds and insects.

• Examples: Elderberry, winterberry, sumac, purple coneflowers.

Trees & Large Shrubs (6+ ft) – Essential for birds, butterflies, and even some bees that nest in tree cavities.

• Examples: Oak, maple, serviceberry, dogwood.

Pro Tip: Think vertically! Even if you have a small space, you can use trellises, hanging planters, or wall-mounted planters to add height and diversity.

Pollinators are active from early spring to late fall. That’s why it’s crucial to have flowers blooming throughout the seasons—a garden that only blooms in summer leaves pollinators struggling in early spring and fall.

Here’s how to ensure a continuous bloom cycle:

Early Spring Bloomers – These help feed pollinators emerging from hibernation.

• Examples: Trout lilly, pussy willows, solomons seal, wild columbine and pasque flower

Summer Bloomers – Peak season! Aim for a variety of shapes, colors, and scents to attract the most species.

• Examples: Coneflowers, milkweed, bee balm, coreopsis.

Late Summer/Fall Bloomers – Crucial for migrating species and pollinators stocking up for winter.

• Examples: Goldenrod, asters, joe-pye weed, sunflowers.

Winter Interest – While flowers may not bloom, seed heads and berries feed birds and overwintering insects.

• Examples: Native grasses, sumac, echinacea seed heads, winterberry.

Pro Tip: If you leave seed heads and dried stems standing through winter, they provide shelter for insects and a food source for birds

Pollinators need more than just nectar—they also need water to stay hydrated, cool down, and build their nests.

Adding a water feature is one of the easiest ways to make your space even more inviting.

Easy Ways to Provide Water:

Birdbaths – Classic and simple. Keep them shallow (1–2 inches) and clean them regularly.

Mud Puddles – Butterflies and bees love sipping minerals from muddy spots.

Shallow Dishes with Stones – Fill a dish with fresh water and small stones for insects to perch on while drinking.

Mini Ponds or Rain Gardens – If you have the space, even a small pond can support frogs, dragonflies, and aquatic pollinators.

Pro Tip: Change the water every few days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

A truly vibrant and wildlife-friendly garden is more than just flowers—it’s an ecosystem, buzzing with activity and offering shelter, nesting spots, and food sources for all sorts of creatures.

This is where microhabitats come in!

Microhabitats are small but essential environments that mimic natural ecosystems and provide safe havens for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

By adding these little pockets of life to your urban meadow, you increase biodiversity and create a space that hums with activity all year long.

One of the easiest (and most low-maintenance!) ways to support wildlife is to leave some deadwood and leaf piles around.

These natural materials offer shelter, food, and overwintering spots for insects, small mammals, and even amphibians.

Why Deadwood is a Goldmine for Biodiversity:

Rotting logs and tree stumps provide habitat for beetles, fungi, and small mammals.

• Decomposing wood attracts insects, which become food for birds and frogs.
• Carpenter bees, bumblebees, and certain butterflies nest inside old logs and hollow branches.

Leaf Piles: More Than Just Fall Cleanup Leftovers!

• Fireflies, moths and butterflies overwinter in leaf litter.
• Leaf piles trap warmth and moisture, creating mini shelters for frogs, salamanders, and ground-nesting bees.
• Decomposing leaves improve soil health and encourage beneficial fungi and microbes.

Pro Tip: Instead of bagging up your fall leaves, rake them into a pile in a corner of your garden. You’ll be amazed at the life they support!

Not all bees live in hives! In fact, most native bee species are solitary, meaning they don’t have a queen or colony. These hard-working pollinators nest in hollow stems, dead wood, and even underground tunnels.

Building a bee hotel is a fun and easy way to give solitary bees a safe place to lay their eggs.

How to Make a Simple Bee Hotel:

• Use hollow plant stems, bamboo, or untreated wood with small drilled holes.
• Keep holes between 3–10mm in diameter (different bee species prefer different sizes!).
• Place your bee hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot (facing east or south is best).
• Mount it at least 3 feet off the ground, so it’s safe from predators.
• Keep it dry and replace materials yearly to prevent disease.

Who Will Move In?

• Mason bees (early spring pollinators that use mud to seal their nests).
• Leafcutter bees (amazing pollinators that cut small circles from leaves to build their homes).
• Resin bees (they use tree resin instead of mud or leaves!).

Pro Tip: Want to help even more bees? Leave some hollow plant stems standing in your garden over winter—this is where many bees naturally nest!

Hedgerows and shrubs act as natural barriers, food sources, and nesting sites for wildlife. They also add texture and beauty to your garden!

Why Shrubs & Hedgerows Matter:

• Birds nest, hide, and rest in dense shrubs.
• Butterflies lay their eggs on certain shrub species.
• Berries and seeds provide a critical food source in fall and winter.
• Shrubs block wind, creating a more sheltered environment for delicate pollinators.

Top Shrubs & Hedgerows for Wildlife:

• Elderberry – Birds love the berries, and the flowers attract butterflies.
• Winterberry – Provides food in the colder months when resources are scarce.
• Dogwood – Supports birds, pollinators, and even small mammals.
• Hawthorn – Creates dense, thorny cover that protects nesting birds.

Pro Tip: Even in a small space, one or two well-placed shrubs can make a huge difference. If you don’t have room for a hedge, try a single berry-producing shrub in a corner of your garden.

Each microhabitat—whether it’s a bee hotel, a log pile, or a flowering shrub—adds another layer of life to your garden.

The more elements you include, the more biodiverse and self-sustaining your space becomes.

Quick Recap: How to Create Microhabitats

• Deadwood & Leaf Piles – Shelter for insects, small mammals, and fungi.
• Bee Hotels – Nesting spots for solitary pollinators.
• Hedgerows & Shrubs – Safe spaces and food sources for birds and butterflies.

With just a few thoughtful additions, your urban meadow can become a thriving, multi-layered haven for wildlife.

So, which microhabitat are you excited to create first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your plans 🙂

Starting and maintaining an urban meadow is an ongoing journey—one filled with discovery, learning, and connecting with others who share your passion.

Whether you’re planting your first milkweed or rallying your community to create a pollinator corridor, having the right tools and resources can make all the difference.

Learning is so much more fun when we share the experience, which is why we’re documenting our journey through candid videos, diary-style reflections, and hands-on guides, sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between.

As I build out my research, projects, and other tools, I promise to share my journey with you – and every time I go into the garden, I start by putting on a pair of my wellington boots – or as we say in the UK – wellies – so here is where we will land:

• Welly Walks – A candid video series where I take you along for my walk, sharing real-time thoughts, challenges, and progress. Sometimes things go perfectly, and sometimes, well… they don’t!
• If My Wellies Could Talk – A diary-style reflection series documenting my garden’s transformation. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes look at my urban meadow journey—lessons learned, exciting discoveries, and those little magical moments in nature.
• Give It Some Welly – Hands-on guides, how-to projects, and practical tips for building and growing your own pollinator-friendly space—whether it’s a backyard, balcony, or community garden.
• Urban Meadows Garden Blog – written articles and other information that I think you might find interesting and useful – a place to search and browse for ideas.

Where to Follow Along:
[Links Coming Soon!]

Ready to make a difference?
Engagement helps grow the movement! If you find my videos helpful, please like, share, and comment—it helps spread the word and inspire others to join in!