Pollinator-Friendly Public Gardens

Below is a list of gardens participating in Bee Better Manitoba's Pollinator-Friendly Public Garden Program. By participating, these gardens are showing their commitment to creating and preserving pollinator-friendly habitat in our communities.

For more information on these gardens (brief description, location and pictures), click on each participating garden mentioned below.

Winnipeg North

Millennium Gardens

The Millennium Gardens is cared for by a volunteer-based community garden catering to seniors 55 years of age and older. The site's pollinator friendly gardens and forested area are home to over 60 species of native Manitoba flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. The site is approved by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Bee Better Manitoba. The David Suzuki Butterflyway garden has 88 native plants and the flower boxes and ground level flower beds contain a mix of native and non native plants. 

Facilities include ground level beds, and accessible raised beds, running water, rainwater harvesting, composting facilities, benches, picnic tables and a gazebo.  Concerts, exercise classes and coffee party chats take place in the gardens.  The “ outdoor senior centre” allows many apartment bound seniors to get their hands dirty and produce amazing crops for their own use and also to support Winnipeg Harvest Grow-A-Row program. The Millennium Gardens maintains ties with the Manitoba Master Gardeners, East Kildonan Garden Club and David Suzuki Butterflyway Rangers. 

The site's multi-award winning gardens bring a sense of joy and purpose as well as a very connected community rooted in the agricultural history of the area.

The Millennium Gardens are located on 260 Douglas Ave, near Chief Peguis Highway and Henderson Highway (Directions Here)

millennium gardens millennium gardens millennium gardens

Winnipeg Wildflower Project - Point Douglas and Waterfront Drive

The Winnipeg Wildflower Project was established in the spring of 2019 with a goal of restoring urban spaces to native prairie habitat for pollinators and for people. In the first few years, with the help of partner Prairie Originals, seed plot and garden sites have been planted around Winnipeg to establish a source of native wildflower and grass seed. The seed can be harvested and shared in the community for future prairie restorations and planting projects within the city.

The Winnipeg Wildflower Project has constructed four garden sites throughout the city: Bishop Grandin Greenway, Point Douglas, Transcona, and Waterfront Drive. Each garden was planted in areas by an active transportation path or sidewalk to give passersby the opportunity to stumble upon them. They provide an opportunity to learn about plant species that are native to Manitoba and hopefully inspire residents to add native plants in the garden and yard.

Each site is planted with a variety of grasses and flowers from the mixed and tallgrass prairie, including Big and Little Bluestem, Milkweed, Asters, Goldenrod, Wild Rye, Sage, Coneflower and many more! No pesticides are used, and leaf litter is left for overwintering.

The Point Douglas garden is located along the south side of Euclid Avenue between Argyle and Meade (Directions Here). This 900 ft² site was planted in 2020 at the Point Douglas Community Orchard. There are 22 species arranged in seed plots.

The Waterfront Drive garden is located in Fort Douglas Park, by the Alexander Docks (Directions Here). This 1,450 ft² site has about 22 species and is a native plant display garden.

Winnipeg wildflower project

Winnipeg South

The Manitoba 150 Pollinator Garden

The Manitoba 150 Pollinator Garden was created in 2020 and it consists of 500 native wildflowers and grasses - a sight to see! The garden is managed by the St. Vital Agricultural Society and is located on the corner of St. Michael Road and Glen Meadow Street (North of Bishop Grandin Blvd). Directions here

Manitoba 150 Garden Manitoba 150 Garden

Whyte Ridge Butterfly Garden

Established in 2014 as part of The Whyte Ridge Interpretive Trail Project, the Whyte Ridge Butterfly Garden is a 1,076ft² butterfly-shaped garden consisting of over 1000 native plants - including host plants that attracts a variety of butterflies such as Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Painted Ladies and more! The garden is cared for by residents, Master Gardeners, and Master Gardeners in Training. 

The garden is located on the Whyte Ridge Interpretive Trail, has a lovely bench for viewing, and is wheelchair accessible. The Interpretive Trail also includes a tall grass prairie, lots of interpretive signage on native trees and shrubs, and connects to the Fort Whyte Alive Trail! Directions Here (170 Fleetwood Rd - entrance is at the Whyte Ridge Community Centre)

Whytridge butterfly garden Whytridge butterfly garden

Manitoba Legislative Grounds

The Manitoba Legislative Grounds was one of the first locations to test the public garden pilot program. As of 2018, the (4,000 sq. ft.) gardens now include over 30 species of native perennials and non-native annuals, all selected to benefit bees, butterflies, and beyond. These gardens help to show how native plants can be a beautiful and beneficial addition to a variety of publicly accessible spaces.

You can visit the grounds at 450 Broadway in Winnipeg Directions here. This location also includes a self-guided walking tour where you can learn about the history of the building, grounds, Memorial Park, and Memorial Boulevard.

manitoba legislative grounds manitoba legislative grounds manitoba legislative grounds

Winnipeg Wildflower Project - Bishop Grandin Greenway

The Winnipeg Wildflower Project was established in the spring of 2019 with a goal of restoring urban spaces to native prairie habitat for pollinators and for people. In the first few years, with the help of partner Prairie Originals, seed plot and garden sites have been planted around Winnipeg to establish a source of native wildflower and grass seed. The seed can be harvested and shared in the community for future prairie restorations and planting projects within the city.

The Winnipeg Wildflower Project has constructed four garden sites throughout the city: Bishop Grandin Greenway, Point Douglas, Transcona, and Waterfront Drive. Each garden was planted in areas by an active transportation path or sidewalk to give passersby the opportunity to stumble upon them. They provide an opportunity to learn about plant species that are native to Manitoba and hopefully inspire residents to add native plants in the garden and yard.

Each site is planted with a variety of grasses and flowers from the mixed and tallgrass prairie, including Big and Little Bluestem, Milkweed, Asters, Goldenrod, Wild Rye, Sage, Coneflower and many more! No pesticides are used, and leaf litter is left for overwintering.

The Bishop Grandin Greenway garden is Located on the northwest corner of St Mary's and Bishop Grandin, along the bike path (Directions Here). This 1,300 ft² site was planted in 2019, with 16 species of flowers and grasses arranged in seed plots. 

Winnipeg wildflower project

Demonstration and Pollinator Gardens - FortWhyte Alive

The FortWhyte demonstration gardens were developed to excite and educate the public about natural backyard habitats and have evolved continuously over the last 25 years. They are located on the north and south sides of the Interpretive Centre.

The Biodiversity garden is made up of native and non-native trees, shrubs, perennials and fruit bearers and also features a pond. It helps to promote FortWhyte’s Naturescape program, which encourages homeowners to increase the amount of biodiversity on their properties. The gardens and ponds have always been cared for by volunteers. It is a place where people, plants and wildlife come together to share in all the wonders of nature. The south gardens are also home to wildflowers, various shrubs, a pond with a waterfall, and a raspberry patch. 

In 2018, a pollinator garden was developed under the solar panel array adjacent to FortWhyte Farms, consisting of wildflowers and native prairie plants. As interest in renewable solar energy increases across the world experiencing a changing climate, this project is an inspiring example of how otherwise unused or under-utilized land adjacent to a productive solar array can be repurposed. The garden was planted and is maintained by volunteers and is located along Sam Fabro Way.

FortWhyte is located at 1961 McReary Road (Directions here)

fort whyte garden fort whyte garden

Henteleff Park

Starting in 1996, a group of volunteers worked to establish a park on the former site of Winnipeg’s Henteleff Tree Nursery. Having opposed a housing development that would limit future access to this remarkable landscape, they presented a convincing plan showing the value and potential of the site as a public park. As a result, the land was rezoned as a park in 2002 and renamed Henteleff Park — a place for visitors to enjoy quiet reflection and low impact recreation in a natural setting. Since that time the Henteleff Park Foundation, with the assistance of many volunteers, has worked cooperatively with the City of Winnipeg to maintain and restore the Park.

Henteleff Park is located on a river lot at 1964 St. Mary’s Road.  The northern edge of the park follows an east-west bend in the Red River and the land has kept its rural character, even as development has surrounded it. The park is a beautiful natural landscape that includes a riparian forest, a tall grass prairie restoration, and many plants that are beneficial to pollinators and wildlife.  In addition, Normand Creek runs through the park, providing an important spawning area and backwater for fish species. For more information, visit the Henteleff Park website.

Henteleff sign Henteleff tall grass Henteleff plants Henteleff Plants

Albrin Park

Albrin Bay Park is located at 40 Lake Albrin Bay in Waverley Heights. Plantings at the park began with a small group of community members in 1999.  The City of Winnipeg tilled and brought in soil to create 3 flower beds the first year, and within the next two years, a 4th large bed was prepared. 

During its early stages, it was mostly cultivars, lilies, daylilies, and perennials. However, it always had native plants because they are hardy, adapt to the site, and thrive in Manitoba's climate.  In 2020 a big effort was made to convert the beds to mostly native plants. In July 2021, a 53ft by 11ft Tall Grass Prairie Planting was created and then seeded. In the Fall of 2022, a sixth flower bed of Milkvetch was created and two naturalized tree planting sessions were conducted (more are planned in upcoming years). 

Update for 2023: Six flower beds mostly consist of native plants and they continue to thrive - about 75 varieties of native species are present! Day lilies will soon be planted for continuous bloom. A rain garden bed will be constructed this summer, which will also mostly be native plants.

Volunteers work very hard to be make the garden sustainable and pollinator-friendly. They leave plant material in place over winter and provide nesting areas and water for pollinators. Pesticides are never used on-site.

Albrin Park Albrin Park Albrin Park

Winnipeg West

Living Prairie Museum

The Living Prairie Museum interpretive centre has four pollinator gardens containing approximately 40 species of native wildflowers. All of the plants are derived from seeds that were harvested from prairie habitat within Manitoba. A variety of pollinators frequent the flowers, including the yellow-banded bumble bee, a species listed as Special Concern in Canada. The gardens are located in the parking lot and around the interpretive centre at 2795 Ness Avenue in Winnipeg. Directions here

living prairie museum garden living prairie museum garden

The Sturgeon Creek Greenway Project

The Sturgeon Creek Greenway project was initiated by a group of 12 volunteers from the Manitoba Master Gardener Association (Master Gardeners and Master Gardeners in Training). Two members are also David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway Project Rangers.  It is located on the Sturgeon Creek Greenway Trail and it can be accessed off of Hamilton & Silver Avenue (Directions Here)

Work commenced on June 30, 2021, with a 4 x 75 ft strip prepared for planting this fall.  The planting will include 100% native pollinator plants such as, Hyssop, Bergamot, Rudbeckia, Swamp milkweed, and more to be determined. A Bur Oak will be planted which will provide a food source for small mammals, birds, moths and butterflies. This location also has existing plantings of Big Bluestem, Wild Flax, Yarrow,  Purple Prairie Clover, Wolf Willow and more. The site is a tall grass prairie with many types of native grasses and is a no till/no mow area which provides nesting and overwintering habitat.

Update:  In 2022 the planting strip measured 4 x 95 ft., plans are to extend the strip further in 2023.  With the native pollinator plants blooming and the bees buzzing around them, curiosity and community interest has increased - they've even welcomed their first community volunteer member!  More plantings have taken place which include Blue Vervain (Vervain hastata), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Giant Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Fleabane, Prairie Onion (Allium stellatum), Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), Monarda, Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) and False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides).

Sturgeon Creek Greenway Plants Sturgeon Creek Greenway Plants Sturgeon Creek Greenway Plants

Van Roon Prairie Gardens - Harte Trail

This garden commemorates the Van Roon family, long-time residents of the area known for their efforts in preserving its cultural and natural history.

There are two raised pollinator garden beds that have been planted with native wildflowers and grasses. One of the beds was planted in 2005 and is still in good condition, while the second was re-planted in summer of 2021. Each planting contains a variety of native plants sourced from within Manitoba. They provide natural spaces for native bees to nest, and the gardens are not cleared in fall to allow pollinators to overwinter. Weeds are managed by hand and no pesticides are used.

The Van Roon Prairie Gardens can be found on the Harte trail near Charleswood Road (Directions Here)

van roon garden van roon garden

Winnipeg East

Norberry-Glenlea Community Club

Established in 2021, the Norberry-Glenlea Community Club's Butterfly Garden took shape with collaboration between the Club and two David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway Ranger volunteers.  The main Butterfly Garden was planted with 250 pollinator friendly native plants including Dwarf Milkweed, Canada Milkvetch, Little Bluestem, Wild Bergamot among others. 

Additional native plants were added to the Community Club’s existing perennial gardens.  This garden will take time to establish and will begin to attract pollinators in the 2022 season and beyond.  The Community Club staff and the Butterflyway Rangers are jointly working to provide the care for this new garden.

The Butterfly Garden sits near the community club’s new accessible play structure and sports fields.  There is ample parking and some seating available.  The Butterfly Garden is located at 26 Molgat St in St. Vital (Off of St. Mary’s Rd just a bit south of Fermor Ave) Directions Here.

  garden garden 2 garden 3

Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative

Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative (SSOCC) converts barren public land to fruitful garden space. Building community, developing resiliency, and growing food along the way, they maintain commons in the neighbourhood, as well as partner with like-minded people, and share produce with family, friends, and neighbours.

Native trees and shrubs  such as American hazelnut, raspberry, high bush cranberry, Canadian plum, wild cherry and Saskatoon berry grow in the berry patch area.  These native shrubs and trees, along with the native plants in the wooded area,  provide pollinators with nectar, pollen, leaves for caterpillars and places to nest and shelter in winter. Although they are not native, fruit trees such as apple, pear and cherry support pollinators.

The SSOC maintains few garden locations around the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg:

  • South Osborne Community Orchard - Northwest corner of Baltimore Road (Directions Here)
  • South Osborne River Garden - beside the pumphouse at Baltimore Road and Churchill Drive (Directions Here)
  • Riverview Garden Society - "A Place to Grow", west of Churchill Drive and Baltimore Road (Directions Here)

They also have a "People garden" on Balfour Ave (Directions Here) and another "A Place to Grow" garden at Lord Roberts Community Centre (Directions Here)

SSOC garden SSOC garden

WInnipeg Wildflower Project - Transcona

The Winnipeg Wildflower Project was established in the spring of 2019 with a goal of restoring urban spaces to native prairie habitat for pollinators and for people. In the first few years, with the help of partner Prairie Originals, seed plot and garden sites have been planted around Winnipeg to establish a source of native wildflower and grass seed. The seed can be harvested and shared in the community for future prairie restorations and planting projects within the city.

The Winnipeg Wildflower Project has constructed four garden sites throughout the city: Bishop Grandin Greenway, Point Douglas, Transcona, and Waterfront Drive. Each garden was planted in areas by an active transportation path or sidewalk to give passersby the opportunity to stumble upon them. They provide an opportunity to learn about plant species that are native to Manitoba and hopefully inspire residents to add native plants in the garden and yard.

Each site is planted with a variety of grasses and flowers from the mixed and tallgrass prairie, including Big and Little Bluestem, Milkweed, Asters, Goldenrod, Wild Rye, Sage, Coneflower and many more! No pesticides are used, and leaf litter is left for overwintering.

The Transcona garden is located along Plessis Avenue in Rotary Heritage Park, by the active transportation path (Directions Here). This 1,500 ft² garden has 21 species and is arranged in clusters to show off pretty plant combinations.

Winnipeg wildflower project

West St. Paul, MB 

Blue Thunderbird Land-Based Learning Centre (Aki Centre)

Established in 2017 as a part of Seven Oaks School Division, Ozhaawashkwaa Animikii-Bineshi Aki Onji Kinimaagae’ Inun (Blue Thunderbird Land-Based Learning Centre) is a 49-acre place of learning and connection, a land-based extension of classroom learning. The Centre shares knowledge on a combination of Indigenous and western perspectives around historic and cultural connections to land, land stewardship, and growing foods. 

Of the 49-acres cared for by staff, students, and volunteers, 35 acres are being restored to Indigenous Tallgrass Prairie and a 5-acre remnant prairie is being preserved. There are also two mature Indigenous Plant gardens containing approximately 40 species of flowers and grasses combined. It also has 3 km of granular walking trails. 

The Centre features a 1,700 sq. ft. Model Prairie Garden (constructed in 2019) that borders a path across from the vegetable garden. Behind the mix of Indigenous flowers and grasses are Indigenous shrubs and trees, such as Grey and Red Osier Dogwood, Buffalo Berry, Black Currants, Pin Cherry, and Wild Plum.

Located next to the pond is Wawiyia’kiti’gahn (constructed in 2018). It is a Medicine Wheel Shaped Garden encircled by 13 boulders representing the 13 moons of the lunar calendar. Four coloured paths mark the four directions. Each quadrant of the Medicine Wheel hold a garden: one of Sage, one of Sweetgrass, and two of the Indigenous tall grass prairie. In the centre are 7 benches engraved with the 7 Sacred Teachings.

The Centre is located on Treaty 1 Territory, 1985-A Grassmere Road, West St Paul, MB. Directions Here

Aki Centre Aki Centre

RM of West St. Paul Native Plant Gardens

Fronting the historic municipal building in the RM of West St. Paul, 3550 Main Street (Directions Here), are three native plant demonstration gardens.  The gardens were designed and planted in 2020 and are cared for by volunteers from the Prairie Naturals Gardening Group.

The gardens measure 1,300 ft² in total, and feature over 30 flowering plants and grasses native to Manitoba. Plants were chosen with diversity and design in mind.  Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Mourning Cloaks and Painted Lady butterflies as well as native bees have been observed at the garden. The garden provides an opportunity for residents of West St. Paul and beyond to observe the various flowering plants and grasses, and to be inspired to plant prairie pockets in their own yard.

west st paul garden west st paul garden

RM of West st paul garden

Brandon, MB

Daly House Museum

Built in 1882, the Daly House is a small Victorian Mansion nestled in the heart of Brandon.  Originally the home of two of Brandon’s prominent families – the Dalys and the Coldwells – it is now the only pre-1900 structure remaining on 18th Street, a municipal heritage site, and a fine example of Italianate architecture. This unique museum with its antique furnishings and displays such as Mutter Brother’s Grocery store transports you back in time to the 19th century the second you step through the doors.

A pollinator-friendly Victorian Garden is planted to the north of the building and contains heirloom garden plants as well as a pollinator garden. The garden is cared for by members of the Bee City Brandon committee and committed volunteers.

The Daly House museum is located at 122-18th Street, in Brandon, Manitoba (Directions Here).

daly house museum

Riverbank Discovery Centre

Brandon Riverbank Inc. is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1995.  Brandon Riverbank Inc. embarked on the long-term process of developing the Assiniboine River Corridor to be a gathering place connecting people with nature.

The Riverbank Discovery Centre has become Brandon’s “central park”, providing a serene and beautiful place for families to play and pursue a healthy lifestyle.  The area has become the home to many events that contribute to an active and prosperous community including a multitude of charity walks and runs, the City of Brandon’s Canada Day Celebrations, meetings, family gatherings and much more.

In partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, a native mixed-grass prairie zone was planted to encourage native plants to grow along the existing duck ponds. Many native plants can be found growing here including wild licorice, beautiful sunflower, purple prairie clover, gaillardia, blazingstar, showy milkweed, hairy golden aster, big bluestem, little bluestem and other types of native grasses. 

There are currently plans to create a pollinator garden closer to the building to provide education to visitors about the importance of native plants as well as our native pollinators. Bee City Brandon is an active member in the discussions about this upcoming project.

The Riverbank Discovery Centre is located on #1-545 Conservation Drive, in Brandon, Manitoba. Directions Here

river bank discovery centre river bank discovery centre

Assiniboine Food Forest - Dana's Garden

The Assiniboine Food Forest has a vision of creating "a healthy community in Ecological balance with a thriving environment". Their mission is to create habitat, produce healthy food sustainably for humans and wildlife, and educate students of all ages with the natural landscape. The Forest is located at 1735 Rosser Avenue, in Brandon, Manitoba. Directions Here

A native prairie garden, Dana's Garden, can be found within the forest. The garden is still a work in progress and it provides an area where people can be educated in the difficulties and hardships in recreating native habitat.

**Photos coming soon**

Winkler, MB

Discovery Nature Sanctuary

The Discovery Nature Sanctuary (DNS) is a hidden oasis in an urban landscape. Located 100 km southwest of Winnipeg, in the City of Winkler, the sanctuary encompasses 34 ha of grassland, wooded and wetland habitats. Nature sanctuaries are special places for people and wildlife. For people, they provide a place to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty around them. For animals and plants they provide a habitat to live in. 

Site development for the sanctuary began in 2017 and is overseen by the DNS Committee. The sanctuary has 2 km of trails, an outdoor classroom, a viewing platform and other features. Open dawn to dusk, year round, the sanctuary provides birders, naturalists, photographers, school classes and the public with the opportunity to explore this special  site. Ten interpretive panels provide visitors with information about wetlands, riparian habitat, aerialists, pollinators and other topics.

The sanctuary's pollinator garden is a work in progress. When completed, the garden will encompass approximately 0.3 acres. The garden currently consists of native perennial plants. Next to the garden is a grassland restoration site of about 6.5 acres. In the spring of 2023, native grasses will be planted and a variety of native wildflowers added in the future. 

The sanctuary is located in the northeast corner of Winkler. To get there, take Highway 3 or Highway 75 to Highway 14 which will then take you to Winkler. The parking lot to the DNS is 150 m south of the junction of Highway 14 and Eastview Drive. Directions Here

DNS1 DNS3 DNS2\

Stonewall, MB

Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland Discovery Centre

The Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland Discovery Centre (Directions Here) has one of the largest natural green roof in Manitoba. In 2021, they created an additional pollinator garden accessible to all visitors to the Centre. One of the most important goal of the Centre is to provide environmental education to a public of all ages and encourage them to look at the interdependency of plants and animals within an ecosystem and inspire them to create their own wildflower gardens to expand natural pollinator sites across the province.

Their rooftop pollinator garden showcases common yarrow, great blanket-flower, upland white aster, pink onion, blue giant hyssop, dwarf milkweed, pussytoes, heartleaf alexander, purple prairie clover, narrowleaf sunflower, stiff goldenrod, wild bergamot, northern bedstraw and three-flowered avens. These plants are well-known for their abundance of nectar for pollinators and other beneficial insects. The pollinator Garden is maintained by community volunteers.

In addition to the rooftop pollinator garden, the Discovery Centre features an extensive cover of native grasses and flowers on the roof and berms to the front and side of the building. The Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area is also home to a tall-grass prairie and other native prairie totaling over 320 acres (160 hectares).

Oak Hammock  Oak Hammock 2 Oak Hammock