Shop locally, plant locally — Canadian-grown native plants are arriving in stores now

TORONTO, May 9, 2025 – This spring, gardeners can support Canadian businesses, help Canadian wildlife, and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden by buying and growing native plants. Native plants have evolved alongside local conditions, so they’re easier to grow and keep healthy — not to mention being pretty to attract pollinators (and impress your neighbours).

They’re also easy to find at 142 select garden centres across Ontario and Quebec, thanks to WWF-Canada’s native plant program, generously supported by Loblaw Companies Ltd. (Loblaw).

By choosing native plants with a tag featuring the WWF panda logo, people can be assured their plants are:

• Produced by Canadian growers.
• Native to the region.
• Sourced from a local, known original wild population.
• Grown from seeds that have been collected ethically.
• Genetically diverse (not propagated clones).
• Wild-type plants (not cultivars/nativars).
• Grown without neonicotinoids and glyphosate; with other pesticide use very limited.

Native plants are the gold standard for attracting pollinators and restoring wildlife habitats — whether grown in a garden or in pots on a patio or balcony. They support a wide range of insects, birds and mammals as well as healthy soil ecosystems and clean water. They’re also hardy and low maintenance — almost all are perennial — so they’re perfect for creating all-season, gorgeous gardens that are resilient to climate change and support wildlife.

Kate Landry, Senior Manager, Community Action, Restoration and Regeneration, WWF-Canada, says:

“Growing native plants is a win-win-win. They add beauty to our outdoor spaces just like other plants, but native plants are also important for local wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies and bumble bees, providing the food and shelter that they need. These plants are sourced from local growers, so this program also supports Canadian businesses. We’re proud to work on this initiative with Loblaw for the sixth consecutive year to achieve these benefits for wildlife and for people in our communities.”

Alain Brandon, VP, Sustainability, Social Impact & Government Relations, Loblaw Companies Limited, says:

“The Native Plants Program is one way Loblaw is helping to make a positive impact directly in the communities where we operate. When customers choose to incorporate native plants into their yards and gardens, not only are they enhancing the beauty of their communities, but they are also fostering local ecosystems. We’re proud to partner with WWF-Canada on this important initiative and others like it — because small actions can lead to significant change.”

Gardeners invited to join WWF-Canada’s re:grow

Everyone in Canada can help restore wildlife habitats by planting native species in their own yards, container gardens and community spaces. By joining WWF-Canada’s re:grow — a national how-to site for growing native plants and tracking users’ collective impact on biodiversity and climate — gardeners can access expert tips to help them plant, grow and steward native plant gardens while also earning a chance to win prizes.

More information:

Map of where to find native plants at Loblaw garden centres in 2025

List of plant species available in southern Ontario (selection at individual stores will vary)

List of plant species available in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec (selection at individual stores will vary)

For further information, please contact:

Ellen Jakubowski, communications specialist, WWF-Canada ejakubowski@wwfcanada.org

Loblaw Companies Ltd. pr@loblaw.ca

NT4