Planting for Pride Month: Celebrating Diversity

by Brett Kerley

As June approaches, communities around the world prepare to celebrate Pride Month, an important time to honor and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. In Edmonton, one unique way to express solidarity and celebrate diversity is through planting for Pride—incorporating colorful gardens, native plants, and community-led green initiatives that reflect the vibrant spirit of Pride.

Gardens have long been symbols of growth, resilience, and harmony—values that align closely with the LGBTQIA+ community’s ongoing fight for equality. By planting gardens with intentional designs that reflect the Pride flag or other LGBTQIA+ symbols, Edmontonians can create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive.

When designing a garden for Pride Month, consider selecting flowers and foliage that match the colors of the Progress Pride Flag:

• Red (Life) – Tulips, geraniums, or poppies, symbolizing strength and passion. These vibrant flowers thrive in Edmonton’s climate, adding a bold touch to any garden. Poppies can reseed themselves, creating natural bursts of red in subsequent seasons. Red geraniums are hardy annuals that thrive in full sun and dry conditions, perfect for container gardens and raised beds.
• Orange (Healing) – Marigolds and tiger lilies, representing warmth and emotional well-being. Marigolds are particularly hardy and can deter pests, making them an excellent addition to urban gardens. They prefer well-drained soil and bloom continuously through summer. Tiger lilies are perennial bulbs that require little maintenance once established.
• Yellow (Sunlight) – Sunflowers, daffodils, and goldenrod, bringing joy and positivity. Sunflowers not only provide visual impact but also attract pollinators like bees. They grow well in full sun and need support for their tall stalks. Goldenrod is a late-blooming perennial that feeds pollinators in the fall and tolerates drought conditions.
• Green (Nature) – Ferns, hostas, or ornamental grasses, signifying connection to the environment. Hostas are shade-tolerant and come in a variety of textures and patterns, making them great for layered designs. Ferns like ostrich or lady ferns provide lush, feathery foliage in woodland-style gardens. Blue fescue and feather reed grass are low-maintenance and provide movement and structure.
• Blue (Serenity) – Bluebells, irises, hydrangeas, and cornflowers, representing calm and peace. Bluebells can naturalize in shady areas and pair well with spring bulbs. Siberian irises offer upright foliage and delicate blue flowers that bloom early in the season. Hydrangeas offer large, showy blooms and can adapt to soil pH changes. Cornflowers are drought-tolerant annuals that reseed easily.
• Purple (Spirit) – Lavender, petunias, violets, and alliums, denoting spirit and individuality. Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is both fragrant and edible. Violets are early bloomers and can naturalize in shaded areas. Alliums produce globe-shaped blooms atop tall stems, and their bulbs are perennial and deer-resistant.
• Black/Brown (Marginalized Communities) – Dark-leaved plants like purple basil, black mondo grass, and chocolate cosmos, honoring diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Purple basil is not only ornamental but also edible and aromatic. Black mondo grass adds striking contrast to borders and thrives in part shade. Chocolate cosmos emits a unique cocoa scent and prefers full sun.
• White/Pink/Blue (Trans Pride) – White alyssum, pink begonias, blue lobelia, reflecting the trans flag. Alyssum forms dense mounds of tiny, fragrant flowers and makes a great border plant. Begonias are shade-tolerant and bloom throughout the summer. Lobelia prefers cooler temperatures and moist soil, making it ideal for spring and early summer.

Native plants like wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), prairie crocus (Anemone patens), fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), and golden aster (Heterotheca villosa) can support local biodiversity and sustainability efforts. These plants are drought-tolerant, resilient to Edmonton’s temperature fluctuations, and attract native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Many also bloom in succession, providing continuous color and habitat throughout the growing season. For more information on native plants connect with the Edmonton Native Plant Society (ENPS) or Arnica Wildflowers.

In addition to planting vibrant flowers, enhance your Pride-themed garden with creative, colorful accessories:

• Containers in Pride Colours – Paint terra cotta pots or upcycled containers in the rainbow hues of the Progress Pride Flag. Arrange them in rows or groupings to form a living flag, or use contrasting sizes and shapes for visual interest.
• Pride Gnomes and Statues – Add personality to your garden by painting gnomes, fairy doors, or garden figurines in rainbow or trans flag colors. These whimsical touches are great conversation starters and fun projects for families or community groups.
• DIY Pride Signage – Craft signs that share messages of inclusion, love, and LGBTQIA+ history. Recycled wood or weatherproof materials work well and can be staked into garden beds or planters.
• Wind Spinners and Flags – Incorporate fabric art like rainbow pinwheels, trans flags, or Progress Pride flags to add movement and visibility.
  These elements make gardens more expressive and inclusive, turning any space—big or small—into a celebration of identity and acceptance.

Edmonton is home to numerous community-led environmental and LGBTQIA+ initiatives that can amplify the impact of Pride-themed gardening. Some ways to get involved include:

• Community Projects – Collaborate with local organizations like the Edmonton Horticultural Society, Sustainable Food Edmonton, and Edmonton Pride Festival to create rainbow-themed garden beds that serve as inclusive public spaces.
• Pride in Bloom Events – Join group planting days at city parks, schools, or LGBTQIA+ community centers to beautify public spaces while raising awareness about inclusivity.
• Window Box and Balcony Gardens – Encourage individuals in apartments and condos to participate by planting small Pride-themed floral displays, promoting visibility even in urban settings.
• Educational Workshops – Attend gardening workshops that highlight sustainability and LGBTQIA+ history in green spaces. These events can also teach practical gardening skills while fostering connections among participants.
• Queer Gardening Clubs – Connect with local LGBTQIA+ gardening groups where members can share tips, plants, and create a supportive community.

Beyond Pride Month, Edmonton can establish permanent Pride gardens in key locations to ensure year-round representation and inclusivity. Schools, libraries, and public parks can incorporate permanent rainbow-themed flower beds, murals, or pathways dedicated to LGBTQIA+ history and achievements. Additionally, pollinator-friendly gardens that attract bees and butterflies can symbolize ongoing growth and sustainability.

Consider integrating signage that educates visitors on the significance of each plant and color in the Pride garden, creating a space that is not only beautiful but informative and impactful. Raised beds, accessible paths, and multilingual plant tags can further increase accessibility and engagement.

Planting for Pride is about more than just flowers—it’s about visibility, inclusion, and fostering a deeper connection between communities and the environment. These green spaces offer sanctuary, encourage conversations, and serve as lasting tributes to love and resilience. By participating in Pride planting initiatives, Edmontonians can take meaningful steps toward creating a city that celebrates both its LGBTQIA+ community and its commitment to sustainability.

This Pride Month, let’s plant with purpose, grow with love, and cultivate a future where everyone can thrive. Happy pride gardening everyone!