Plant to support pollinators.
to the pearly everlasting to lay their eggs and hummingbirds seek the deli- cate red columbines for their precious spring nectar (so important after their long journey across the lake). Rabbits start trimming the blazing star as it emerges, making the plants grow bushy and improving their stunning summer display of blooms. From our eastern bumblebee to the iridescent sweat bees and jewel-like syrphid flies, pollinators abound throughout the summer season. In the fall, goldfinches can be seen dangling from coneflowers as monarchs float from flower to flower preparing for their journey south. When winter comes, signs of mice and deer finding refuge can be seen. Bundled children sit on the bench and enjoy the beauty of grasses glazed with ice swaying in the chilly breeze. It is truly an oasis for life here in Oakville.” When everyone shares a common the greater good and for
vision for
beauty, it’s all worth it! Gardening can be inspiring and it should be art. If it can educate at the same time, everyone wins! K Sean James is a graduate of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and owner of Fern Ridge Landscaping & Eco-consult- ing. He’s designed several public gardens including the Milton Millennium Garden and Anderson Bridge Parkette Biodiversity Garden in Oakville. He’s been speaking publicly and writing about eco-gardening issues since the early 90’s. He’s also the Chair of Landscape Ontario’s Environ- mental Stewardship Committee and sever- al other eco-committees.
localgardener.net
Pearly everlasting tolerates everything from clay to salt to sand (but not wet feet) and is food for painted lady butterfly larvae. It blooms from early August to when the snow flies.
Parkettes and other public spaces can be eco-friendly and educational. Beautiful Gardens 2015 • 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40