#GardensForOurFuture

Re-Imagining the Home Landscape

I am not one for resolutions, but do admire those who take stock of the past year and set new defined goals. I do find I have a similar urge to reflect and plan as we head into the year 2020 and for me that of course includes personal/family plans but also how I can make changes to support the environment in this era of climate change. As I sit to write this post on a bright winter morning, we’ve experienced yet another extraordinarily warm holiday season in southern Ontario. I know there will be bitter cold days ahead soon, but I long for them. I long for the snow cover. That type of weather to me is ‘normal’ and an indication that annual cycles on this planet are progressing as expected.

I have been so moved by the responses of many people to the impact of climate change; from the hard work of our conservation authorities in Ontario, to individuals who volunteer their time to take action. Of course, Greta Thunberg and her movement #FridaysForFuture stood out to me. (I encourage you to watch her interview with Amy Goodman from NPR HERE; her truths speaks volumes). Whatever opinions you may have about how this young Swedish teen has taken action, I do hope that most people are realizing that Climate Change is real and supported by all credible scientists and scientific organizations throughout the world (See Canadian Climate Scientist, Dr. Katherine Hayhoe explanation of why 2 degrees matters in the video attached below).

Some may feel discouraged and helpless by the changes caused through climate change and the situation we find ourselves in. I confess at times I’m frustrated by seemingly small issues (ie. packaging at the grocery store) to the lack of birds seen or heard while hiking. The good news is, that some solutions to climate change are in every gardener’s hands. As stewards and guardians of the land in our care, we can make positive changes with real impact. (Read the Post from Peterborough Master Gardener, Suzanne Seryck, Master Gardener HERE)

Beginning with pollinator gardens about 6 years ago, my husband and I began to steadily replace our turf, section by section, adding host plants for butterflies and native plants that provide refuge or are sources of nectar. Our landscape has old logs, last year’s leaves and also a rain garden. My husband uses a reel mower to keep the city boulevard in check (Perhaps in the years ahead we’ll tackle that turf). We no longer provide water to established plants, don’t fertilize or use any pesticides or herbicides. I realize this type of landscape is not for everybody but there are aspects of it that can be integrated into anyone’s home landscape.

Here are some key actions you can take.

Choose one to focus on at a time, beginning gradually. I’ve provided links in each point for background information or practical suggestions.

Add HOST plants such as Milkweed for Monarchs – Here’s Halton Region Conservation Authority’s list.
Compost kitchen and garden waste. Here’s a guide from Peterborough Master Gardener, Suzanne Seryck.
Reduce your lawn or eliminate it altogether – using a network of pathways for maintenance and enjoyment.

Leave a section of your lawn un-mown (see photos below) or mow less frequently – call it a meadow, weed out aggressive plants and add a sign!
Transform sections of your front or back lawn to growing food (see photo above).

PLANT TREES! – natives are best. Here are some choices of trees for smaller landscapes from Wild Seed Project
Choose native plants – or nativars (cultivars of natives – READ this first, though)
If choosing exotics (plants from other regions), ensure they’re not on the Ontario Invasives , Credit Valley or The Nature Conservancy of Canada lists and that they can support wildlife
Provide water to support wildlife
Provide habitat for solitary bees such as hollow stems, old logs and bare soil. (See video about solitary bees here)
Choose shrubs/trees that feed wildlife
Be OK with some chewed leaves such as those from the Leaf-Cutter Bee. Remember that chickadees require 6000-9000 caterpillars/larvae to raise one clutch of young birds.
Minimize hard surfaces in your landscape (concrete, pavement, pool decks, pools) -these lead to run-off which can overload municipal infrastructure. Consider adding a rain garden – Contact your local conservation authority

Leaf-Cutter Bee – They use the leaves to line their nests

Certify your changes through an organization (In the Zone Gardens, Watershed Stewards, Monarch Watch, Canadian Wildlife Federation, through community programs such as Hamilton Pollinator Paradise, Ecological Landscape Alliance. Signs help neighbours and others understand why you’re making changes – they may just follow your example!
Encourage beneficial insects in your landscape: Read Halton Master Gardeners, Cathy Kavassalis’ article HERE
Learn more about how to build good soil (I recommend Climate-Wise Landscaping by Sue Reed and Ginny Stibolt)
Leave your garden ‘be’ in the fall – removing only diseased plant material

AND MOST IMPORTANT: Talk to others and tell them why you’re making changes to your gardens and garden practices. I’m sure there are many other ideas to support the environment in our landscapes. Let’s keep the discussion going.

Gardeners can lead the change we need to see in our world.

Janet Mackey, Halton Master Gardeners

Further reading on this and related topics: