KAWARTHA LAKES: Kawartha Conservation has launched three new native garden guides to help gardeners create healthy, natural, and beautiful gardens on their property. Complete with species and material recommendations, maintenance tips, online resources, and garden layout templates, the free guides have all the information gardeners need to start creating spaces that support the local environment.
The guides explore three different garden types: a Pollinator Garden, a Shaded Understory Garden, and Rain Gardens of various sizes.
“Planting a pollinator garden is an easy way to support bees, butterflies and birds in your area while also adding a pop of colour to your property,” said Carolyn Snider, Administrative Support, Conservation Programs. “Best suited to areas which receive six or more hours of sun per day and contain average to fast draining soils, this garden includes species like pearly everlasting, wild bergamot, sky blue aster, and more.”
The shaded understory garden is a great option for those looking to diversify shaded areas of their yard while providing a habitat for insects and other wildlife. This garden type thrives in areas of dappled shade which receive about three hours of direct sun per day, and includes species like wild ginger, oak sedge, woodland phlox, and several others.
Rain gardens provide a simple solution for those looking to address excess runoff on their property, improve nearby water quality, and create beautiful, lush spaces in their yard. Best placed downslope of buildings and driveways, rain gardens use species like lady fern, prairie smoke, and creeping juniper to filter runoff and keep pollutants out of local waterways.
“Gardeners can follow the guides step-by-step or simply use them for inspiration,” said Snider. “With multiple species and layout options provided, there’s lots of room for creativity while planting healthy, native gardens.”
The garden guides are available online or in person at Kawartha Conservation’s Administrative Office at Ken Reid Conservation Area. To access the garden guides and learn more about maintaining healthy gardens on your property, visit www.kawarthaconservation.com/Gardens.