What is the Native Plant Demonstration Garden?
This garden highlights the variety, beauty and versatility of native wildflowers and grasses that can be planted in this region. Native plants are those species that existed in our region prior to European settlement.
Where is this garden located?
The native plant demonstration garden is located next to a recreational trail where Turkey Creek crosses under Matchette Road in LaSalle.Click here to download a map to the garden
What are the benefits of a native plant garden?
Native plants...
- offer colour throughout the growing season
- provide important habitat and a source of food for pollinators and other native wildlife
- help increase biodiversity in the region
- require little cost to maintain
- are drought tolerant requiring less watering and thereby saving water and money
- attract butterflies and birds
- filter runoff from the surrounding land before it enters the river
- Prepare the planting area by removing existing vegetation by pulling, spraying with horticultural vinegar (available commercially but pickling vinegar can be used), and/or removing the top layer of sod
- Choose native plants from nurseries and other suppliers that specialize in pure native stock; this is critical for pollinators and other native wildlife
- Learn the scientific names to avoid cultivars or hybrids
- Remove aggressive, unwanted plants (e.g., ragweed, crabgrass); regular weeding in the first two years of establishment is vital for the garden's success
- Add mulch around the plants annually
- Sit back, enjoy, and welcome the diversity of wildlife to your garden!
What species are planted at the garden?
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Wild bergamot attracting a hummingbird moth Photo by Paul Pratt |
Butterfly milkweed
Photo
by Tom Preney
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Who was involved?
The Native Plant Demonstration Garden was planted by the Friends of Turkey Creek with financial support from the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (through Environment Canada). Other partners included the Town of LaSalle and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
The Detroit River Connection
We're all connected to the river. The Detroit River is an important resource that sustains fish, wildlife and people. That's why we must work together to protect and enhance the Detroit River and its watershed.
This Native Plant Demonstration Garden, located adjacent to Turkey Creek (in the Detroit River watershed), is an important project that helps us achieve a healthier Detroit River ecosystem.
Do you want to help maintain the garden?
The garden is maintained by the Friends of Turkey Creek. To participate in an upcoming weeding or planting event at this location contact Caroline Biribauer, Friends of Watersheds Organizer, at 519-776-5209 x245 or email cbiribauer@erca.org.
Want more information? Explore the websites below:
- Native Trees and Plants (supplier of plants for this demo garden)
- Native Plant Database (for Windsor-Essex County)
- Landscape Ontario
- Ontario Wildflowers
- Ontario Trees and Shrubs
- The Naturalized Habitat Network
- Essex Region Conservation Authority - Friends of Watersheds
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