Planting of educational pollinator gardens begin

This week, staff started preparing two educational pollinator gardens — one off of Belfort Crescent, behind Food Basics and the other at Brookdale Avenue and Second Street West.

Thanks to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, native plants, shrubs and trees will be planted at these two sites to create parkettes.

Plants will be identified for residents to learn more about the species chosen for these projects. Through this cost-effective venture, the residents at the new Belfort Estates subdivision as well as the established Riverview community and those living near Brookdale and Second can become more connected with nature. Children will be able to learn first-hand about pollinator species by spending time outdoors in their neighbourhood.

Hugh Metcalfe of Naturaide and SDG Butterflyway Project was looped into this initiative to provide advice for plant placement and care instructions.

Both gardens feature perennial plants that can attract bees, butterflies, moths and other important pollinators.

Why plant these gardens in September?

“Planting in early to mid-September allows for two growing seasons in which plants can fully establish a strong root system before they endure the summer heat the following year,” explained Metcalfe.

Trees and shrubs will be added in the coming weeks. The project is being led by Angela Parker, the City’s Sustainability Project Coordinator.

Learn more about the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MwclfQNOm8