Native Plant Garden Establishment

This project occurred in Pembroke Ontario over the course of 3 day in August of 2025. A total of 73 plants of 20 different species were planted in what was once a lawn hillside of 3m by 10m.

A small depression was dug into the hillside when each plant was planted. This depression directs water towards the plants roots otherwise much of the water would run off as surface water. Overtime these depressions will erode but by then the plants will have established their roots and will be drought tolerant.

Species such as obedient plant are well adapted to growing on freshly disturbed soils and will quickly become a dominant species in this garden. Other species such as white turtlehead grow in clumps and will provide pockets of diversity. Both swamp milkweed and butterfly milkweed were included to provide host plants for Monarch butterflies.

I was delighted to hear that a hummingbird was observed at the obedient plant the morning after it was planted. This is a reminder of the attractive power of native plants.

I am grateful and thankful to be given the opportunity to create this native plant garden in what was once a lawn.