Blog
Garden Ecotones: Where Forest and Garden Meet in Haliburton
In the world of gardening, especially in forested regions like Haliburton County, the idea of creating garden ecotones offers a unique opportunity to blend the cultivated with the wild, enriching both the environment and our experience of it.
Read MoreA Different Kind of Beauty: Discovering Gardens in the Off-Season
As autumn’s vibrant palette fades and winter’s chill sets in, traditional gardeners often see this as a cue to ‘put the garden to bed.’ This usually involves tidying up, cutting back dead foliage, and preparing for a dormant season. However, native plant gardens challenge this conventional approach, revealing a different kind of beauty in the fall and winter months – one that is not only visually appealing but also ecologically significant.
Read MoreRooted in Region: How Native Plant Gardens Foster a Sense of Place
Traditional gardens, with their often non-native and cosmopolitan plant selections, can sometimes blur regional distinctions, creating a homogenized landscape that lacks a true sense of locality. In contrast, native plant gardens offer a vibrant alternative, deeply rooted in the region’s natural heritage and ecological makeup.
Read MoreInspired by Nature, Crafted by Hands: The Essence of Native Gardens
Native plant gardens stand as testaments to the beauty and complexity of nature. These gardens offer a unique fusion of natural splendor and human artistry. Unlike their wild counterparts, native gardens are carefully crafted spaces, reflecting the delicate interplay between natural ecosystems and human intervention.
Read MoreExploring the Groundcover Layer: Native Grasses and Sedges in Haliburton Gardens
The secret to vibrant and ecologically balanced gardens often lies hidden in plain sight: within the groundcover layer. These unassuming plants play a pivotal role in the structure and sustainability of native plant gardens, providing an ecological foundation that supports biodiversity.
Read MoreCultivating Love: The Garden’s Path to Global Compassion
In the tranquility of our gardens, amid the rustle of leaves and the hum of bees, a profound transformation unfolds. It’s a journey of the heart, where the simple act of nurturing plants becomes a pathway to cultivating a deeper love – not just for our gardens but for the entire world.
Read MoreNative Plants and Garden Herbivores: A Delicate Dance
Gardeners often find themselves engaged in a delicate dance with local wildlife, particularly deer and rabbits. These garden visitors, while charming, can pose significant challenges to cultivation efforts.
Read MoreThe Invasive Plant Problem: Origins, Impacts, and Solutions in Haliburton Gardens
In the picturesque landscape of Haliburton County, a silent challenge is lurking in gardens and landscapes: invasive plants. These uninvited guests, often brought in through ornamental gardening or accidental transport, pose a significant threat to the local ecosystem.
Read MoreNatural, Not Neglected: The Art of Managing Naturalized Gardens
Often hailed as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns, native plant gardens are sometimes mistakenly thought of as no-maintenance. However, naturalized gardens require a unique form of care — a harmonious blend of management and stewardship that respects nature’s rhythms while gently guiding its course.
Read MoreHaliburton’s Homegrown National Park: The Power of Native Plant Gardens
A quiet revolution is underway, inspired by the visionary ideas of ecologist Douglas Tallamy. It’s a movement transforming private gardens into vibrant ecosystems that collectively form a new kind of national park — one dedicated to biodiversity. This concept, where every backyard becomes a haven for native species, is reshaping our approach to conservation and redefining our relationship with nature.
Read More